Divorce was a word I never thought would be a part of my life's narrative. I was happily married at 24, with an unmatched excitement for the coming life. And yet, life usually doesn’t turn out according to your plans. I tried really hard to make my marriage work, but it didn’t. So, I decided to get a divorce.
The decision to end my marriage was not made lightly. I spent months thinking it over and making sure that it was what I wanted. When I told my decision to my family and friends, it came as a huge shock for them. Millions of questions came my way, and although it was overwhelming, I understood that, unlike me, who has been thinking of separation for a long time, this came too suddenly for them, and they needed some time to process this.
Not just my close ones, even I was brimming with questions. I had so many questions about why divorce was such a taboo subject in our society, why it has been so stigmatized, why there was so much guilt attached to it, the tag of ‘divorcee,’ and the potential impact it could have on my life.
Amongst this dilemma, I was extremely lucky to have a supportive family and friends. They accepted and respected my decision. When I told them not to say the divorce word or not discuss the reasons, they gladly obliged. I remember when I first told my father through text, he responded with a smiley, saying, “It’s okay, it’s going to be alright. Whatever it is, walk out with your head held high.” I’m extremely grateful for the love and support I’ve received.
I also realized that most women lack this kind of support system in our country. I remember sharing a heartfelt post with the hashtag #DivorceIsNormal that opened me up to other women's experiences going through divorce. That started my journey of talking about the topic openly with the aim of reducing the stigma around it.
To support women on a more personal level, I decided to start a support group. My first group consisted of 12 women, whose ages ranged from twenty-two to sixty years. Even though we were all strangers, we all felt a deep connection through our shared experiences. I left that meeting with full enthusiasm and continued to conduct support group meetings in other cities as well.
As I stand here today, I can say that the journey of healing from divorce has been transformative. It has taught me the power of resilience, the beauty of self-discovery, and the importance of self-compassion. I have learned that while divorce may have been a chapter in my life, it does not define my story. I am the author of my own narrative, and I am now writing a new chapter filled with hope, growth, and a deep appreciation for the strength that resides within me.
Solh app is a safe space where we can share our struggles, confessions, and triumphs without judgment. At Solh Wellness, they understand that some things can be tough to share openly, especially when it comes to bullying. But they're there for us, providing a compassionate community where we can seek support and healing. So, if you're going through a rough time, whether it's dealing with bullying or any other personal struggle, remember that you're not alone. Reach out to others, speak up, and remember that there's strength in sharing our stories and supporting each other. Together, we can create a safer, more empathetic world.
~Shasvathi Siva
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