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Divorce isn’t just a legal process; it’s an emotional earthquake. One day, you think you’ve found your footing, and the next, you’re knocked flat by a wave of sadness or anger you didn’t see coming. If you’re there right now, clinging to whatever air you can find, I see you. You’re not broken. You’re human. Let's review the emotional stage and how to throw a lifeline when it feels like breathing is impossible. The Emotional Stages of Divorce: Shock & Denial. It’s surreal at first. Maybe you keep thinking: “This can’t really be happening.” Paperwork feels abstract; the house feels strange. You may feel numb or go into autopilot to get through the day. Anger shows up hot and sharp — at your ex, at the situation, sometimes at yourself. Anger is often a protective layer over deep hurt. Don’t fear it; just don’t let it drive every decision you make. Bargaining & the “What Ifs”: Your Brain Tries to Rewrite the Ending. “What if we tried harder? What if I were different?” It’s an exhausting loop, but it’s also part of the process of searching for meaning. Never, ever get caught up in the "What If's" , I learned this years ago from a therapist, and I teach it to anyone who will listen today. Grief & Loneliness. The silence can feel deafening. You may mourn the relationship, the routine, the shared dreams. Grief is heavy because what you built mattered. Let yourself feel that weight. Acceptance & Growth. It doesn’t arrive neatly wrapped. Sometimes it’s just a small moment, laughing with a friend, buying something for yourself, picturing a future you like. Slowly, you reclaim joy. How to BREATHE When It All Feels Too Much: When emotions feel like quicksand, pause and remember: BREATHE . B — Be still.  Stop moving for one minute. Let the world slow down. R — Release control.  You don’t have to fix it all today. E — Embrace feelings.  Cry. Rage. Journal. They’re meant to move through you, not stay stuck. A — Ask for help.  Lean on friends, therapy, and support groups. You’re not alone. T — Take tiny steps.  Shower, eat, walk, text someone. Forward motion counts. H — Hold on to hope.  Even if it’s faint, trust that this chapter isn’t the whole story. E — Extend grace to yourself.  Progress is messy. That’s okay. You will survive this, even though there are days you feel like you will not. There will be mornings when you wake up and the heaviness is still there. Breathe anyway. There will be nights when the quiet feels unbearable. Breathe anyway. One day — and it may surprise you — the breath will come easier, and so will the hope. You are not just surviving divorce; you are rebuilding a life—a beautiful, brave one. Keep breathing. Share this with someone who needs the reminder today . #DivorceeDish #HealingAfterDivorce #YouWillBeOkay

A curated Fall playlist that blends cozy, nostalgic vibes with empowering tracks from the 60s, 70s, and 80s — perfect for crisp air, warm drinks, and soulful reflection. 1960s Janis Joplin – Piece of My Heart  (raw power and independence) Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence  (moody, autumn depth) The Temptations – My Girl  (lighthearted warmth) Janis Joplin – Piece of My Heart  (raw power and independence) The Rolling Stones – You Can’t Always Get What You Want  (philosophical resilience) 1970s Fleetwood Mac – Landslide  (reflective, perfect for fall evenings) Elton John – Someone Saved My Life Tonight  (freedom + self-discovery) Bill Withers – Lean on Me  (connection and friendship) Stevie Nicks – Edge of Seventeen  (raw power and independence) Eagles – Peaceful Easy Feeling  (warm, easy listening) Dolly Parton – Jolene  (classic strength and storytelling) Queen – Somebody to Love  (powerful vocals, longing yet uplifting) 1980s Pat Benatar – Love Is a Battlefield  (bold independence) Madonna – Holiday  (celebration of freedom) U2 – With or Without You  (emotional intensity) Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams  (feel-good optimism) Whitney Houston – Greatest Love of All  (self-love anthem) Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want to Have Fun  (joyful, carefree energy) Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’  (hope and resilience) Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive  (the ultimate empowerment track) Prince – Purple Rain  (soulful, dramatic, cathartic) How to Use This Playlist • Morning Reset → start with The Beatles and Bill Withers. • Afternoon Energy Boost → shift into Aretha, Stevie Nicks, and Elton John. • Evening Reflection → wind down with Fleetwood Mac, Prince, and Whitney. This playlist celebrates the idea that falling leaves don’t mean falling apart. Instead, they remind us that change can be beautiful — just like being single can be full of connection, warmth, and joy. Happy singing and dancing!

When Love Leaves an Imprint A beloved friend recently spoke about her husband, who passed away suddenly. Through her tears, she whispered words that will stay with me forever: “He was magic.” Three words. That’s all it took to capture the depth of a love that filled a lifetime—the kind that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. A love so powerful that, even in devastating loss, it can be summed up in a phrase that shines brighter than grief. When someone leaves us unexpectedly, we struggle to find language that feels adequate. How do you summarize the laughter that echoed through the years, the quiet gestures that spoke volumes, or the simple comfort of being deeply known? You can’t fully capture it. But sometimes, the truth resides in the simplest of phrases: He was magic. This reminds us that our loved ones leave imprints that never fade. Their presence lives on in our stories, in how we carry ourselves, and in the lessons and joy they imparted. Even though loss can feel unbearable, that magic doesn’t disappear; it shifts. It becomes memory, it becomes legacy, and it becomes the quiet voice reminding us that we were fortunate to experience such a radiant love. Even in a world that feels rushed and distracted, my friend’s words made me pause. It reminded me that love—real, soul-shaping love—is the truest kind of magic. When we encounter it, we should hold it close, express it openly, and let it shape us forever. Because even after goodbye, the magic remains. Find your magic!   xoxo   ErinA beloved friend recently spoke about her husband, who passed suddenly, and through her tears, she whispered words that will stay with me forever: “He was magic.” Three words. That’s all it took to capture the depth of a love that filled a lifetime, the kind of love that transformed ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. A love so powerful that even in the face of devastating loss, it could be summed up in a phrase that shines brighter than grief itself. When someone leaves us suddenly, we’re left grasping for language that never feels big enough. How do you sum up laughter that echoed through the years, quiet gestures that spoke volumes, or the simple comfort of being deeply known? You cannot fully. But sometimes, you don’t need a thousand words. Sometimes the truth lives in the simplest of phrases: He was magic. It’s a reminder that the people we love most leave imprints that can never fade. Their presence lingers in our stories, in the way we carry ourselves, in the lessons and the joy they gave us. And even though loss feels unbearable, that magic doesn’t disappear. It shifts. It becomes memory, it becomes legacy, it becomes the quiet voice reminding us that we were lucky enough to know a radiant love. Even when the world feels rushed and distracted, hearing my friend’s words made me pause. It reminded me that love, real, soul-shaping love, is the truest kind of magic. And when we encounter it, we should hold it close, speak it out loud, and let it mark us forever. Because even after goodbye, the magic remains. Find your magic! xoxo Erin

Divorce changes life in unexpected ways—sometimes with heartbreak, other times with relief, and often with both. When things begin to settle, many of us ask: What’s next? How do I move forward in a way that invites peace, joy, and goodness? The answer lies in manifestation—not in the “wish upon a star” sense, but in actively choosing to develop the mindset and habits that attract goodness into your life. Let’s discuss redirecting your narrative. The words we tell ourselves form the basis for what we attract. If your self-talk is filled with blame, regret, or fear, it’s easy to stay stuck. Start replacing those thoughts with affirmations:  “I deserve love and happiness. “I am rebuilding a life that honors me." "I attract healthy, supportive relationships." Even if it feels forced at first, this daily practice reorients your mind toward possibility instead of limitation. Try practicing kindness, even in small steps. It may sound cliché, but gratitude has the power to shift your outlook. Start small: enjoy a good cup of coffee, receive a kind text from a friend, take a peaceful walk. Writing these moments down each day reminds you that goodness is already present—and when you notice it, you make space for more of it. Set small goals; large ones are just too much. Goals can feel rigid: lose 10 pounds, meet someone new, earn a promotion. Intentions, however, are rooted in values: I intend to take care of my body. I plan to open myself to new connections. I intend to nurture my career. Intentions shift your energy toward the kind of life you want to create, while leaving space for the universe to surprise you. Surround yourself with positivity. What you consume influences what you manifest—whether it's social media, conversations, or music. Choose content and communities that uplift, inspire, and support your healing journey. Limit time spent with people who drain your energy or nurture negativity. Manifestation isn’t passive; it’s about aligning your actions with the life you want. If you’re manifesting confidence, dress in a way that makes you feel strong. If you’re manifesting companionship, say yes to new social opportunities, acting “as if” signals to yourself and the universe that you’re ready. They say "Timing is Everything", goodness doesn’t always appear when or how we expect. Trust that the process is working, even if it feels slow. Every slight shift in mindset and action is a brick in the foundation of your new life. Manifesting goodness after divorce is not about ignoring pain or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to rebuild with intention, gratitude, and openness. You have the power to shape what comes next, not by clinging to the past, but by creating space for the light to come in. Divorce may have closed one chapter, but manifesting goodness ensures the next ones are filled with growth, joy, and love. I find myself going off track and times and then reeling myself back in, thinking, hold up, back to "manifesting". If you need a reminder of why DM us! xoxo Erin

September is Suicide Awareness Month , and it’s one of those times when we’re reminded of the quiet battles so many people fight. Love and loss are deeply intertwined with our human experience. When relationships end—whether through divorce, breakups, or even the death of a partner—the weight of grief can feel unbearable. For some, that grief grows into depression, and for too many, it leads to thoughts of suicide. by NAMI At Divorcee Dish, we talk openly about the messy, beautiful, painful, and healing parts of love. And this month, it’s important to talk about what happens when love feels lost and life feels heavy. Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. It can be the friend who shows up with a smile but feels empty inside, or the parent who holds it together for their kids but crumbles when the door closes. It can be the divorcee who feels like the end of a marriage means the end of their story. And the silence around it can be deadly. That’s why breaking the stigma—saying out loud, “I’m struggling” or “I need help" i s a life-saving act. Divorce is often described as a “living loss.” You grieve the life you thought you’d have, the family you dreamed of, the love you believed was forever. And sometimes, that grief pulls you into the depths of depression. It’s not a weakness; it is part of being human. Divorce can feel like standing in the ruins of your old life, unsure of how to rebuild. But there is a way forward, one brick at a time. Holding On: What We Can Do: Talk about it.  Share your story. Ask others how they’re really doing. Reach out.  If you’re worried about someone, say something. Even a simple “I’m here” can change a life. Seek support.  Therapy, support groups, friends, family—lean on every tool available. You don’t have to carry this alone. Remember: healing is possible.  The pain may feel permanent, but it isn’t. With time, support, and compassion, life can open back up. You Are Not Alone If you’re reading this and struggling, please know: you are not alone, and you are not broken. Your story is not over. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988  for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7. At Divorcee Dish, we believe in speaking the truth of our struggles because in sharing them, we remind each other that hope, healing, and love still exist, even in the hardest seasons. Sending love to all! Erin

We all want love to feel good — steady, supportive, and safe. However, sometimes what we think is love can quietly evolve into something unhealthy. Whether you’re dating or already married, it’s important to recognize the signs so you don’t lose yourself along the way. What Does an Unhealthy Relationship Look Like? It’s not always the big, dramatic blowups. Often, it’s the slow drip: feeling dismissed when you share your thoughts, being criticized under the guise of “jokes,” or constantly walking on eggshells. Over time, these patterns erode your confidence and peace. Red Flags to Watch For Control disguised as love: They want to know your whereabouts at all times or decide who you can see. Gaslighting: Making you feel like you’re crazy or overreacting. Isolation: Gradually pulling you away from your support system. Unequal effort: You’re putting in more while they keep taking. Fear: You hold back your true feelings out of fear of how they’ll react. Dating vs. Marriage — Recognizing the Signs In dating, red flags often appear as jealousy, rushing into commitment, or excessive attention that can turn into possessiveness. In marriage, these may manifest as financial control, shutting down communication, or ignoring emotional needs. The hard part? Long-term relationships can normalize these behaviors, making them seem like “just the way it is.” Why We Stay Longer Than We Should Leaving is never easy. Maybe you cling to the good days or hope they’ll change eventually. Maybe you’ve built a life together, and untangling it feels impossible. I get it. But remember, love should never come at the expense of your worth. What Healthy Love Looks Like The difference is clear when you see it: you feel safe speaking your mind.- Respect is mutual, not conditional.- Both partners show up and take responsibility.- Encouragement, kindness, and peace are standard, not the exception. If you’re questioning your relationship, that’s a sign. Trust that little voice inside you. You deserve a love that feels like a partnership, not a battlefield. Let's Dish: Have you ever ignored red flags because you wanted so badly for things to work? What do you wish you had noticed earlier?

Life after divorce can feel like a whirlwind. Papers are signed, routines shift, identities blur, and suddenly the world feels both overwhelming and oddly quiet. Many of us instinctively fill the space with noise—keeping busy, piling on commitments, saying “yes” when our hearts whisper “no”—just to avoid sitting with ourselves. But here’s the truth: learning to be still is part of the healing. Redefining “Sit Still and Look Pretty” For years, “sit still and look pretty”  was a phrase meant to shrink women—telling us to stay quiet, to take up less space, to be pleasing without purpose. But as divorcees, we get to rewrite that narrative. Today, sitting still is not about shrinking. It’s about reclaiming peace. It’s about grounding yourself in your own worth without needing constant validation from a partner, a job, or anyone else. And “looking pretty” isn’t about surface beauty; it’s about glowing from the inside out—because nothing looks better than a woman who knows her worth. Stillness Is a Superpower Post-divorce life often brings a compulsion to prove ourselves: “I can handle it all on my own.” “I’ll show them I’m happier now.” “I’ll fill my calendar so I don’t feel the loneliness.” But stillness teaches us that our value doesn’t lie in how much we accomplish or how well we perform. When we pause, we create space for clarity, healing, and self-discovery. Stillness allows us to ask: What do I truly want next? What feels good for me? That pause is where transformation begins. Looking Pretty on Your Terms After divorce, many of us feel like we need a reinvention—new wardrobe, new hair, new gym routine, new everything. And while those things can feel empowering, they aren’t the source of worth. “Looking pretty” after divorce means walking into a room with your head high, even when your heart still aches. It means knowing that your beauty is not defined by whether you wear a ring, but by the strength in your eyes and the softness you still allow yourself to carry. Your glow comes from your courage, not your contour. You Are Worth It—Every Single Day The hardest lesson after divorce? Remembering that you are worthy simply because you exist. Not because you’re paired up, not because you’re achieving, not because you’re checking boxes. You are worth the quiet nights alone. You are worth the deep breaths that center - you All of us are worth joy, love, laughter, and peace—again and again. On Divorcee Dish, we talk a lot about finding new flavors in life. Think of stillness as one of them—a dish you may not have tasted in a while. It might feel unfamiliar at first, even uncomfortable. But with each slow bite, you’ll discover richness you didn’t know you were missing. So sit still. Look pretty on your terms. And never forget: you are worth it. Because if they treat you like you are not pretty inside and out - please run! https://youtu.be/uPHKkewD1G0?si=tp6I6-gOH30-fMeY

Lately, I keep seeing it pop up in my feed: in-person meet-ups are back. From speed dating nights to “singles who hike” groups, it feels like everyone is suddenly ready to swap their pajama pants for actual pants and meet other humans—face to face. Imagine that. But here’s the thing: a lot of these meet-ups seem to be happening in big cities near us. New pop-up mixers in trendy bars, dinner clubs that promise "meaningful connections," even retro throwback activities like bowling nights and trivia. It’s almost like the universe is nudging us: Hey, remember when we actually left the house to meet people? Let’s try that again. Now, I’ll admit I am intrigued. Swiping left and right has its place (and its exhaustion factor), but there’s something refreshing about the idea of walking into a room and meeting people the old-fashioned way. No curated selfies, no weird lag on Zoom, no guessing their height based on vague “I’m tall” bios. Just… real humans. That said, as someone in the “40 and fabulous” category, I keep wondering: where are the meet-ups for us?  Because so far, most of what I’ve spotted feels like it’s geared toward the twenty-something, craft-beer crowd. And while I love a good IPA, I’d also like a meet-up that doesn’t make me feel like the chaperone. So, tell me—have you attended one of these new in-person gatherings? Did it feel fun and energizing, or did it remind you why we once thought Netflix and a glass of wine were safer? I’m genuinely curious because if there are  events popping up for the over-40 crowd or event 50 (wink wink), I haven’t found them yet. And if they don’t exist… maybe we need to start one ourselves. Until then, I’ll keep scrolling the invites and wondering: is this the new wave of dating, or just another trend that will fade faster than a TikTok dance? What do you think? Would you show up to one of these meet-ups—or are you happy sticking to your apps and your couch? Comment below:

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? One minute you feel like you’re juggling everything just fine, and the next, bam: you’re stuck in traffic, the laundry pile is taller than you, and your phone battery dies right as you’re about to send that “urgent” email. In those chaotic moments, it can feel like everything is spiraling out of control. Then out of nowhere, something small and sweet sneaks in and shifts your entire day.   The Unexpected Giggle It might be your kid telling a story that makes absolutely no sense, but their laughter is contagious. Or maybe it’s your best friend sending a meme at just the right time. Those tiny bursts of joy remind you that even when things feel messy, there’s still so much to smile about.   The Simple Comforts Think about that first sip of coffee in the morning, the smell of fresh laundry, or hearing your favorite song when you least expect it. They’re not life-changing events, but they are mood-changing moments.   The Connection Points Sometimes it’s as small as someone holding the door for you, a stranger complimenting your outfit, or running into someone who makes you feel seen. Those micro-connections ground you and remind you you’re not alone in the chaos.   The Pause That Resets Everything Then there’s the moment you step outside, take a deep breath, and notice the way the sun is hitting the trees just right. Life doesn’t magically fix itself in that second, but your perspective shifts just enough to make the craziness more bearable.   Here’s the thing: life will get messy. Schedules will blow up, feelings will overwhelm you, and some days will just feel… hard. But those little moments? They’re proof that even in the middle of chaos, there’s joy waiting to be noticed. Have a sweet moment today! Erin

As the years go by, life has a way of surprising us with changes we never quite feel ready for. Children grow up and leave the nest, and suddenly the house that once buzzed with energy feels quieter. Babies turn into young adults towering over us, parents age before our eyes (and while we’re lucky to still have them, it’s not always easy to witness), and our own bodies shift in ways that remind us that time is moving forward, whether we want it to or not. And then there’s the heartache of missing people we’ve lost. For me, it’s my Grandpa — my guide, my steady hand, my biggest encourager. He’s been gone for more than ten years, but I still feel him with me. Reflection creeps in at unexpected moments, and it can be overwhelming at times . Don’t get me wrong — age also comes with experience, wisdom, and perspective. But there are nights when I lie awake asking myself: How did my kids grow up so fast? How did my marriage unravel? Why have some relationships become closer while others drifted away? Why am I single at this stage, still longing for that deep human connection? It can be a lot to hold. And yet, in the middle of the questions and the ache, I keep reminding myself to come back to the present. To breathe. To notice this day, this hour, this minute. Because no matter how much I reflect on the past or worry about the future, the only place I can truly live is here, right now. Some days I do this well. Other days, I stumble. But maybe that’s the point is to keep trying. To keep showing up in the moment with whatever it brings. So, today, I’m asking myself and you: how do you feel in this moment? Because maybe that’s the only question that really matters. If you’ve had similar reflections, I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, memories, or simply where you are right now. You’re not alone in this journey — we’re all finding our way, one moment at a time. xoxo Erin

It’s a funny in-between space to live in—being single but also open to meeting someone. Maybe you’ve healed, rediscovered yourself, and feel that flutter of excitement when you think about dating again. At the same time, you’re not rushing into the first opportunity that comes along because you know there’s real value in this season of life. Being single, even when you want to mingle, isn’t a contradiction. In fact, it can be a gift. Here’s why: 1. You Get to Prioritize You Singlehood allows you to set your own priorities without compromise. Whether it’s building your career, traveling on a whim, spending time with your kids or friends, or simply curling up with a book guilt-free, you get to choose. This independence strengthens your sense of self, which is exactly what makes you more grounded when you do  meet someone new. 2. Freedom to Explore Dating while single doesn’t have to be about finding “the one” right away. It can be about meeting different people, discovering what you want (and don’t want), and enjoying the ride. You can mingle with curiosity and fun rather than pressure—because your happiness doesn’t depend on someone else showing up. 3. Stronger Boundaries Being single teaches you how to say no to situations, people, or relationships that don’t align with your values. This time alone often sharpens your awareness of red flags and helps you stand firm on what matters most. By the time you decide to mingle more seriously, you’ll do so with clarity and confidence. 4. Deepened Connections with Yourself & Others Without a partner as your primary focus, you have more space for meaningful connections with family, friends, and community. Those bonds are often just as fulfilling as romantic ones, and they remind you that love exists in many forms—not just in couplehood. 5. Confidence in Your Independence When you know you can thrive on your own, dating becomes less about filling a void and more about adding joy. You’re not looking for someone to complete you—you’re looking for someone to complement an already full and vibrant life. That confidence radiates and often makes you even more attractive when mingling. Wanting to mingle doesn’t diminish the benefits of being single. It means you’re open—but also wise enough to enjoy the chapter you’re in. Singlehood is not a waiting room; it’s a season filled with freedom, self-discovery, and growth. So, embrace the best of both worlds: love your single life while keeping your heart open to the possibility of connection. After all, the strongest relationships often come when you already feel whole on your own. Find you and find your happiness. Erin

One of the most empowering shifts that happens after divorce is learning to own your curiosity. Asking questions, leaning in, and showing genuine interest in another person’s life isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. It means you’ve grown enough to care, to notice, and to stay open even after being hurt. For too long, many of us were conditioned to believe that showing interest makes us look needy, clingy, or foolish. But the truth is, there’s nothing silly about wanting to connect. Curiosity is what builds bridges between people. It’s how relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or professional—take root. When you choose to be interested, even if the other person isn’t reciprocating, you’re demonstrating one of the most potent traits you have: confidence in your humanity. You’re not afraid to ask, to listen, to learn. That’s not “too much.” That’s precisely the kind of presence this world needs more of. Here’s the empowering part: their lack of interest doesn’t diminish your worth. Your curiosity doesn’t need validation. Whether someone meets your energy or not, your ability to engage fully, to care deeply, and to remain open-hearted is a reflection of your strength—not your shortcomings. So, the next time you hear that little voice whispering that you’re being “stupid” for asking questions or caring too much, silence it. You’re not stupid. You’re alive. You’re present. And you’re courageous enough to lean in where others would shut down. Because showing interest isn’t a flaw—it’s a superpower. Just be upfront and honest...you never know what is ahead!