Repost from 8/1/2016
One year ago, my husband pulled out of the driveway to go to work, I picked up a truck, packed everything I had room to take with me, and moved out. I was gone by the time he got home. His only text to me was, “Where should I forward your mail?”
I had lived with a stomach ache for a year prior to that. When he refused to sleep somewhere else, I moved to another room. When he refused to leave the house, I knew that it would be me who would have to make the move. It took me quite a while to get used to that idea, but once I did, I was determined to change my life. I still wake up with a stomach ache here and there, but I can handle that.
Most often, I wake up happy. I love my life. I sure didn’t think I would be here at sixty, but now I can’t believe I lived the way I did for so long. I think the biggest change that I have found in myself over the past year has been that I am actually smart. I am actually a nice person. That I actually have value at my age and there are some people who really like me. I am proud of who I am and where I am going. I’m all “Woman Hear Me Roar” about myself and I like it. Now, I may wake up tomorrow and have a big sobfest, but for now…I am happy.
One of my sons wrote me a note a few months ago telling me how proud he is of what I have accomplished in the past year and it shocked me. I really didn’t know that the kids saw that when they look at me. I thought they just saw a Mom who cries when they get here to visit and cries when they leave. The Mom they have to talk to at least once a week. Now…the pressure is on and I love it.
Camille Cenci says
Paula this fabulous. I truly enjoy your blog and I hope you continue. Great motivation and insight!! Love it.
Paula says
Camille, thank you. Please keep reading…I really enjoy the writing!
Pat Barker says
I have always admired you Paula. Your drive, your passion, your strong friendships, your sense of humor. I can’t imagine starting over at this point, but you are doing it with such grace and energy. Know that there are many people pulling for you.
Pat
Paula says
Thanks Pat. I love working with you on your new project and I know it is going to be a huge success!
Nancy says
These are encouraging comments. I need to read these and know you can make it.
Paula says
You can absolutely make it! Not only will you make it, you will be better than you have ever been. I know you can’t believe it right now, but you will thrive! Take a look at the intro to my new book and let me know what you think.