Gents, I often lurk, rarely comment, and I want to express my deepest thanks for the knowledge and insights in this form.

Background: I have two young kids, ex was the higher earner, no crazy assets, officially divorced in November, and finally moved into my own space just after Christmas.

To those of you struggling, stay the course because it's absolutely worth it. The first two nights in my new space I had to get used to the quiet without my kids. At the same time, for the first time in ages, I was able to know what it felt like for my nervous system to actually relax. Nights three and four I had the kids, and it was like experiencing the beauty of parenthood for the first time again. There's a connection available with them without this sort of shadow lurking in the background.

This past weekend, I did not have the kids. I ate right, exercised, journaled, read, connected with friends, saw an amazing performance. Next weekend, I'll have them, we'll do all the fun things, connect with family, cook together, watch a movie for the 200th time... THIS is what living feels like, and I won't be trading it for anything.

Stay the course, everyone. There is beauty after the storm.