Do I Stay or Do I Go Now?

By Alison Patton | Published: April 25, 2016

On the fence about whether to leave your marriage? Click here for a Huffington Post article on this subject.

Divorcing The Donald: Cutting Ties With the Narcissist

By Alison Patton | Published: April 15, 2016

Newest article on Huffington Post.

Donald Trump is the poster child for Narcissistic Personality Disorder and what it’s like trying to divorce/co-parent with one.

Click here for article.

Inspiration for the New Year

By Alison Patton | Published: January 12, 2016

Five minutes of great stuff.
The part about not letting fear and emotions derail you —- listen to this.

Sucking It Up For The Kids

By Alison Patton | Published: December 11, 2015

One of the nicest things my parents did after their divorce was to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner together as a family, not just one year but several. At the time, I didn’t realize how unusual this was, nor did I have any understanding of how difficult this must have been for each of my parents. In retrospect, we were a strange group after a few years: my dad with his serious girlfriend in tow; my mom with her new husband; my sisters with their boyfriends (who eventually became their husbands); my brother and I usually stag, although some years we Read More »

Goodbyes

By Alison Patton | Published: April 30, 2015

This poem is dedicated to divorced dads and moms everywhere who say goodbye to their children every week.

Goodbyes
Two houses, two years
4 x 24 goodbyes
You would think it’s be easier
after so much practice.
The heart must mend fast
because each time
it breaks anew.

– Alison Patton

January 2015
All Rights Reserved

Wall of Wisdom

By Alison Patton | Published: April 30, 2015

Words I stumbled upon today:

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams.
It is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful
Strive to be happy.

-Max Ehrmann

Hard to remember this during divorce, but tuck it away. One day you will feel this way again.

Insightful Article About Mediation

By Alison Patton | Published: March 20, 2015

mediation linkDivorce coach, Laura Miolla, wrote an article about mediation that’s well worth reading to get a better understanding of why and how mediation works. Check it out by clicking here.
(A tip: if you type in your name and email address when you’re on Laura’s website, MoxieLife, you get to download her “Divorce Survival Guide” for free.)

More Mediocre Poetry

By Alison Patton | Published: March 12, 2015

In January, I went on a retreat in Monterey to hear poet and philosopher David Whyte. Ever since, I’ve found myself jotting down poems. The difference between my poetry and David Whyte’s poetry can be summed up in five words: his is excellent, mine mediocre. However, that hasn’t slowed me down, to the dismay of my husband who is forced to be my sounding board.
—- This poem is about a wife–usually a stay-home mother– who felt she lost herself during her marriage. Through the years I’ve heard this story pour out during a mediation, usually with great sadness and tears.
 

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