I Am The Boss Of Me...Even After My Divorce

As I was walking through the mall one day, I overheard a young woman say to her friends: I am the boss of me.

The rest of the conversation was lost as we moved passed each other, but those words continued to ring in my ears.  At first I thought she sounded whiny and petulant.  Like a typical young person that just didn't understand the magnitude of compromise that she was going to face as an employee in the workplace, a partner in a relationship...basically a human being in the real world.

But, throughout the day, this phase continued to play through my mind.

I am the boss of me.

I began to hear these 6 words in a different way.   What exactly can it look like to be the boss of yourself?  The more I thought about it, the more appealing it became.  

But what about when life throws you a curveball, such as a divorce? Being the boss of yourself can feel incredibly challenging during such turbulent times. The emotional turmoil, the financial stress, and the sense of loss can make you doubt your ability to take control. It's okay to acknowledge that. Divorce is a life-altering event, and it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed.

However, what's remarkable is that even in the face of such adversity, it's during the most challenging moments that we can truly understand the power of being "the boss of me." It's not about denying the pain or the challenges that come with divorce; it's about realizing that you have the power to shape your response to it.

You are the boss of how you respond to the events in your life, including divorce.

You are the boss of how you allow the events in your life to affect you.

This isn't about pretending that everything is fine when it's not. It's about acknowledging your pain, your emotions, and then deciding how you want to move forward.

Divorce often leaves us feeling stuck, as if we're caught in a never-ending whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. But when we take charge, when we step into the role of being the boss of ourselves, we can start to regain our footing.

It's not about controlling everything that happens after divorce; that's impossible. It's about controlling your responses, your decisions, and your perspective. It's about being the boss of your thoughts and beliefs, which, in turn, leads to being the boss of your outcomes.

So, even during the most trying times, remember that you have the power within you. You can reclaim your life, heal from the pain of divorce, and emerge stronger. It's a journey that may not be easy, but it's incredibly empowering.

I am beginning to think this younger generation is right in so many ways. It is time to own being the boss of yourself. Certainly, give your employee, spouse, family, and friends the best that you can. But don't lose yourself in the process.

Be a great boss to yourself first. And after a divorce, that self-leadership can be the compass that guides you towards a brighter, more empowered future.