“When we deny our stories, They define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending.”
Brené Brown
My coach, Alice Muhirwa, hosts The Intentionalist Podcast, where I recently had the amazing opportunity to share my personal story. It was a time of openness, introspection, and, in the end, empowerment as I talked about my life after divorce and my divorce journey, which molded me in ways I never would have thought possible.
Handling the Storm of Divorce
Although divorce is frequently portrayed as the end of something, it actually marked the start of a very personal transformation for me. My marriage ended, and with it came unbearable loss and pain. I had to face head-on my feelings of failure, fear of being judged, and uncertainty about what was ahead.
A key area of concern for me during this time was my mental health. I went through periods of extreme emotional turmoil and felt completely lost. But it was through this pain that I began to understand the importance of mental health and self-care. My coach, Alice, as well as family support and therapy, were all very helpful. They guided me through the difficult feelings and painful moments that surfaced, and I gradually began to put my life back together.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Maya Angelou
The Path to Studying Psychology
Understanding the human mind and emotions drew me in more and more as I processed my own healing. My decision to study psychology was both therapeutic and illuminating as a result of this. I wanted to support others who might be facing comparable difficulties in this area. This, in turn, was stoked by my intense immersion in the study of the mind, which helped me make sense of my own experiences.
I was able to gain a deeper understanding of how trauma, pain, and life transitions affect mental health by studying psychology. It made me realize how important it is to welcome these experiences rather than run from them. Pain, while deeply uncomfortable, can be a powerful catalyst for growth and change if we allow it.
Embracing Pain and Life Transitions
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned through my journey is that pain and life transitions are not something to be feared or avoided. Instead, they can be embraced as opportunities for transformation. We can become stronger, wiser, and more in touch with our true selves by confronting our pain head-on and allowing ourselves to fully experience it.
Divorce was a pivotal moment in my life, but it was also one of the most difficult changes I have ever experienced. It forced me to reevaluate my worldview and values, go deeper into aspects of myself that I had long ignored, and reinterpret what happiness and fulfillment meant to me. It was through this process of reflection and development that I started to view pain as a teacher rather than an enemy.
“The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.”
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
A New Beginning
I am incredibly appreciative of the experiences that have shaped me as I think back on my journey today. Despite being unpleasant, divorce was also a chance for a fresh start. It brought me to a better understanding of who I am, inspired me to study psychology, and put me in a position where I can now use what I have learned to help others.
Sharing my story on The Intentionalist Podcast was a powerful reminder that we all have the capacity to heal, grow, and transform. Life is full of transitions—some welcome, others not—but each one offers a unique opportunity to become more fully ourselves.
If there’s one message I hope to impart, it’s this: embrace your pain, trust the process of life, and welcome life’s transitions. Know that even in the darkest moments, there is the potential for new beginnings. We are all capable of emerging from our pain with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to life. Thank you, Coach Alice Muhirwa, for providing a platform to share my story. May it inspire others to embrace their own journeys of transformation.
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.”
Nora Ephron
Find the The Intentionalist Podcast on YouTube. You can watch the episode here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEKPBXG333c&t=229s
