suddenlysinglewomen

Becoming the best version of yourself

Jul 22

As Travel Opens Up More?

by suddenlysinglewomen

I’ve been wanting to share this, but during the pandemic crisis, and shutdowns for the travel industry, it wasn’t the right time.   Now that things are easing a bit, and people are feeling safer (as a result of going stir crazy no doubt) I am pulling this “share” out to share.

It was an article I read in the AARP magazine that really made me realize I’m not the only one who sees how much it is a “couples world”.   No where is this more obvious than in restaurant dining and travel.  Those two things were really hit hard starting last Spring when the world shut down.

To quote the opening of the article by Christina Ianzito:

“The number of women wanting female-only trips has skyrocketed in recent years, with companies like Damesly, Whoa Travel and Living Big Travel devoted entirely to such excursions.  Other long-standing tour operators including Intrepid Travel and Road Scholar, now provide these kinds of trips in addition to their other ones.

Some women say they’d feel like a fifth wheel being single among a bunch of couples, and that a wonderful camaraderie develops when guys aren’t around.”

For years I’ve had one very special friend who travels alone or with other women friends (looking at you LL!) and has not let being alone hold her adventurous spirit hold her back!  What a fab role model she is to her three adult daughters.  What an inspiration she is to me!

So if wanderlust is knocking on your door, go check out the above companies (also including REI Women’s Adventures) and read up on popular “women-only” getaways!!  Maybe I’ll see you one day soon!!

Being a Happy Woman Being The Best Version Of Yourself Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Girlfriends Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Surviving Divorce Women's Lives after Divorce

2 Comments »
Jul 13

Ahhhh – Summertime, Summertime, Sum Sum Summertime!

by suddenlysinglewomen

(hopefully the tune hit your brain, LOL??)

One thing the start of the pandemic, the shutdowns, etc did for many was to help them clear all their “lists” of things to watch on every TV watching service available.

Whether it’s a DVR, a streaming service, a Netflix DVD – we were watching a multitude of things to fill the time.  Back in January it was something happening elsewhere.   Then it hit here.  What do you do when you hunker down?

TV programming!

I jotted down this from one of the many shows I watched, then forgot about it.   I uncovered it the other day and remembered I wanted to share it.   It made me chuckle.   We all need a good chuckle every now and again, right?

Not saying this is how you should approach life, but hey – if the shoe fits . . . . ?

“Not dealing with things is my preferred way of dealing with things”!

Wish I could remember which show I heard it on, I watched so many but there you have it.   Hope it brought a slight chuckle to you today.  (I think the heat is getting to me!)

Being a Happy Woman Being The Best Version Of Yourself Dating after Divorce Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Girlfriends Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Passive Agressive Behavior Surviving Divorce Women's Lives after Divorce

Leave a comment »
Jul 2

“Be His Light In The World”

by suddenlysinglewomen

Period.

Being a Happy Woman Being The Best Version Of Yourself Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Girlfriends Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Surviving Divorce Women's Lives after Divorce

Leave a comment »
Feb 25

Thoughts For A New Decade #4 – – –

by suddenlysinglewomen

“I don’t have to anticipate the needs of others”

See #3.   ; -)

Seriously, isn’t that what we do when we’re young?  When we’re dating?  When we’re married and then becoming parents?  When we’re planning things with people?

I was/am great at this.  It is the way I was brought up to be.  My Mother was a master at this, and I learned from her very well indeed.  Call it Southern, call it Texan, call it anything you want – I thought of everyone else before I thought of me.

There are times I really miss, as a single person, not having that opportunity to anticipate those needs, especially of family.   So now instead, I employ that particular skill set in my volunteer work, or when planning things with friends.

Sometimes I’ll take a step back and think that others will fill that void, you know, if I’m not doing it then surely they will?  Uh . . . no!

Solution?  Be happy fulfilling your dreams and your needs and let others take care of themselves.

Over the past couple of years I’ve really scaled back.  I’ve released myself from the self imposed obligation to take care of, and anticipate, the needs of others.   Does that make me selfish?  I don’t really think so.  Have they noticed?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  But boy do I have alot more time these days to do the things I dream about.

 

 

Being a Happy Woman Being The Best Version Of Yourself Dating after Divorce Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Girlfriends Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Surviving Divorce Women's Lives after Divorce

Leave a comment »
Mar 4

4.  Don’t be afraid to craft a daily routine that’s right for YOU.

by suddenlysinglewomen

4.  Don’t be afraid to craft a daily routine that’s right for YOU.

“If your life is going to mean anything, you have to live it yourself.  You have to choose the path that feels right to YOU, not the one that simply looks right to everyone else.  It’s always better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb, than the top of the one you don’t.  So don’t wait until you’re halfway up the wrong ladder to listen to your intuition.  Every morning, ask yourself what is truly important, and then find the courage, wisdom and willpower to build your day around your answer.

In the end, it’s not what you say, but how you spend your time that counts.  If you want to do something, you’ll find a way… if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”  (Angel and I discuss this in more detail in the Rituals chapter of our New York Times bestseller, Getting Back to Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality, and Turn Your Trials into Triumphs.)

 

Routine is really good for me.  My Father was a United States Army Colonel, he was a structured man.  Our home was structured, but it was comforting.  Later in life when I decided to become a Special Education teacher, I was reminded how valuable structure is to those who are physically and intellectually challenged.  You had to keep chaos away from their daily routine.

Choosing a daily path that is right for you is so important in attaining and keeping happiness in your life.

Pay attention to that last sentence above.  “If you want to do something, you’ll find a way . . . if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”

No excuses!!  Go find your path, live your life, and watch how all around you fall into place.

Being a Happy Woman Being The Best Version Of Yourself Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Surviving Divorce

Leave a comment »
Feb 26

3.  Don’t be afraid to live your truth.

by suddenlysinglewomen

3.  Don’t be afraid to live your truth.

“Tell yourself, “I am ENOUGH” anytime you begin to feel otherwise.  Accept your flaws.  Admit your mistakes.  Don’t hide and don’t lie.

Deal with the truth—your truth—every step of the way.  Learn the lessons, endure the consequences of reality, and move forward.  Your truth won’t penalize you.  Your mistakes won’t hurt you.  Only your denial and cover-up will.  Flawed and vulnerable people are powerful and strong.  Liars and phonies are not.  Every beautiful human being is made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions and finished with trials and errors.

So keep reminding yourself that you are YOU for a reason, and that the journey is worth it.  Ignore the distractions.  Listen to your own inner voice.  Mind your own business.  Keep your best wishes and your biggest desires close to your heart, and dedicate time to them every day.  Don’t be scared to walk alone sometimes, and don’t be scared to enjoy it.  And don’t let anyone’s ignorance, drama or negativity derail you.”

 

This is really good for me.  For years I let other’s negativity and their need for drama trauma get in the way of being true to myself.  There was nothing wrong with me; I was a valuable person with a big heart and a willingness to always help others.

These days I appreciate and value those qualities in myself.  Sure I have many flaws and have made many silly mistakes.  I’m OK with that, I’m human!

But the important thing I’ve learned?

I AM GOOD ENOUGH!!  Say that to yourself, mean it, embrace it, live it and be thankful everyday for being you!

Being a Happy Woman Being The Best Version Of Yourself Dating after Divorce Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Girlfriends Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Surviving Divorce Women's Lives after Divorce

4 Comments »
Sep 14

Here’s To Being $$ Smart!

by suddenlysinglewomen

When I was married, I got 0% input on our financial decisions.  When I got divorced I was terrified I’d be able (read “smart enough”) to take care of decisions involving money and investments.

I found some amazing financial advisors, and this is one of their articles that they share with their clients.  Read and think about your situation – are you savvy with your financial future?

“When it comes to personal finance, women tend to downplay their abilities—and often delegate control. Yet even if they’re not ready, they’re likely to be primary financial decision makers at some point in their lives. Here’s a guide to getting more engaged.”

https://www.alliancebernstein.com/sites/library/women-building-wealth-five-things-you-need-to-know.htm?mid=bmi&seg=66

Being The Best Version Of Yourself Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Surviving Divorce Women's Lives after Divorce

Leave a comment »
Jul 11

The Two “B’s” . . .

by suddenlysinglewomen

Do I have you thinking??  What do you think the two “B’s” are?

Breakfast or Brunch?

Bats and Balls?

Bend or Break?

Biggio and Bagwell?  (OK, that’s only for real baseball fans!)

OK, I’ll stop now!  : -)  For the purposes of this post, my two “B’s” are “better” and “bitter“.

I’ve covered this before, but a recent incident brought it back in memory and it’s OK to sometimes rehash a thought.  With the exception on one little letter, which one are you?  How can changing that one little letter make you a happier person?

No matter if you started following this post because of your own divorce, or you just signed up to make me feel better (and hopefully yourself!), this covers everyone.

Sometimes in those critical moments of making a decision on how to react to a situation, you come to a crossroads, a fork in the path.  You make a choice and it can either make you a happier person, or doubt can lead you to falter, or down a darker pathway.

“The circumstances of life either shrink or stretch your faith.  Either you get better or you get bitter.  The choice is yours.”

I hope that in life, I have made the “better” choices, because choosing to be bitter only hurts you!  In closing, take heart in the positiveness of this old gospel banner:

Doubt see the obstacles.

Faith sees the way.

Doubt sees the darkest night.

Faith sees the way.

Doubt dreads to take a step.

Faith soars on high.

Doubt questions, “Who believes?”

Faith answers, “I”

 

Being The Best Version Of Yourself Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Passive Agressive Behavior Surviving Divorce Women's Lives after Divorce

Leave a comment »
May 31

Little Thought, Big Message –

by suddenlysinglewomen

I’m lucky in that I have friends in all age ranges!  You might think that wisdom comes mostly from those who have “lived” life – not always!

I borrow this from the Facebook post of one of the “youngsters” I’m privileged to know.  She’s somewhere in the age range of “25”, but otherwise very worldly in her thoughts.  Not sure where she borrowed this from, but when I read it, I knew it had to be shared with you all.

“Everybody wants happiness, nobody wants pain,

But you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.”

Few words, huge message!

Being The Best Version Of Yourself Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Girlfriends Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Surviving Divorce Women's Lives after Divorce

2 Comments »
May 9

A Pearl Of Wisdom Heard Recently At A Luncheon –

by suddenlysinglewomen

When looking for motivation to achieve a difficult task, the speaker relayed what her husband always told her:

“Gaining an inch is a cinch, gaining a yard is hard”

So the lesson?  Baby steps!

Being The Best Version Of Yourself Divorce Recovery Divorce Settlements Finding Happiness as a Single Woman Fresh Starts Having a Happy Life Life after Divorce Surviving Divorce Women's Lives after Divorce

Leave a comment »
«Older Entries
Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.