I spent the majority of my weekend packing up my house. It’s a daunting task to say the least.
Divorce and moving rank up there as two of the top 5 most stressful life events. What can I say? I’ve always been ambitious.
I found the process to be exhausting both physically and emotionally. I have 2 steep staircases in my big old house. And way too many mementos from the past. Luckily I had help, beer breaks, walks with my dog, and loud music.
At the same time, I found the weekend freeing. The act of organizing, purging, deciding what I wanted to take with me to my next home. My new beginning. It was also the first weekend without my kids for a very long time. Weird, but I could get so much more done.
I am aware of all the good that is around me in my life. As much as the process of divorce sucks, there is also a light at the end of the tunnel. I may not be there yet, but I see it. I feel it. It’s hard to explain, but those that have gone through it know. They know because they’ve shared with me. In the background, through messages, on the street. They share their story.
And there are those that don’t know, but choose to support. They may or may not know the whole story, and it doesn’t matter. They are there.
I am strong and happy right now because of the good that is around me. Because of the good that continues to happen to me. Because I embrace life and continue on the path that I choose.
The happy is there. It has been there from the beginning. And when I need an extra reminder, it comes in various forms. It comes from friends who drop everything and drive two hours with wine and chocolate and books for the boys in hand. It comes from private messages, public comments and hours long phone calls. It comes from impromptu trips to the beach, picnics at state parks, and no judgment secret Facebook groups. It comes from true friends, some I haven’t heard from in years, that continue to check in and offer help. It comes from future travel plans and dancing at the dinner table. It comes from extremely patient real estate agents and strong female entrepreneurial friends. It comes from late night distractions and a bit of mischief.
Boats help too.
So while my mind might be all over the place, I have a plan. I am focused. Maybe I’ll even finish packing before I have to move out of my big old house. Maybe.
Wake me up when it’s all over.
Cathy Chester says
July 29, 2014 at 7:09 amI am happy you are giving out these positive vibes from a situation that could well have caused you not to. A new adventure and a great outlook – that is so YOU! You deserve all the best life has in store for you from now on.
The last line, however, got me a bit worried.
Onward and upward, Jennifer! xo
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anotherjennifer says
July 29, 2014 at 7:12 amDon’t worry about that last line, Cathy! I was just referencing the song. Life is just crazy, but I’m doing well. I’m happy but overwhelmed right now. But I’m also excited for the future. I’m getting there!
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Janine Huldie says
July 29, 2014 at 7:24 amJennifer, you have such a great outlook on this and I agree with Cathy about the positive vibes you are giving off here. I seriously give you a ton of credit just for that alone and so much more. Seriously, you are a true hero and inspiration in my book. Thinking of you now more then ever and if you need anything I am a message away 🙂
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anotherjennifer says
July 29, 2014 at 9:10 pmHero seems like a strong word, but thank you Janine. I appreciate your kind words and support!
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Gypsytoes says
July 29, 2014 at 8:32 amJennifer, I am so sorry to hear this, but purging is good. Out with the old and selectively choose only the good to put back in. It sounds like your positive attitude is working. Thinking of you.
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anotherjennifer says
July 29, 2014 at 9:11 pmThank you! Purging can be good for the soul. I am sure of it.
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Lisa says
July 29, 2014 at 10:01 amThanks for sharing your heart. You are an encouragement to others. So very much so.
anotherjennifer says
July 29, 2014 at 9:13 pmThank you, Lisa. I’m definitely not alone.
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Rabia @TheLiebers says
July 29, 2014 at 11:32 amI know that you’ve got a lot going on right now, but I think your attitude about it all is just fantastic! I hope that your positivity will carry you through all the tough times you’re going through!
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anotherjennifer says
July 29, 2014 at 9:16 pmStaying positive and good friends are making the stress a whole lot easier to deal with, Rabia!
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Katie @ Pick Any Two says
July 29, 2014 at 12:17 pmI can completely see how the process of packing up and moving would be overwhelming, exhausting, and liberating all at the same time. You are conquering each step of this process with a level of grace that I so greatly admire.
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anotherjennifer says
July 29, 2014 at 9:17 pmThank you so much, Katie!
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Tricia says
July 29, 2014 at 7:47 pmSo inspiring, your outlook and approach. I can’t imagine how it feels but I firmly believe that we all need to chase our own happiness, whatever it takes. Thinking of you and so glad that you have friends with wine and chocolate and books and boats. Friends are always what helps us get to happy.
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anotherjennifer says
July 29, 2014 at 9:20 pmFriends are huge. Even better when they have chocolate, boats, wine and books. 🙂 I agree with you on chasing happiness. That is always our choice.
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The Dose of Reality says
July 29, 2014 at 10:11 pmI am so glad that you have felt the support of friends. You are such an amazing who deserves to be uplifted by that love! Your positive perspective is amazing and inspiring. You have a plan and you are focused. That’s 90% of the battle. You’ve got this…and when you have a moment where you feel like you may be dipping a little, we have your back! XOXO –Lisa
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anotherjennifer says
July 29, 2014 at 10:19 pmThanks, Lisa. Glad I have the Dose Girls behind me! 🙂
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Cynthia says
July 29, 2014 at 10:25 pmOh friend, I didn’t know until recently that this was going on. Across the miles, I’m sending you hugs and the light of healing so that you can move forward with all the strength you need.
You know, personally, I have found that those times that seem to “suck” the most, have a way of powerfully changing our perspective, changing the way we think, and all-around making us destined for better things. Already you have a wonderful, healthy perspective and I already know you’re landing on both feet, with the parachute allowing for a gentle landing. 🙂
To that end, you’ll continue to grow, your boys will continue to adore and respect you (apart from the normal growing pains, lol) and you’ll move forward knowing just how phenomenally phenomal you are. 🙂
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anotherjennifer says
July 30, 2014 at 9:25 pmCynthia, your words mean so much to me. It’s a stressful time, but better things are most certainly ahead. Thank you.
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Chris Carter says
July 29, 2014 at 11:37 pmYou are utterly AMAZING. I am HONORED – I mean, so incredibly and deeply honored to call you friend. Your strength and perspective that never ever QUITS is a TRUE inspiration, my dear friend.
Oh girl- I am just so proud of you. One faithful step at a time, hun. HOLD ON to all those good things. They are all there for a reason.
You stay true to your LIGHT. It shines oh so brightly… I can feel it from here.
Call me when you take a beer break. 🙂 I would LOVE an update!!
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anotherjennifer says
July 30, 2014 at 9:29 pmWill do, Chris! I am so thankful to have you in my life. Truly.
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awesomelyoz says
July 30, 2014 at 12:25 pmSo sorry to hear about your inner turmoil and these hurdles.. They’re never easy but necessary. I’m once divorced and it’s not easy at all, esp when there are kids involved. Hope you are doing well and best of luck re-adapting to your new life! Happy Hump day Jennifer -Iva
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anotherjennifer says
July 30, 2014 at 9:42 pmThanks, Iva!
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Nicole Melancon says
July 30, 2014 at 1:45 pmLove this post Jennifer! You are a strong, amazing woman! Go girl!
anotherjennifer says
July 30, 2014 at 9:43 pmThank you, Nicole! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
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Tamara says
July 30, 2014 at 7:44 pmI love the positivity that beams out from this post. Yes, a very stressful life event. I haven’t experienced it, or from my parents either but I remember studying about the most stressful life events.
And I loved following along with the boat photos yesterday!
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anotherjennifer says
July 30, 2014 at 9:52 pmThe boat was great therapy. We were supposed to work all day, but had a change of plans. We ended up on the boat and took some time for ourselves for once. We’re all entrepreneurs. It was great!
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Bev says
July 30, 2014 at 7:52 pmBIG hugs! Going through the packing and a move also (2 more days, yikes!) and knowing the stress with that, I can’t even imagine what it must be like coupled with a divorce. Your strength is amazing and I truly admire your attitude. And having a supportive community is so important, I am so glad you have such wonderful people in your life. Wishing you all the best in this next phase.
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anotherjennifer says
July 30, 2014 at 9:56 pmThanks, Bev! And good luck with your move. Moving with a baby has a whole other level of stress. I wish there were a magic wand that just moved everything and set up your house to look perfect.
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Becca says
July 31, 2014 at 8:01 pmIt sounds like you’re on a good path to came out in a happy place. I haven’t been through a divorce myself but my parents divorced when I was 13. I remember how stressful and sad it was at first, but eventually it started to get easier. Good luck on this new chapter in your life!
anotherjennifer says
August 5, 2014 at 10:08 pmThank you for your kind words, Becca.
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Eric Simonds says
August 2, 2014 at 5:02 amJen,
You are lucky to have so many great people come up under you with emotional support. Please keep in mind that divorce is the number one cause of bankruptcy for women in our country (number two is medical debt). Please give us a call if you ever have a question, even a little one….
Si
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anotherjennifer says
August 5, 2014 at 10:09 pmThanks for the offer, Eric. I appreciate it.
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