Hey hey lovely reader! It’s Lauren Ashley here, and GIRL do I have a story to share with you today. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s more your style), get comfy, and let’s dive into a rollercoaster ride of emotions, life-changing decisions, and unexpected twists that led me to where I am today… In a happy, beautiful, loving relationship and living my most authentic life. Trust me, this one’s worth the read (or watch/listen using the links below)!
Watch the full episode on YouTube, listen to the audio above or find the Podcast Episode on Apple and Spotify.
The Beginning: When Life Throws You a Curveball
You know how they say life doesn’t always go as planned? Well, let me tell you, they weren’t kidding! A few years ago, I found myself in what I thought was a stable, albeit somewhat uninspiring, marriage. Don’t get me wrong, my ex is a good person, but sometimes good people just aren’t right for each other. And boy, did I learn that lesson the hard way.
It all started on what seemed like an ordinary day. Little did I know, fate had other plans for me. Enter: a friend who would change everything. Now, I’m not saying I believe in love at first sight, but there was definitely something electric in the air when we met.
The Spark That Ignited a Fire
Have you ever experienced a moment so intense, so real, that it feels like the world stops spinning for a second? That’s exactly what happened when this friend and I shared our first kiss. It wasn’t just a kiss; it was a wake-up call. Suddenly, all those romantic movies where people talk about fireworks and butterflies made sense. I felt alive in a way I hadn’t in years.
But here’s the thing about unexpected sparks – they have a way of illuminating everything else in your life, including the parts you’ve been trying to ignore or fit into a different box. Once my eyes were opened to that intense magic I felt that night, there was no absolutely no way I could go back.
And before you think ‘oh it was just a hot moment’… It’ll fade. It was way more than that. I didn’t know what was next for me. All I knew is I deserved to receive the same love that I give, and that wasn’t in my marriage.
The Tough Decision: Choosing Authenticity Over Comfort
Now, I want to be crystal clear here: I didn’t leave my marriage for this new person. I left because I realized how much I had been settling, how much of myself I had been suppressing. It was like I had been living in black and white, and suddenly someone handed me a pair of technicolor glasses.
Making the decision to end my marriage was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It wasn’t just about leaving a person; it was about leaving a life I had built, a future I had planned. But sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is admit when something isn’t working and have the courage to start over.
The Aftermath: When Life Gets Messy
Oh boy, did things get messy! Remember how I said my ex is a good person? Well, even good people can do not-so-great things when they’re hurt. The news of our separation spread like wildfire through our community. Suddenly, it felt like I was the talk of the ‘town’, and not in a good way.
My ex took to social media, sharing private conversations and painting me as the villain in our story before I ever got to say anything to anyone. He tried to destroy my reputation in my business by posting in my Facebook group. Friends took sides, family members were shocked, and for a while, it felt like my whole world was crumbling around me. But you know what? Sometimes things need to fall apart so that better things can fall into place.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Authenticity
During this tumultuous time, I learned a valuable lesson: there’s incredible strength in vulnerability. Instead of hiding away or trying to defend myself against every accusation, I chose to be honest. Yes, I had made mistakes. Yes, I had hurt someone I cared about. But I also knew that staying in a relationship that wasn’t right for either of us would have been an even bigger mistake in the long run.
Being open about my struggles, my doubts, and my journey helped me connect with people on a deeper level. It also helped me heal. There’s something incredibly freeing about owning your story, flaws and all.
Even though it’s hard to admit wrong-doings (I truly never thought I would cheat in a relationship – I was always very intentional about respecting the person I’m with), I think it’s important to own these parts of ourselves so we can heal and also share our lessons with others. Authenticity is so much more powerful to me than hiding or trying to be someone you’re not.
New Beginnings: Embracing the Unknown
As the dust began to settle, I found myself facing a new chapter of my life. Starting over is never easy, but it’s often necessary for growth. I moved in with my best friend, surrounded myself with supportive friends, and began the process of rediscovering who I was outside of my marriage.
And you know what? It was scary as hell, but also incredibly exciting. For the first time in years, I felt like I was truly living, not just existing.
Lessons Learned: What This Journey of Authenticity Taught Me
- Trust Your Gut: If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t ignore those nagging feelings.
- Honesty is Always the Best Policy: Even when it’s difficult, being truthful with yourself and others is crucial for personal growth and healthy relationships.
- Change is Inevitable: Embrace it rather than fear it. Some of the best things in life come from unexpected changes.
- Self-Love is Non-Negotiable: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself and honouring your needs is essential.
- Forgiveness is a Gift You Give Yourself: Holding onto anger and resentment only hurts you in the long run. Learn to forgive, not for others, but for your own peace of mind.
Moving Forward: Embracing Love and Life
As I write this, I’m in a place I never could have imagined a few years ago. I’m happier, more fulfilled, and more authentically myself than ever before. Yes, there are still challenges, and yes, there are days when I doubt myself. But overall, I’m grateful for the journey that brought me here.
To those of you who might be going through something similar, or facing a tough decision in your life, I want you to know that it’s okay to choose yourself. It’s okay to walk away from situations that no longer serve you, even if it means disappointing others. Your happiness matters.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Authenticity
Life is too short to live it for anyone else but yourself. Trust your heart, be kind to yourself and others, and remember that every ending is just a new beginning in disguise. Your story isn’t over; in fact, the best chapters might be yet to come.
So here’s to new beginnings, to love in all its forms, and to the beautiful mess that is life. May we all have the courage to live our authenticity, love deeply, and embrace the unexpected twists and turns along the way.
Listen to the full episode on Apple
Listen to the full episode on Spotify
Ready to discover how to use your intuition as your #1 guide so you can get back on track to creating success on your terms? Jump into my Own Your Intuition Workshop here. This 60-min workshop will help you go from feeling overwhelmed, lost and stuck in analysis paralysis to knowing the aligned steps you need to take to follow your intuitive guidance!
Until next time, keep shining and stay true to yourself!
Xoxo,
Lauren Ashley
P.S. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever had to make a tough decision that changed the course of your life? How did you handle it? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!