“Oh,” they say, placing their hand gently on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry.”

That’s what happens when people find out about my separation. On the one hand, I value and appreciate their kindness. But on the other hand, I’m simply boggled. After all, my separation isn’t—in any way—their fault. It’s just an automatic response to sad news, just as I automatically respond back with, “It was tough in the beginning, but it’s good now.”

I have been taking an amazing writing course to spark my inner writer. We are approaching our last class next month and my heart feels heavy at the thought of leaving this group of brilliant writers. In the beginning, I was nervous and uncertain about how this was all going to unfold. I was hesitant. Part of this course included sharing your writings OUT LOUD. Yikes! Sharing my life stories and memoirs felt like I was putting myself out there and then realized, this is what it’s all about. Vulnerability.

Having just returned from a weeklong holiday in Mexico with my 15-member family, I am reminded of how important it is to find sanctuary in the midst of excitement.

A week before the trip, I was feeling anxious about how I was going to orchestrate my children’s activities and fulfill their different wants and needs amongst a group of 15 adults and children, while still fitting in some quiet time of my own. It seemed like a tall order, yet without these elements, I could foresee chaos and stress. Not exactly a holiday.

When was the last time you had a day all to yourself to fill as you please?

Does this sound like a distant dream? It’s doesn’t have to if you schedule it in. (Trust me! Making time for ME days is the best thing since green juice and smoothies!)

I want to talk about pain.

Not physical pain. Not the pain you feel when you stub your toe. Not the pain you feel when your finger gets caught in the crack of a closing door. Not even the pain you feel when you are in labour.

A girlfriend asked me to share some of my insights on womanhood and the various roles women assume these days.