Today, January 6, is the one year mark from the day I left my ex-husband. If you have read much of my blog, you know that I'm doing really well. So much  has changed in my life since that day one year ago. I decided to leave in December, but I couldn't leave right away. I would have if I was in physical danger, but I wasn't. Since I was fine physically, I decided to stick around long enough to have some repairs done to my car, decide what to take right away and what to pack up for a future moving day, and allow my in-laws to celebrate the holidays joyfully. The weird, leaving-but-not-leaving-yet period was very strange. My ex took the news of my leaving pretty well, and told me that he wanted me to be happy in the long run. I was a wreck emotionally, and he actually tried to comfort me at times. Sometimes I let him. I needed the comfort, and he's the one that was there, at home. And at the time, I didn't WANT to leave him. Finally, The Day came. In some ways, ...

It's been eight months since I left my ex-husband. Only a few months really, but so much healing has happened in my life in that short amount of time. I posted a while back about the biggest difference between now and then being hope. That's still true. I used to be so stuck, and now I can dream and see so many possibilities for my life. Recently my mom and I went to my former town for the weekend. I was able to attend church where I attended for 5 1/2 years. I saw friends that I have been missing. It really was a good time! I've mentioned before that before I left I really had a hard time keeping myself together. I was constantly on the verge of tears. I'm sure anyone who wasn't oblivious could see it. That's why it was good to hear a couple of the comments that weekend from some of the people that I used to go to church with. One lady told me I was beautiful. I know we usually think of beauty as clear skin, straight teeth, stylish clothes, and carefully-...

There are many things that are different, now that I have left my husband. I  live in a different part of the state. I live with my parents again until I can get some things figured out financially. I'm attending the church I attended before moving away when I got married, but there is a new pastor now. I no longer have the security a wife has (or should have) of someone taking care of her. I know my family will take care of me, and my church will. No one will ever let me be without things I need. I'm driving an old Toyota I've had forever, because my husband got to keep the newer car. I wouldn't have wanted to bring the payments with me, along with the newer car, so there is that. I loved my role as a full-time housekeeper/cook/domestic goddess when I was with my husband. When I left, I knew I would have to polish up my resume and find employment. At this point I've only had temporary jobs, but something will open up. It's not easy reinventing myself. ...