Self-love is much easier said than done. It happens in incremental shifts, which gradually build to one of quantum proportions. It takes time and a solid commitment to personal growth. While the path is often difficult and lonely, it tends to be sprinkled with ‘mini-awakenings’, which let you know you’re headed in the right direction. At least, that’s been my experience.

Despite divorce being very common and therefore much more socially acceptable these days than it used to be, it’s still hard to shake off the inner feelings of disappointment, loneliness and failure when a marriage breaks down.  While having compassionate friends and relatives to lend a sympathetic ear is a wonderful blessing, well-meaning others can only help so much when we are going through such a radical transition.

For most of my life, I was a slave to my emotions.  I thought they were something I had no control over.  In fact, until quite recently, I believed I had only two choices: express my feelings outright and face the consequences, or squash them down and try to bury them forever.  Nobody had taught me otherwise.