I was a strong woman — let me rephrase — I am a strong woman.

So when my marriage started its breakdown, I searched daily for evidence to reinforce and remind myself this.

But my strength withered within his presence.

His words of contempt and disapproval made me question who I was.

How could the man I’d invested more than twenty years of my life feel such disdain?

Our lives had intertwined in every possible way. He’d somehow become my all — I’d forsaken everything.

It takes time to separate yourself, to realize who you are as an individual, not as the other half.

Reshaping and building a new life takes purposeful intention. A vision for a new path.

And a pact.

A promise you’ll never allow someone else to take away your power or dignity.

A vow from this point forward — to believe in your strength; your capability.