Putting my life back together

[NewLeaf]

It has been a long time since I've posted, but I wanted to come back and drop a note in here since this is one of the resources that really helped me get through some of the worst months of my life. I couldn't be more happy to see the end of 2014 and don't think there is any part of it I would ever revisit. It was a confusing, painful, awful year.

My wife moved out in November, and I haven't talked to her since, except to email about meeting with the mediator, so there hasn't been much to report back here. I'm currently living by myself in the house, and will soon have a roommate, an old friend from high school and college who just happened to be looking for a new place to stay while he looks for a house. We've had our first meeting with the mediator and are moving forward with the divorce, likely finalized sometime in June.

My GAL and 180 activities are still going strong:
- Dance classes: Absolutely love, going a couple of times a week when I can, learning many different dances and have just had a blast
- Volunteering: Have done a few more activities, also donated blood and/or platelets a couple of times
- Running/working out every day: Slipped here a little, although I've been dancing a lot and still get a few workouts in each week
- Going back for my MBA this fall: This has been awesome, love the classes, love my group, got my grades back for the fall semester and did really well, can't wait to start up again next week
- Will make at least 3 meals a week: Still cooking a lot, made a Kefta Tagine this week that came out amazing
- Will leave no clutter behind and help keep things neat: House has been spotless, actually a lot easier to do when you're by yourself, bought some house plants so I would remember to open the window shades and have enjoyed the extra light and fresher air.
- Skiing: Got out a few times already this year with friends and family, probably won't go to many more times between school and budget constraints, but a lot of fun.

Have also spent a lot more time with family, and connecting with friends. I feel like I have better relationships with them than I have in a long time. I'm definitely sad about the way my marriage ended/is ending, but I've come to a point where I am ready for it to end, and I know for sure I will be okay when all of this is over. I'm ready to take on the new year, move on and dance, learn, and explore new challenges. I don't know how much, if any of this, I would have done if I hadn't gone through this. In a way it really was a gift. It wasn't what I wanted, but maybe it was what I needed. I don't know what the future holds, but for the first time in a long time I'm truly excited to find out.

Thanks to all who put in your precious time helping people on this board, and to those just starting out, know that it really does get better, even if there's no possible way it seems like it could. You'll get through this, keep up with your GAL's and your 180's, and you'll be stronger for it. Wishing you all the best in the new year.

*cheers*