Rebuilding Life After Divorce - A Journey of Pause & Presence

Life often unfolds in ways we never anticipate. Over the past year and a half, I’ve experienced some of the most profound changes in my life. Navigating separation and divorce, returning to full-time corporate work as a mother of two, and adapting to a reality I hadn’t envisioned has tested me in ways I never thought possible. But through it all, I’ve discovered a deeper sense of resilience, growth, and purpose.

When life feels overwhelming, it’s natural to wonder how we’ll ever move forward. At times, the weight of it all can feel crushing. Yet I’ve learned that navigating profound changes requires something counterintuitive: the courage to pause. Giving myself the space to process, heal, and rediscover my footing before re-engaging with the world has been the key to finding strength amidst the storm. 

A Pause to Regroup

As I faced the whirlwind of change, I made the decision to pause my business. Supporting other families was no longer something I could manage while going through so much personally. Instead, I turned inward, prioritizing my own healing and grounding practices. Daily meditation, exercising and yoga, along being with close friends became my anchor, offering a sense of calm in the chaos.

This pause also allowed me to focus on my children, ensuring they felt emotionally supported through the transitions. I built a network of care, from hiring a trusted babysitter who had once been part of my parenting group to maintaining consistent daycare and school routines for my kids. These small steps created stability for them, even as so much was changing.

Returning to Work: A Leap of Faith

One of the most daunting challenges was returning to the corporate world after a two-year career break. Fear gripped me, fear of being out of touch, fear of proving myself all over again, and fear of balancing work with motherhood. But with each small step, I began to rebuild my confidence.

There were moments of doubt, but I chose to face them head-on, leaning into the discomfort and reminding myself of my capabilities. What I discovered was empowering: it’s possible to rebuild a career while staying true to your values and priorities.

For me, that meant embracing conscious parenting while working full-time. There’s a misconception that being a working mom requires sacrificing the relationship with your children. I’ve found that with intentionality and support, it’s entirely possible to thrive in both roles. Quality time, open communication, and a commitment to presence have allowed me to maintain a strong connection with my kids, even on the busiest days.

Co-Parenting with Compassion

A critical part of this journey has been maintaining a positive relationship with my children’s father. Divorce changes the dynamics of a family, but it doesn’t diminish its importance for our children. Together, we’ve worked hard to create a sense of stability and connection for our kids, even as our roles shifted.

This hasn’t always been easy, but the effort has been worthwhile. Whether it’s attending events together or simply communicating openly about the kids’ needs, our shared goal has been to prioritize their well-being above all else.

Rediscovering Myself Through Dating

After six months of separation, I decided to step back into the dating world, a new chapter that felt equal parts exciting and daunting. Dating after divorce has been a journey of self-discovery, revealing parts of myself I had forgotten and helping me heal in unexpected ways. Each encounter has taught me something valuable about my needs, boundaries, and aspirations, not just in relationships but in life.

You’re Not Alone

To all the moms out there navigating similar challenges, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Balancing separation, work, parenting, and personal growth may feel like an impossible task, but it’s achievable with patience, self-compassion, and support. My hope is that by sharing my story, you’ll feel seen, heard, and inspired to keep moving forward.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Stay true to yourself. Give yourself the time and space to process your feelings, and don’t hesitate to lean on a support network. Invest in tools and practices that help you navigate the tough emotions. With these foundations, even the hardest transitions can become opportunities for growth and transformation.

Let’s Navigate This Together

This is just the beginning of my journey back into the world. I’m excited to share more stories, insights, and lessons as I continue to grow. If you’re in the middle of your own big life changes, I’d love to hear from you. What’s been your anchor during challenging times? What lessons have you learned along the way? Let’s connect and support each other.

With love & light,

Rafa