525,600 minutes

Who doesn't love a good Rent reference?

My divorce may have been final in June, but the drama started a year ago. Signing the divorce papers was just a formality. It was everything leading up to that final act that was horrible.

My now ex-husband's then-girlfriend told me about their affair last year the day before my birthday. I remember the sinking feeling I had when I found out. I remember being paralyzed with shock. I also remember thinking how I wished I could just fast-forward a year to get past all of the pain and stress...and now that I've hit that year mark, I can confidently say I am happy and it was well-worth the journey.

The last 525,600 moments of my life have been moments filled with pain, regret, confusion, anger - lots of anger, joy, drama, happiness, relief, sadness, confidence, depression, acceptance, denial. In the last 525,600 moments, I have rekindled friendships, turned men down, tried new foods, began to realize who I am, sold a house, lost 20 pounds and gained 10 back, moved into my very own place for the first time, seen my daughter grow another year.

As I reach my 28th birthday, there is a part (the woe-is-me part) of me that says, "What do I have to show for myself at 28?" And there is another part (the strong, independent part) that says let me tell you what I have - I have my self-esteem, a home, food on the table, a steady paycheck, health insurance, family, friends, and wisdom. And I don't have an unsupportive husband who emotionally abuses me, cheats, lies, and runs all over me. I am not in a one-sided relationship in which I am unhappy and lost. I now know what I want out of life, myself and a man. And most of all, I have my beautiful, caring, sweet, amazing daughter that brings more joy and happiness in my life than anything else.