I’ve been thinking a lot about my life and how much it has changed over the past five years. I’ve been reflecting on the big decisions that I have made and how different my life is now because of them.

The last couple of years have taught me about the frailty of life and how little time we actually have on this planet.

It’s got me thinking about how important it is to build the life that you want. It’s so easy to get caught up in everyday life…working and raising kids, and making ends meet and, sometimes, just getting through the day. It’s so easy to get caught up in all of that, and sometimes you forget what you wanted for your life.

When I was married, I was very unhappy. My mental and physical health both took a dump from all the stress. Thinking that I had to for my kids, I stayed way longer than I should have. It was like one day I looked in the mirror and I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I had stopped doing all of the things that I loved doing. The things that made me, me.

Unfortunately, getting divorced was the best option for all of us. To put it simply, my ex-husband and I were not a good match. I decided that I had to leave in order to get myself, and my life, back.

Separating from my (now) ex-husband and leaving my home were the hardest things I have ever done. I was worried about making it on my own and having enough money to take care of my kids. I knew that it was going to be a hard road. It’s been over five years now, and I can honestly say that the hardest decision of my life turned out to be the best one I ever made.

I’m not saying that anyone in a difficult marriage should get divorced. And I’m not saying that you should stay for your kids. What I’m trying to say is that if you aren’t happy, you need to do something about it. Being complacent gets you nowhere. Even though the situation may seem helpless, I like to believe that we all have options. It’s up to you what you do with them.

My path is exactly that…mine. It might not work for anyone else. And I’m not trying to push my decisions on anyone. I simply want to remind whoever might reading that you deserve to be happy. You deserve to live a life that fulfills you and brings you joy. You deserve to be surrounded by people who love, care for, and support you. You deserve to be safe.

Just promise yourself that you won’t give up on your happiness. That you will chase it until you find it. Even if you need to write it down on a post it: YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY.

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