I wonder if some of you know the influence you've had in my life?

There are so many thoughts going through my mind today. I don't know whether to celebrate or to grieve. Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of my divorce. I don't take marriage or divorce lightly. So I don't want this to sound like I'm partying it up over here because I tossed this man overboard. At the same time, finding freedom from more than 2 decades of abuse is cause for celebration. A year ago, at this time, I didn't know if I could make it through the next hour. The pain of losing literally everything and everyone in my offline life was unbearable. My entire foundation, all I had ever known, crumbled. Yet here I stand, and I do mean I STAND, one year later... stronger, wiser, and freer than I've ever been in my entire life. This wounded caterpillar has found it's way out of the binding darkness and is getting ready to fly. For that, I'm so grateful.

Thank you to those of you who have walked this road beside me, encouraged, challenged, inspired, and pushed me... sometimes kicking and screaming, into this new life. You have shared in my sorrow, cried, laughed, stood by me - and sometimes even carried me. I owe so much of this year's growth and success to you! I can never repay you, but I hope you know that each of you have saved and changed a life.

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PoetryNEmotion · F

Literally the best posting I have read on here. It shows what SW is all about. Support. Encouragement. Trust. Help. All the positive things that make us sing. That make us live better, healthier, more optimistic lives. I see wonderful, courageous people like you, Gethsemane, here. You struggle. You vent. You cry. You scream. You have all the emotions of a severe life. You see the moments of beauty. You rush here or you walk here or you linger here. And it is all so good. I remember you long ago. When your skies were all dark and you saw no light. Then you saw a tiny glimmer. And you reached for it. And you slowly and with many mixed feelings made your way on a new journey. A journey that takes you from tears and from depression and all the negativity to a new place. A strong place. A bright place. A place where you may continue learning and LIVING and evolving. The light you shine here will be a beacon to others. You were always a butterfly. You were held in a spider's web. And then you burst out and now here you are free. I am so proud of what you have done. And I see a future so brilliant, so wonderful that I lack the words to describe it for you. But you know all this. And I leave these words here for you. For the courage and for the beauty you bring to others and to your own life. You saved your own life. You show others that a happy, healthy, positive life does exist after a destructive relationship. Bravo, Getheseman, bravo. Your posting has made my sunny day sing even more beautifully. Here's to many, many more years on your happy journey. It won't always be sunshine and butterflies and rainbow, but-and this I know surely as I breathe-you, Gethsemane, you have got this! *leaves smiling so largely* What a woman!

SW-User

@PoetryNEmotion Well....I need tissues now. I'm at a loss for words, but I'll tell you that you are one of the people who has been there for me and I am forever grateful. You have been that light in the darkness. Thank you for seeing the light that was in me and helping me to find it too. 🤗🤗

PoetryNEmotion · F

@SW-User The mere fact that you have made this journey and are happy now and will be in the future is thanks enough for me. I am blessed to know you, Gethsemane, and that is the truth. You are an inspiration too. The light has always been in you and with you. You just needed to believe in yourself, sweet, brave friend. I am happy to have helped in any way. Dry those tears, hon. You deserve the best life, and you shall have it now. Blessings be.

SW-User

@PoetryNEmotion They are happy tears, Sunshine. Tears of joy for what I've been given and the evidence of light and strength in me. ❤

PoetryNEmotion · F

@SW-User I don't know what to say. You deserve so much. And I am finally glad that you realize this! You are cared for and you are loved so much. It is something to wrap yourself in and take comfort. And others may think if Gethsemane can do this, than I can do it too! It is beautiful beyond words!

SW-User

@PoetryNEmotion If someone is inspired that way, and finds their own strength after watching my journey, it will all have been worth it. ☺

PoetryNEmotion · F

@SW-User Truly, yes. That is why I am such a strong advocate for people being happy in their lives. And leaving unhappy relationships or dissatisfying or abusive ones is the only way to live one's life. I gotta go. Loved your posting and love you too.

SW-User

@PoetryNEmotion I love you too.

PoetryNEmotion · F

@SW-User Thank you, my dear one. Catch you later. I feel you are basking in your life now. Enjoy.