Disclaimer: I know our peaceful co-parenting journey is the exception, not the rule. This model is not for everyone and requires a high level of emotional maturity and mutual respect. It may not be possible – or safe – for anyone leaving an abusive situation or when a co-parent cannot put aside anger or pain for the sake of their child.
Above all, please stay safe and honor the boundaries of your own situation. If peaceful co-parenting isn’t an option for you, know that healing and happiness after divorce are still possible. Everyone’s story is unique – I share mine here to offer perspective, not a prescription. I encourage you to trust your own path and create what’s best for you. I’m here to walk alongside you as you figure out what that looks like. 💜
I was reflecting recently on the time I moved to Italy in 2020. Yes – halfway across the world, with my daughter and two dogs, during a global pandemic.
It sounds wild even now. But despite all the hurdles, the delays, the endless logistics of shipping a household and pets overseas in the middle of lockdowns (and a hurricane that left me trapped in my house due to flooding the day before my flights) – I knew exactly why I was doing it.
I was moving to Italy to give my daughter the chance to have a stable relationship with her father after our divorce. Just because I didn’t want to stay married didn’t mean this bright, beautiful little girl didn’t deserve a real connection with her dad.
There were so many moments of uncertainty. People asked if I ever thought, “Maybe this just isn’t the right time to move to Italy?” That question once took me completely off guard – because the truth is, the thought never crossed my mind.
The path wasn’t easy. But my why was bigger than any obstacle in front of me.
It wasn’t a matter of “No” I just hadn’t found the “How” yet.
For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of living in Europe. When I made the hard choice to leave my marriage – to choose healing and peace instead of staying because it was familiar – I knew I’d have to find my own way to make that dream possible. So I did. Little by little, the path opened up. One phone call, one hurdle, one creative solution at a time.
At the time, a lot of people couldn’t see what I saw. Some told me peaceful co-parenting was unrealistic. Some told me I didn’t understand how messy divorce really was.
But here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the harder, better path:
You don’t need everyone’s approval for your vision.
It’s not your job to convince the world.
It’s your job to paint the picture anyway – by living it.
I didn’t know if I had what it would take to be a single mom overseas. I didn’t know exactly how I’d manage the fear and uncertainty. But when I looked into my daughter’s eyes, I knew she deserved every chance in life – even if I had to figure it out step by step.
Five years on, I have no regrets. Despite the fear, despite the what-ifs, it was the right choice for us. Many who couldn’t see the vision back then now see the bigger picture too.
The same lesson is true for me now as I pursue my purpose through coaching.
I don’t have every answer about running a business. Some days I wonder if I really have what it takes. But my why shines brighter than any excuse or obstacle that tries to get in the way. So I keep taking the next right step, trusting that the path will appear as it always does – one brave choice at a time.
Are you standing at your own crossroads right now? Facing uncertainty? Feeling called to something bigger than your current reality?
I see you.
I’ve been there.
And I’d be honored to walk that path beside you – one piece at a time – if you’re ready to take the next brave step toward the life you really want.
💜 Here’s to choosing the harder, better path – and trusting it will lead you home.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re navigating your own “messy middle” and want support, I’d be honored to walk with you.
Letters from Life 