#sorelatable Ep. 24: From Divorce to Self-Love: How a Support Group Transformed One Woman’s Life
SPECIAL SERIES: From Grief to Growth—Navigating Life’s Transitions through Healing and Connection
Introduction: A Different Kind of Love Story
Valentine’s Day often conjures images of romance, flowers, and grand gestures of affection. But love isn’t just about relationships—it’s about resilience, self-discovery, and the connections we build with ourselves and others.
In a special Valentine’s Day edition of the #SoRelatable Podcast, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Jamie, a former member of my divorce support group, to explore the profound impact of community during life’s most challenging transitions.
Jamie’s journey is one of loss, healing, and reinvention—of finding love not just in another person but in the process of witnessing, listening, and growing with others. In this interview, she opens up about how the group provided a safe space to process her divorce, helped her develop emotional resilience, and, ultimately, gave her the tools to rebuild her life on her own terms.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder: love is about more than just romantic partnerships. Sometimes, the greatest love story is the one we create with ourselves.
Why Jamie Sought Out a Divorce Support Group
When Jamie first joined my divorce support group, she was in the early stages of her separation—navigating a world that felt suddenly unfamiliar and isolating. Like many who go through divorce, she found herself talking about it with the wrong people:
"I was having a lot of conversations with people that weren’t all that appropriate," Jamie shared. "Like my kids’ school parents, who also knew my ex-spouse. It got murky. I realized that I needed a space where I could talk about what I was going through without worrying about judgment or awkwardness."
A divorce can be all-consuming, and without the right support, it can feel like you’re drowning in an ocean of emotions. Jamie knew she needed a community that truly understood what she was going through—people who were in the trenches alongside her, experiencing the same pain, confusion, and hope.
The Unexpected Gifts of a Divorce Support Group
Jamie initially expected the group to provide practical guidance—strategies for co-parenting, navigating legal challenges, and rebuilding financial independence. While she did gain those insights, she quickly realized that the real transformation happened on a much deeper level.
1. The Power of Deep Listening
"At first, I thought I was just there to vent," Jamie admitted. "But then I started hearing patterns in other people’s experiences. And when I saw them break those patterns, I thought—wait, maybe I can do that too."
By actively listening to others’ journeys, Jamie found herself becoming a better listener in her own life. She developed more empathy, patience, and awareness—skills that eventually made her a better friend, parent, and partner.
2. Witnessing Growth in Others Sparked Her Own Growth
One of the most surprising benefits of the group was the way it reframed Jamie’s own healing process.
"There was a woman in the group who always coped the same way whenever she felt low. But then one day, she said she did something different—she took a spontaneous trip. And I was just floored. It didn’t occur to me that I could change my external environment to shift my internal experience."
Seeing others take bold steps toward healing encouraged Jamie to do the same. She learned new coping mechanisms simply by witnessing the transformations of those around her.
3. Finding a Unique Type of Emotional Support
Perhaps the most profound realization Jamie had was that the support group wasn’t just about problem-solving—it was about having a space where she could be truly seen.
"In the group, I felt like I could put my cards on the table. No judgment, no pretense. Just honesty. And the most beautiful thing? We carried each other’s burdens. We celebrated each other’s wins. We grieved together. It was the closest thing to unconditional support I’d ever experienced outside of family."
This emotional safety net gave Jamie the confidence to navigate the ups and downs of post-divorce life, knowing she had a community that had her back.
Reuniting the Group: A Full-Circle Moment
After several years of growth, healing, and even a new marriage, Jamie found herself longing for the camaraderie she had once experienced in the support group.
"I realized I missed the people who had walked through fire with me. They knew my story, my struggles, and my victories. So I reached out, and to my surprise, almost everyone wanted to reunite."
Years later, the group came back together—not as individuals navigating divorce, but as people invested in each other’s lives and continued growth.
"At some point, our focus shifted from divorce to just life—reinventing ourselves, learning, growing. We even renamed the group ‘Reinventing Our Lives’ because that’s what we were all doing."
Jamie’s story is a testament to the fact that support groups aren’t just about surviving hardship—they’re about thriving beyond it.
What Jamie Learned: Love, Flexibility, and Growth
So, what does Jamie think about love now, years after her divorce and personal reinvention?
"Love isn’t just about finding the right partner—it’s about finding the right people, the ones who truly see you, hear you, and grow with you."
For Jamie, love also became about flexibility—a word she now values more than “strength.”
"People always tell me I’m strong, but I don’t think that’s the right word. Strength only lasts for moments. Flexibility lasts a lifetime. It’s about learning how to adapt, shift, and create something new out of what’s broken."
Her perspective on relationships, friendships, and self-worth has evolved, and she credits the support group for giving her the tools to navigate life with resilience and grace.
A Valentine’s Day Reminder: Your Love Story Starts With You
On this Valentine’s Day, Jamie’s story serves as a powerful reminder that love isn’t just about romantic relationships. Love is found in the spaces where we are truly heard, where our struggles are honored, and where our growth is witnessed.
If you are navigating a major life transition—whether it’s divorce, loss, or simply the desire to reinvent your life—know that you don’t have to do it alone. Support groups offer more than just advice; they offer connection, accountability, and a reminder that healing is possible.
So this year, let’s redefine love. Let’s celebrate the love we build within ourselves, the love we receive from community, and the love that comes from embracing life’s transitions with open arms.
You deserve that love. 💖
About Jamie
Jamie is a former member of Susan Regan’s divorce support group and a passionate advocate for emotional growth and self-discovery. After navigating a difficult divorce, she found healing through deep listening, community support, and personal reinvention. Today, she is happily remarried, an avid gardener, and a dedicated mother who believes that life’s biggest transformations happen when we open ourselves to connection and change.
Looking for Support?
If you’re going through a divorce or a major life transition and need a space to be heard, supported, and understood, consider joining one of Susan Regan’s online support groups.
📌 Learn more at relationshipsolutionsprograms.com
💬 Have you been part of a support group that changed your life? Share your experience in the comments below!