'My' State of the Union address

As I tuned into President Obama's final state of the Union speech tonight, I began to look at the state of 'my affairs'. All in all, I'm very encouraged.

(If you're not interested in reading about my personal journey, please ignore this blog and move on!)

1. My book 'The Gift of Adultery' has exceeded all expectations. Today, I called the printer and ordered more copies. I honestly thought that if I ever made it to the 2000 sales mark, I'd wrap things up. Yet, I continue to get online orders, requests from book vendors and invitations for library visits. As a result, I will continue to sell my book and speak about my journey of healing as long as people are interested.

2. I want for nothing. Literally. I live in a good home, I've got food in my fridge, great friends, plenty of acquaintances and I feel safe and comfortable.

3. Retirement has been, and is a gift. I recall wondering how I'd fill my time. It's rarely an issue. There are times when I get a little bored but who doesn't?

4. I'm no longer worried about creating a new life. It's happening everyday, and I know that new opportunities will unfold when they're supposed to.

5. I'm stronger than I've ever been. I'm kinder, more compassionate, more generous and much more patient.

6. I have finally accepted what happened. I also understand how and why it happened. I know now the man I was married to was living two very different lives. Quite simply, he chose the other life over me. We all have free will and he exercised his when he made that decision.

7. Of everything I've learned in the past 20 months, I've learned the most about grief. I know now I had to go through it to get to the other side.

8. I'm no longer afraid.