As the holidays rush near, there is no better time to stop and reflect about that for which you are thankful.

I am thankful, as a family law attorney, to help people legally in their times of crisis.  However, I am also thankful for the opportunity to see those same people not only survive what is likely the hardest time of their life, but also succeed in creating a better life for themselves after divorce.

I asked some of my own clients to share their own success stories about their divorces.  I will let them tell you their stories in their own words, with the names omitted for privacy.  I am sure that you will be as inspired as I was.

• "I would say the best outcome of my divorce would be the fact that I regained my independence. When you are in a relationship where you are playing the 'mommy' role, you just get used to it, instead of seeing it for what it really is – dysfunctional! Now that I am two years out, I can look back and realize that divorce was the best option for us both. He needed to figure out how to depend on himself and I needed to remember what it was like to only focus on me. His infidelity and our general lack of trust all stemmed from this unhealthy dependence we had created. I am now in a very 'adult' and positive relationship. I am very happy to say that I didn't repeat the dysfunction! It is really exciting to plan for the future with my new partner."
• "One thing that has changed since the divorce is the focus on my health.  I have enjoyed discovering my passion for running again.  Getting to run 2 marathons has been a great challenge and accomplishment.  It has always been something that I have wanted to do (bucket list) and I loved the challenge.  It also helped with my confidence to go to Costa Rica alone and enjoy a running vacation.  That is one good thing that has come from the divorce."
• "As a father of two going through a divorce, I understand how easy it is to reflect upon life and think of how it once was.  But I challenge myself, everyday, to look around and find all of the things that I am truly thankful for…Things that I historically overlooked.  These are things that are truly important like health, family and good friends.  So I challenge each of you reading this piece today!  This has undoubtedly been an emotional and frustrating year.  But this is the time that you should take inventory of all the great things in your life, be thankful and look forward in great anticipation for the coming year."

Each of these stories is truly inspiring.  Thank you to my clients for boldly sharing their stories.  I am sure they would encourage you all to take a moment this season and reflect on that for which you're thankful. 

Happy Holidays to all of you!