Out of the Darkness

Hi, just wanted to share with you a message I received from a friend and old (not age wise!) co-worker..

Hi there!

I just saw your blog. I was in the same position about a year and a half ago. Going through a divorce after being married for 15 years, in a job that I was miserable in and completely overwhelmed in and trying to come out of the divorce without having to pay almost half my salary in alimony. I wanted to quit my job so bad and just go back home to Michigan to be with my family but I couldn't because it would appear to the courts that I did it to get out of alimony and would have to pay anyhow. The overwhelming stress if it all combined sent me in a severe depression. I was having anxiety attacks constantly and got to the point where I could no longer function at work. I met with my VP of HR and she immediately set up an appointment with a friend of hers that was a therapist who also recommended a Dr. I was immediately put on Lexapro & on leave of absence indefinitely. I realized that if I am going to be out of work for a length of time, I am going to make the most of my mid-life crisis. After finalizing my divorce a month later (no alimony awarded but lost most of of my savings) that evening after it was final, I flew to Europe for a month and traveled by myself. I had no plan except to come back in 30 days. When I came back and realized I wasn't done so I went to Egypt for the hell of it. I had a blast! Rode horses across the desert, went on a safari and slept under the stars, learned to scuba dive. Did all the things I wanted to do or loved to do. Taking the time to truly enjoy life and do what I wanted to do for myself was the best cure for my depression! In that 7 month time I was off work I was able to reconnect and spend time with my family, got a sweet pug puppy named Sammy, got my old pug Yogi back from my ex and met a wonderful man named Shane who I am going to marry in 19 days:) I am also going to be a step mommy to 2 wonderful children. I NEVER would have imagined that a year and a half ago I would be so happy. As I type this now, my little Sammy is snoring on my lap. Kind of sounds like a purr:)

What makes me purr??? Shane, my soon to be step children, family and my puppies.

I wish you the best and lots of happiness!