It's been a while since my last post, so it's only fitting that I provide a quick update.  My divorce was finalized this summer, August to be exact.  During the same time, I was promoted at work, and my business, Kharismatic Kreations, started to flourish.  During these past few months I've grown and learned things about myself I'm not sure I would have realized if I hadn't gone through this experience.  I'm coming into my own and learning to live and accept my imperfections.  Everyone isn't so understanding of my inner peace.  I still get questioned and talked about.  They are all confused, wondering how I do what I do as a single mother.  Why am I so happy, who is the reason for this happiness and when will they meet him (as if I can't be the source of my own happiness)?  And although I'm in a better place, from time to time I still struggle with what others think or say about me.  
I'm entering a new chapter of my life and regardless of any doubters, I am excited about what the future holds.  I once felt broken into pieces, hardly recognizable.  But overtime, my life has been put back together piece by piece - stronger than ever.  Sure, there's still some cracks and nicks, but I haven't lost any value.  My daughter is growing and still the happy little baby she was when my ex and I first separated.  I remember worrying so much about how she would be affected.  Wanting to shelter her from every hurt and harm, I know that I can not.  But I can show her how to stay true to herself, how to get up when you publicly fall hard on your butt, how to hold your head up high after making a mistake, and to learn from it and move forward with your life.   As for my relationship with my ex, I remain cordial.  Sometimes are harder than others, but I've learned to take the high road and remove myself from the situation and try to think only of my daughter.  Again, sometimes are harder than others, but it's more important for her to maintain a relationship with her father than for me to always, "speak my mind."  So if this means that I have to bite the bullet and take the hit, so be it.  Things always seem to work themselves out anyway, and she's still happy and healthy.   I'm opening my options to dating again too!  Taking my time this time and moving at my own pace, not letting naysayers or whisperers into my process this time around.  I haven't given up on love, or the idea of marriage.  It's a beautiful thing.  You never know what the future holds, but I have to keep on living to see what is in store.