Standing up to the punches

[spellfire]

I'm proud of you man. You have reached a turning point in your life.

Keep reading that book, and keep setting healthy boundaries (NUTs/boundaries, call them whatever you want). Healthy boundaries can improve your relationship with everyone in your life, family, partners, and especially kids. Out of control kids are those whose parents do not set boundaries, or set them and fail to enforce them.

Just a bit of a warning. for a while you are going to ride high on this new found empowerment, but there will be bumps in the road. Just be aware, you may backslide and go back into your old ways. I have done so many times. Most important is to keep telling yourself "I can handle it". Don't be too hard on yourself, make allowances for some backsliding. You are changing years of conditioning, and it is natural to slip back into those patterns at times. When you fall off the horse, pick yourself back up, dust yourself off, and try again. Just resolve to keep making positive changes in your life and you will continue to get stronger emotionally and physically. I have walked a similar path as you are on. I have reached a place of great stability and self-confidence. I know you can do the same.

As I said previously, it is okay to look and have a feeling of abundance, but slow down. I do not believe you are ready for that just yet (personal opinion). Also, IF such a time comes that you know you want to move on, there are better ways to meet great women than via dating sites. Don't make the nice guy move of rushing into a new R with someone who is not right for you.

This new-found you is exactly the type of person that could potentially win back your W. Do you want to use your new strength to fight for your M, or to make a clean break? Not trying to guilt you, but consider your kid in this decision also.