Starting over in life. Has there been a moment in your life where you made a conscious decision that helped define who you are today?
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Starting Over After Loss
If you’re reading this it means you have been following my blog. You’ve probably read my About Me page where it talks all about my love of meals in a bowl, right?
There is a lot more to that story…
If you are reeling from loss in your life, starting over in life is possible – I’ve done it. This is my story and what Bowled ME Over…
Why start over in life?
It all started when my husband of 22 years emailed to say he didn’t want to be married anymore and could he come by the house on Saturday and pick up his stuff?
In the email he told me to hustle up and get the divorce done asap. Oh and by the way, here’s a hundred bucks and he’s moving to Austria.
In complete and total shock, I collapsed on the floor. Long story short.
I remember taking that $100 to the store and thinking “What am I going to do?” I bought some soup and sandwich meat.
You have to want to live again
Homemade Soup became my go-to meal because it offered nutrition, variety and was an affordable meal.
AND it was time for me to make a conscious decision. Rather than become a victim and revel in self-pity, I decided to turn my back on the ugliness and negativity that often happens during a divorce.
My Moment of Yes was when I decided to become a better version of ME.
Starting over in life takes guts
With the help of my family and friends, I made a lot of changes:
- I got a new job.
- I got healthier – lost weight and became a long-distance runner.
- I worked hard and bought my own home!
I tried hard to get “out there” but had absolutely no interest in dating.
My friend Nicole insisted that I join a dating service or go to a friend’s party on Saturday night.
I opted for the dating service because that seemed the least threatening. After answering an endless list of questions on eHarmony, I received my first set of “matches” …. and that was how I met Dan!
Do you take the plunge?
Dan and I dated for two years and I married this wonderful man in 2013. Another Moment of Yes!
After moving to Fresno I decided to start a blog. When I told my gals pals I wanted to name my blog Bowl Me Over, it was a unanimous YES!
Starting over in life is possible.
What is your moment of yes?
Ever since that period in my life, soups have been my go-to-meal. And I’m excited to share this product with you because I love this soup!
Filled with purposeful, non-gmo ingredients and no artificial flavors or colors, Well Yes! is A Soup in the Right Direction!®
These soups are developed with nutritious, delicious ingredients and crafted with care.
You can find Well Yes! Soup at your local retailer in the soup section.
Portioning is easy because each can offers two generous servings. This is a soup that will challenge what you believe about canned soup!
Starting over in life is possible
If you are struggling – in a bad relationship, not happy with your life, your surroundings how do you make changes?
Ways to make changes
I found a great therapist. She was able to help guide my decision-making without judgment. If you think you may be depressed, reach out. It’s hard to do, but here are many resources available.
- It’s so important to have someone to talk to. Reach out beyond your family and friends to a professional. This will allow you to express your feelings and bounce ideas without concern of backlash or judgment.
The National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health is just one resource. This free helpline 1-800-662-4357 is confidential and is manned 24 hours a day – remember you’re not alone.
What can you do that will make you feel better?
- I got a lot of exercise. I started walking, then progressed to running. I joined a gym and lifted weights. I sweated. A LOT! It helped me to process things in my head while I was working out. It made me tired and allowed me to sleep at night.
I made a list of things to accomplish every day. I crossed them off when I was done.
- In the beginning, my list included eating and feeding the dogs and cats. Yes… I had to write that down to remember to do it.
- Then I progressed to things like making my bed, coffee with friends. Making lists helped, crossing things off made me feel accomplished.
Obviously I was seriously depressed. Starting over in life was possible for me by taking tiny baby steps at a time.
What is that moment in your life where you made that conscious decision that helped define who you are today?
Debi at Life Currents
I often have a difficult time of sharing things that are very personal. You are very brave for sharing this. I’m happy that you found your moment of yes, and that you started your blog. I’ll have to try this soup. I love soup, but often canned ones are too salty for me. Since you say this is good, I’ll give it a go. Thanks for the coupon and the sweepstakes as well.
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Debi – this was difficult to share but such an important part of why I’m here today. Thank you so much for checking it out and reading this blog entry.
Anushree Shetty
Hi Debra – You are so brave for sharing your story. You are such a positive spirit – I had no idea what you had been through. Wish you all the best with everything you do. Again great post and now, I am going to go check out some Well Yes! soup.
Bowl Me Over
Definitely give that yummy soup a try Anu – they have several delicious vegetarian versions, so I know you’ll find one you enjoy! The story was hard to share, but I really feel like a weight has been lifted as I begin to open up. Thank you for the kind words!!!
Julie
In an email? Holy crap! I knew I liked you but never knew how much! You are one strong cookie. Congratulations on taking out the trash and never looking back! You deserve to win that visa!
Bowl Me Over
You made me laugh Julie! That truly sums it up! 😀
Healing Tomato
Deb, You are always inspiring. Thank you for putting your story out there. I know all about starting over at age 40, leaving abusive family members behind and learning to love yourself all over again. One thing is for sure. You did it so gracefully and successfully, that it gives us all so much hope that we can do it too. I only see success in your future because you are a great person.
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much for the love and support Rini. I am so sorry you have had such a tough road. And to be abused by your family is unbelievable. I am there for you because you have always been there for me. Thank you for being the fine person that you are!
Lois
We all have our “yes” moments even if we don’t wright about them. You have done an outstanding job.
Bowl Me Over
Couldn’t have done it without you, Dad, Don & Alice’s support and the rest of the family’s support. My family and my good friends carried me thru this and enabled me to move forward. Thank you Mom!
Liza
Oh, Debra! Wow! This is such an inspiring story! I am so sorry for what happened to you then! But it’s so great that your life turned around and brought you the much-deserved happiness! 🙂 And it makes so much sense – the soups – they nourish your body and your soul! Such a great-great story! 🙂 I didn’t have such dramatic turn-arounds in my life just yet… I just made a few conscious decisions that changed my life forever (like starting a family at 21)… Although… actually I did decide to start blogging about all things sweet after having been suffering with a severe post-partum depression when I realized – we MUST treat ourselves! Our moods are important! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your amazing story and thanks for all the great soup recipes! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Bowl Me Over
Thank you for sharing YOUR story! It is so true Liza, we must take care of ourselves and allowing ourselves to enjoy life and sweets (of course!) is so important. The story was hard to share but I’m so glad I have because of amazing people like you! Life and experiences draw us closer – thank yoU!!!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
OMG!! I’m sending a virtual hug! There are men and then there are men. Thank God you found one!! A story that shows the resilience of love, determination, family, friends. I’m so glad you made it through!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Marisa!!! Yes, I found the BEST man – thank you for all the love and support!!!
Jamie H
Wow! I had no idea you went through such a nasty experience with your ex. You are so amazing and smart for choosing to be positive and proactive instead of wallowing in self-pity (which I think we would all feel like doing in that situation!).
PS- Thanks for the coupon! This is a brand I’ve never heard of, but I’m looking forward to trying!
Bowl Me Over
Believe me Jamie it was hard sometimes, but I knew it wouldn’t do me any good! Thank you so much for the very kind words and for stopping by to give this a read. Glad that you grabbed that coupon, I hope you entered the drawing!
Patty Haxton Anderson
What an inspirational, heart-breaking yet heart warming story. I so appreciate that you shared it with us and I am really glad to know exactly where you blog name derived. I love all of your homemade goodies in a bowl and I certainly love that this soup is made with care and anytime I need a lift I can get a can of WellYes! Thank you, thank you.
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this blog. I appreciate you taking the time AND I appreciate your kind words! WellYes! we are entering soup season ? my favorite time of year!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
You are one inspiring woman! That’s quite a story, and I’m sure it was super difficult for you, but you came though to a better side! Thank you for sharing your experience!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much Patricia, I appreciate all of your support – thank you! ❤️
Lori Vachon
Debra, I can relate to your situation more than you know, I went through something similar in my mid 30’s. I’m glad you found your YES moment and realized there can be TRUE happiness after devastation.
Bowl Me Over
I am so sorry to hear that Lori, things like this aren’t wished on anyone. I’m glad YOU moved forward and have made the BEST of life. There is so much more to be lived!!!
Angela
I LOVE the move of these big brands towards more nutritious products. It a wonderful thing and I look forward to trying these soups! Also, I had no idea and WOW! Debra you are one strong woman and certainly come out stronger! xoxoxox
Bowl Me Over
Yes and Yes!! That soup is mighty tasty, we have really enjoyed it! And thank you so much Angela, it’s amazing what we are capable of when push comes to shove.
michele
I commend you for making the choice to not be a victim and let that jerks actions take you down. I love that you are so successful and are in such a great place now! And ps…. I love a soups Im going to give this one a try!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much Michele! I certainly learned I cannot control someone else’s actions, but I CAN control mine. Not a lesson I enjoyed learning, but I’m the better for it! I appreciate the support and enjoy that soup!!!
justine
Thank you for sharing your story! I am so glad that your moment of yes became moments after moment of yeses—and you are happier for it!
Bowl Me Over
YESSS!!! 😀 Thank you Justine!!!
Michaela Kenkel
I admire you. You are so brave for sharing your story. This is just proof that even the bad stuff in life can bring us to where we are supposed to be. Soup has always been my comfort food, too. I am grabbing a coupon, and trying this one for myself! Thank you!
Bowl Me Over
I hope you entered the sweepstakes also Michaela! Thank you so much for the kind words and all of the support. Sometimes it’s tough to see the end of the tunnel and you have to dig deep. I’m so glad I did, life is GREAT now!
Sandra
During such s difficult time you sure did feed your soul! What a brave tenacious woman you are. Look at you now sharing life with a loving partner, happy, and healthy. The best YES moment yet. Xo
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Sandra it’s been a journey and sometimes I still pinch myself! Dan is such a wonderful guy and life is good!
Madi
Thanks for sharing your moment of yes! That is such a tough situation to deal with but I’m glad you found someone else wonderful to share your life with!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much Madi, I appreciate you taking the time to read thru my story. <3
Jennifer A Stewart
I love a comeback story and reading how people survive life’s pitfalls. I have suffered some loses and tragedies and I always find a way to pick my self up again. Some harder than others. Soups are a definite comfort food for me and I tend to eat when life stresses me out. I haven’t tried these yet but totally going to!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Jennifer, it’s been great getting the story out there and to hear of how others picked themselves up also. Yay for YOU, thank you for sharing!! Enjoy this delicious soup!
Sandi
What an inspiring story Debra. Thank you for showing us a little piece of you 🙂
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Sandi, it was sure a tough time but I’ve came out on the other side with a great outlook and a wonderful new life!
Claudia
Hello Debra,
I usually don’t feel like reading long blogposts. Your post is so touching and as I am divorced too, I know what you are talking about. Very personal ! Thanks for sharing ?
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Claudia for taking the time to read thru it. It’s hard to talk about, but I’m hoping others can benefit from knowing they can move forward and start over. BEST to you!!!
marye
This is so unbelievably close to my own story. Yay you for sharing it.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Marye, I appreciate you taking the time to read it. I’m sorry you can relate 🙁 but it makes us kindred spirits!!