Before I start this post, I wanted to take care of a few small housekeeping details. First, the format is still being designed, so bear with me as I learn new things with WordPress. Second, I will attempt to open this post for comments because I’m really curious about you’re “What kind of an asshole…” story

Now on to the main feature! While there were a lot of things that have bothered me about the way my ex-husband handled our divorce, I have mostly processed a lot of the emotions save for one in particular.

The other day I was again reminded that he actually took my bike with his when he left. I mean it’s about 20 years old and hasn’t been ridden much in the last few years because the road I live on the speed limit is 55 and you know no one does the limit. I obviously didn’t feel safe taking my bike out and neither did he because he hadn’t ridden his either. But when I realized he took my bike, I thought what kind of asshole steals his wife’s bike? And then gives it to his mistress?  I mean, I shake my head in wonder every time it pops into my head. It’s such a small and petty thing to do.

However, in the words of Jeff Lewis (well his therapist and many others I’m sure), I’m reframing. When I move to a safer street, I will buy a brand-new bike that will probably suit me better. Win for me, Woo Hoo!

But it got me thinking that others of you have similar stories. At the end of a relationship, whether it be family, friend or romantic, what was the one small thing that made you shake your head in disbelief and ask what kind of asshole does that? I say small because the big stuff is obvious, like cheating, stealing, treating you badly. But the one thing that I half-kid about is my bike, because I was like really, my bike?! 

I know those stories are out there, so let’s hear them and then your positive reframing of the situation. But yes, the bike thing still bugs me 🤣🤣🤣

So if you have found this blog it’s because

1. You are a really good friend who is supporting my new endeavor (and hopefully suggested this blog to others); or
2. You found me by accident and may be a little intrigued, or perhaps bored.

However you got here, welcome.  Now that you’re here, why should you stay?  Well that’s a great question.  

My Lemons My Lemonade is the result of a major life change that caused me to question who I am. And I know that I’m not the only person that is going through this, especially later in life.   Therefore, I thought that I would create a supportive, humorous and occasionally insightful place for others transitioning into a new and hopefully better future.  

I hope to impart some wisdom and learn from you about how to survive a life change. To find ways we can support each other through this journey. 

A little background about how I got here. First, my name is Charleen and in 2018 I found myself facing divorce at age 49 (nearly 50) and struggling with depression, something I had never experienced before.  I had been married just shy of 23 years when the divorce was finalized in 2019 and in therapy for a little over a year at this point (shout out to my therapist Dr. Miller in Columbia, SC who became a godsend I could not have imagined).  Also, I have not worked outside the home in close to 15 years, facing a new world in how to either find employment or start a business. Or both, who knows?

I am single with no children (by choice), working to become a stand-alone person again.  It’s funny, when you spend so long with someone you don’t realize, how much you lose who you are and how much your identity becomes wrapped up in the other person (especially if they have a strong personality), causing you to lose your voice in the process. But I am reemerging, stronger than ever.

I want to encourage you to use your voice, not to forget it. If you have, let’s see if we can find it.

That is just a brief glimpse into of who I am. You will learn more as we go on this adventure together through the books or shows I’ll discuss, to the amazing quotes I find, to everyday stories that shape me and my world.  I hope to uplift, inspire and support those who join this community.

Until next time, be good to yourself and to others.