When I finally left my 31-year relationship, I had nothing but my car, a handful of household items, and a dream. I was heartbroken but also determined to rebuild. Today, that journey is Thrive After Love — the coaching program and Empowerment Pathway™ I created to help others heal from heartbreak, rebuild confidence, and rise into their best chapter.
For 31 years I lived in a long-term relationship — 21 of those years as a wife. Twice I tried to leave, taking a month’s break each time, but with no job security and children at home, the pull back was strong.
I was working for my ex at the time. Eventually, I decided to step out of that dynamic and return to teaching. At first it was relieving work, then part-time, and finally full-time. Piece by piece I rebuilt my independence and put aside enough money to move into a small school house. It was a total dive compared to the average rent, but I poured my own unique flare into it and made it a home.
My teenagers were free to choose where to stay. Often they were with me during the week and at their dad’s on weekends. My ex stayed in denial for more than six months, not telling anyone I had left. He would sometimes sneak around at night to “catch up,” but eventually I decided enough was enough.
Leaving was hard. I was deeply sad over the end of my marriage and the sense of failure — yet at the same time profoundly empowered that I had actually left after spending my entire adult life with my ex. The failure felt unbearable, and I feared my ex might drive a wedge between me and my children. A good friend told me, “They are the kids. We are the adults. They will eventually see for themselves.” It wasn’t always easy to “play it cool” and, honestly, I wasn’t always cool.
I left with nothing but a few household items and my car. When I rang the bank to put a hold on our accounts they refused, and by the next week it was empty — my ex had taken everything. I did seek legal advice, but ultimately chose less stress over court battles. My priority was simple: my kids were safe and that’s all I wanted.
I still remember crying to a friend one day about how I was never going to have sex again. We laugh about that moment now — the way you can think life is over when, in reality, it’s about to transform.
From that low point I turned inward. I meditated, visualised, practiced gratitude, journaled positivity every day, exercised, devoured books, and manifested the life I wanted. Even on the hardest nights — when the ex had been abusive on the phone or told lies to the kids — I would cry hard and ring my friend. She was so supportive.
One day, though, she wasn’t available. In that moment I realised: I was the only one who could see me through. But what I also learned is that you don’t have to be alone. If it wasn’t for my friends I would have crumbled. You only need one.
I lost almost all my old friendships when I left. Most were “our” friends. I chose to leave that entire world behind and maintain only new friends or those unconnected to my ex.
That experience — of leaving, of rebuilding, of having “just one” supportive voice when you need it most — is why I created Thrive After Love. My coaching is that one supportive, wise, empowering friend multiplied on a bigger scale.
Through my signature Empowerment Pathway™ (Reset & Heal → Rebuild Confidence → Rediscover Connection → Rise & Thrive), I now guide others through the same journey I took — from heartbreak and identity loss to confidence, clarity, dating, and living with purpose.
Because the moment you think it’s over can be the moment your best chapter begins.
My friend’s daughter once dubbed me her mum’s “f***ing fabulous friend.” That’s exactly who I was then — and who I still am today: the friend who shows up, cheers you on, and helps you rise.