Stories From the Other Side: Thriving After Betrayal and Rebuilding Your Life

Divorce is one of those life moments many of us never see coming—and absolutely no one feels prepared for. But if you find yourself in that space of heartbreak, confusion, or even rage, I want you to know: you’re not alone. In my latest episode of The Crazy Ex-Wives Club Podcast—part of our Stories From the Other Side series—I had a cathartic and inspiring conversation with Kristin, host of Let’s Grow Through It, who shared her rocky journey from betrayal to absolute transformation.

Today, I want to dig deeper into the themes we covered: hitting rock bottom, grieving your old life, reclaiming your happiness, and learning to thrive—not just survive—after divorce.

Hitting Rock Bottom After Divorce: When the Truth Changes Everything

For many women, the first stages of marital unraveling don’t come with clear answers. They come with late nights full of anxiety, that nagging intuition you try to silence, and the overwhelming hope that maybe you’re just “overreacting.” Kristin’s story echoes this all too well: she lived months doubting her own sanity, scanning for lies, desperately trying to “save” her marriage, only to discover, in a gut-wrenching moment, the truth she was dreading.

Here’s what stands out:

• You aren’t crazy. Gaslighting and denial are classic tools of the betraying partner. Trust yourself.

• Fight or flight is real. Your body and mind become locked in a cycle of survival. It’s exhausting, and it’s normal.

• No amount of hyper-vigilance will change another person’s choices. Ultimately, we can only control ourselves.

   

Letting Go and Grieving: The Death of a Dream

Leaving a marriage—especially after infidelity—doesn’t just mean starting over. It means grieving everything you built, hoped for, and believed your future held. Kristin described it as a death—the death of her dream life, and the person she used to be.

In this valley of grief, remember:

• It’s OK to grieve hard. Cry, mourn, feel all the feels. You have to allow yourself to process the loss.

• Grieving isn’t linear. Some days you’ll make leaps, others you’ll fall back. Both are normal.

• Making space for grief creates space for growth.

   

Rebuilding Yourself: The Divorce Bucket List & New Beginnings

What really inspired me about Kristin’s journey was her Divorce Bucket List. Instead of spending kid-free weekends in despair, she made it her mission to try new things—whether it was pottery, goat yoga, therapy, or starting her own podcast. This spirit of curiosity and self-investment became the catalyst for rebuilding her confidence, her happiness, and her sense of self.

Takeaway tips:

• Make a bucket list for YOUR new life. Try a new hobby, travel solo, attend that class you always put off.

• See time alone as a gift. Kid-free weekends can be for healing, growth, and rediscovery.

• Therapy is your friend. Whether individual or group, support matters.

Co-Parenting & Forgiveness: Navigating a New Normal

One of the hardest aspects for many is learning to co-parent with someone who hurt you. Kristin shared how, years later, she collaborates with her ex—and even invites the “other woman” to events for her daughter’s sake. This is true grace and growth in motion.

Things to consider:

• Put the child first, always. Set aside resentment so your kid feels supported and loved.

• You can be civil without being friends. Boundaries are key.

• Forgiveness isn’t for them—it’s for your peace. Holding onto anger only poisons your own well.

✨ Want help navigating the emotions of co-parenting? Create your emotionally supportive co-parenting plan inside The Emotions of Co-Parenting: A self-guided experience to help you get clear on how you want to show up. 

Embracing the New You: Growth, Self-Love, and Thriving

The real magic, as Kristin and I both agreed, comes when you pour into yourself. By loving yourself—truly investing in your happiness, health, and self-worth—you either attract a better relationship, or you simply outgrow the need for someone who doesn’t appreciate you.

Final empowering notes:

• You are the prize. Reclaim your worth, beauty, and brilliance.

• You can be happy again. Healing isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable if you do the work.

• Support is out there. Find your people, listen to stories, join communities like The Club.

   

About Kristin

Kristin is the host of Let’s Grow Through It, where she shares her journey of resilience and transformation after betrayal. Her mission is to help women move from survival to thriving with courage and curiosity.

Connect with Kristin:
Instagram | TikTok | Podcast

Final Thought

Divorce is a dark tunnel, but if you keep moving forward, you WILL reach the light. Three years from now, you’ll barely recognize the person you were at the start of this journey. Embrace every moment of growth, forgive yourself for past mistakes, and build a life so rich and intentional it makes your old self proud.

You are not alone. You are stronger than you know.

With love and grace,
Erica Bennett, Host of The Crazy Ex-Wives Club Podcast