It was the dreaded time of year, the holidays.  I inwardly cringed at the incessant questions about where I would spend Christmas, would I be alone, did I have a special someone, why was I still single?  The truth was, I didn’t care about what I did for the holidays at that point in my life, but it was so socially stressful to field the endless questions and endure the looks of pity I inevitably received.  The pressure of not being married was real.  Questions from family friends would lead down that road of asking if I had any “good prospects”.  Thirty-six and unmarried – the pressure was on!

I waited until I had a career to get married and have kids, but so many of my friends fell prey to the “you’re old at thirty, you better hurry up and have kids while you can,” mentality only to find themselves at mid-life getting divorced and not knowing who they were anymore. Though I’ve never been through a divorce, I know what it’s like to have long term relationships end and the feeling of being somewhat lost upon being single again.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kathryne Mejias, Founder of Born for More. Her personal journey through divorce and self-discovery inspired her to create Born for More which became her way to align her career with her passion for empowering women to redefine themselves and embrace their full potential. As a speaker and mental health advocate, Kathryne uses meditation, energy healing, and mindset resets to help women reconnect with their authentic selves. Through coaching, events, and speaking engagements, Kathryne helps women turn their challenges into opportunities for transformation. Her upcoming book, The Soulful Divorcée, is a fresh, empowering guide to navigating divorce, processing emotions, and reclaiming your power. It follows her first book, Soulful Beauty, which inspires women to embrace their inner confidence and strength.

Born for More is about helping women release the past patterns that once defined them and step into the lives they truly want. It’s more than just personal growth, it’s a community that focuses on redefining divorce and life’s transitions, shifting the narrative from victimhood to empowerment. Divorce, in particular, can feel like the end, but Kathryne sees it as the beginning of a new cycle, a chance to embrace who you are and create a life that aligns with your highest self. This is a space for women to heal, grow, and discover their potential, embodying who they were always meant to be.

Kathryne explained to me that divorce has been the most challenging experience of her life. She describes it as a journey that stripped her bare, forcing her to confront fears, doubts, and emotions she didn’t even know existed. At times, she felt like the ground beneath her was crumbling, leaving her with no choice but to dig deep and uncover and inner strength she had yet to meet.

Divorce is often painted as an ending, but for Kathryne, it became a beginning. It was the start of a life where she would no longer settle for less than she deserves or tolerate the things she once thought she had to endure. Divorce was the catalyst that allowed her to write a completely new book.

Even in the most painful moments, transformation is possible. You can rise, not as the person you were, but as the person you are destined to become.

The biggest struggle for people dealing with divorce is often stepping away from the life they knew and entering the unknown. It’s not just about ending a marriage; it’s about letting go of routines, plans, and a vision for the future you may have held for years. That transition can feel overwhelming, like you’re walking into uncharted territory without a map.

For single parents, the challenges are amplified. Juggling schedules, managing responsibilities, and co-parenting effectively can feel like a constant balancing act. It’s emotionally taxing to create a sense of stability for your children while you’re still finding your own footing.

But Kathryne believes that with these challenges come opportunities for growth. You discover an inner strength you didn’t know you had, learn to navigate life in a way that aligns with your truth, and create a new chapter that reflects the person you’re becoming. The journey is tough, but it’s also transformative. She believes that the hardest part about being single or unmarried is learning to navigate life on your own terms, without leaning on the societal norms or expectations that often come with being in a relationship. It can be challenging to face those moments of solitude, but they also hold the greatest rewards. Being single gives you the space to truly get to know yourself – your desires, passions, and what makes you happy without external influence. It’s a time for self-discovery and growth, where you can focus on building a life that reflects your authentic self. While there are times you might long for companionship, it’s also an opportunity to cultivate a deep connection with yourself and create a foundation of self-love that will only enhance future relationships.

Kathryne helps people navigate divorce by guiding them to shift their perspective from feeling like a victim to embracing it as a time of empowerment and transformation. Divorce is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to release what no longer serves you and create a life that truly aligns with who you are.

Through her Soulful Sessions, she works one-on-one with individuals to rebuild their self-worth, heal from past patterns, and gain clarity about their next steps. These sessions are tailored to each person’s needs and include meditation, mindset resets, energy work, and actionable strategies. Her goal is to help clients feel confident, empowered, and beautiful from the inside out as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

Kathryne has been through the entire divorce process herself, so she can deeply relate to the emotional highs and lows that come with it. Her experience allows her to connect with her clients on a personal level, offering both empathy and guidance to help them navigate their journey. Ultimately, she helps people not only move forward but to do so with confidence, self-love, and a renewed sense of beauty and purpose.

Healing after divorce involves several equally important steps that all center on building a solid relationship with yourself. First, never settle for anything less than you deserve. Divorce is an opportunity to redefine your standards and align your life with your true worth. It’s essential to stop putting yourself aside – prioritize your needs, dreams, and well-being.

Second, fill your own cup first. Focus on nurturing yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically. When you find happiness within yourself, you create a foundation that isn’t reliant on anyone else. Instead, relationships become an extension of your self-worth and happiness, not the source of it.

Finally, remember that healing is a journey. Give yourself grace, take the time to rediscover who you are, and trust that this process will lead you to a more aligned and fulfilling life. These steps together create a powerful framework for moving forward with confidence and authenticity.

Kathryne’s upcoming book, Soulful Divorcée, set to release in 2025, dives into her personal journey of reinvention and provides inspiration and tools for others facing similar challenges. She also creates empowering events like The Soulful Divorcée live event, offering community, expert guidance, and practical tools for growth.

If you would like to learn more about Kathryne Mejias and Born For More, please keep an eye out for her upcoming book, The Soulful Divorcée: A Journey to Self-Discovery, Freedom, and True Alignment, releasing in 2025, and her live event, The Soulful Divorcée, happening on March 29th, 2025, in Toronto.

This article was originally published on OpsLens.com.