ALIVE AND OH WELL!
Check in with Joanie and Gina
This blog is a combo-talk show/counseling session in words with intriguing dialogue. We will help guide you through crucial transitions in your life—not just surviving divorce with grace, humor and feminine integrity, but anything that has left you feeling stuck, under-inspired or overwhelmed.
I’ve heard it said that when a marriage ends and spouses go their separate ways, you discover who your true friends are. While friendships have always been important to me, I didn’t fully realize until this past year how truly blessed I am with abundant loving relationships. Limited space on this blog permits me to tell only a smattering of stories, so I’d like to share something specific here—namely, how I gathered tangible expressions of friendship that I received this past year and created something that inspires me daily.
My inner circle of dearest girlfriends rallied to my side after my spouse left, even whisking me and my kids away for several weekend trips to emotionally unwind and regroup. Photos from those getaways are propped up alongside framed pictures of family on a bookshelf in our sun room.
Expressions of caring from less expected sources continue to widen this circle of support in my life. As I revealed the news of my separation to others, something wonderful began to occur. Neighbors, other parents, people in my community and colleagues reached out with uplifting cards and gifts of encouragement. For example, Teri, a fellow journalist, randomly mailed me a note, “Thinking about you at this difficult time …I know your strong beliefs will get you through.” Nestled in the envelope was a handmade bracelet of sparkling ruby crystals with a charm that read “keep the faith.” Agnes, who I only see a few times a year, thoughtfully sent me postcards throughout her summer travels to her native France. Most special was one from the Chapel of Our Lady in rue du Bac, Paris. “I knelt at the feet of the altar here and asked Mary to give you strength, confidence and special protection,” she penned. As I received these items, I placed each one with gratitude among the photos on that same bookshelf.
Various other things given to me accumulated on those shelves: a heart-shaped quartz stone, poems, votive candles, potted flowers, blessed palm from Palm Sunday Mass, a bird feeder, a quirky fortune-cookie message, a writing journal, a winged silver dancer statuette with a quote from Helen Keller: “One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.” Even my publisher surprised me at Christmastime with a book titled The Dancer Within—a gift that expresses with precision how well he knows me and appreciates who I am.
Perhaps the most treasured gesture of all was when a prospective editing client whom I’d just met last year spontaneously gave me the only printed draft copy of the not-yet-published manuscript by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, beloved founder of the international Himalayan Institute. That copy of The Heart of Yoga: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, has Pandiji’s handwritten notes in the columns, a true collector’s item. Each week, I read one of those timeless, reverent sutras for spiritual sustenance.
All these items and more fill that bookshelf—to the point that I now call that corner of the sun room my Wall of Love. Whenever I have a challenging day or receive yet another hurtful, abusive email from my former life partner, I make a nice cup of tea, sit in a comfy chair, take a deep breath and admire the shimmering glow of affection emanating from those objects, which are just material things but hold so much meaning.
If you’re currently struggling through a divorce, why not consider making your own Wall of Love? And if you know of someone who is dealing with this situation in their life right now, be a friend to them . . . send a note or other token of caring, and forward them a link to this post.
All best, Gina
Gina’s Information
www.EverythingmattersNothingmatters.com.
www.museyoucanuse-gina.blogspot.com.
Joanie’s Information
Single Again! Now What? Talk Radio Show with your host, Joanie Winberg.
As the Founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, Joanie’s passion is to help women be the best they can be as well as become role models for their children and community. The 24/7 Resource Center was created not only because of the lack of support and guidance Joanie experienced after her divorce, but for the many women who experience the same challenges.
Joanie became a successful business owner of a True Value Hardware store at the age of twenty five. After eighteen years in the retail arena, she embarked on a professional career as a speaker, author, business/personal coach specializing in divorce and a Certified Behavior Specialist. She is also the Divorce Specialist for the National Association of Baby Boomers.
To continue to help provide a healthy lifestyle for women and children, Joanie is the Founder of the non-profit Happy Wednesday Foundation which provides funding for women’s educational mentoring programs during and after divorce.
For more support and encouragement during and after divorce, visit the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
