Life.

I never thought I would see the day my mother and the father who raised me get a divorce. I honestly just didn't see it coming. As a matter of fact, no one I know saw it coming either. At times its pretty painful. Call me a cry baby or what have you but I loved my parents together.  Most people do too, right?? I looked up to their marriage and friendship they once had. In addition to the pain I carry, coming to the realization holidays are going to be different, birthdays will be different, and not to mention my upcoming wedding will be different. Its just a strange thing to go through as an adult. Along with those changes I've had to explain to my six year old son why Nana lives in another house which, by the way, was not an easy conversation to have. I don't think a lot of people stop and think of who is affected by a divorce...but...every single person is affected one way or another.

Needless to say, it has been a whirlwind of a couple years for me and my family. In the last two years I have loved, lost, and gained. Wanna know the short version?? I lost two of my grandparents within a few months of each other and my parents of 23 years called it quits. However, I on the other hand, have found a real love that I will never give up on. I gave birth to a perfect little girl, I got engaged, I started a new business and began my blog journey for the public to view! I'd say at this point in time I can handle anything!! Bring it on universe, seriously, bring it! You're probably wondering what my point is? :)

My point is this, life is full of twists and turns. YOU do not have control as to what goes on around you. However, what YOU do have control over is how to cope, react, heal, and live your life. For instance, I could be a bitter "man hater" for how my father handled everything with the divorce but I choose not to. I accept what happened and accept him for exactly who he is whether I agree with his choices or not. I'm happy for my mother to be living a peaceful life and channeling her inner Van Gogh. I'm also happy for my father, as well; he seems content in his life too. I could be down in the dumps thinking of my grandparents not being here anymore but I don't. My grandmother had dementia and couldn't "live" her best life anymore and she suffered enough. My grandfather too, he suffered an insane amount battling cancer in his last year or so. Granted, I miss the crap out of them and miss their voices but I'm at peace knowing they are safe, pain free, and watching over me and my growing clan. Furthermore, I needed to let go of any pain I may have incurred in the past couple of years in able to be the best version of myself. Once I realized this, I became free. I challenge you to do the same if you too are suffering from life's grand tornado. Thanks for reading.

xxo. Stephanie B.