One of my favorite things is when Cup of Jo readers give pep talks in the comments section. For example, one reader shares that she is expecting her first baby; another gives an update on the dahlias blooming in her garden and everyone jumps up to cheer. Today we share eight comments about life changes, big and small…
About a firming haircut:
“I was stuck in the wrong job, depressed and anxious. When I finally had the courage to hand in my resignation, I instantly felt relieved, but in limbo. I went to a hairdresser who understood, and within an hour, my nondescript hair had transformed into a stunning mane. I walked out feeling empowered. The haircut was a sign to me and everyone around me that change was coming, and it was a good thing.” —Annie
About welcoming a baby:
“At age 39, I began the path to becoming a ‘single mother by choice’. I had always wanted children, the couple thing hadn’t worked out and I was ready. I did seven rounds of IUI with donor sperm and they all failed. I changed jobs for IVF coverage and had just started my first cycle when I met someone. He was very supportive and we dated for a year while I went through three more cycles with donor sperm. All three failed and I had enough insurance coverage to ONE more, so we decided to try it with his sperm. We are expecting our daughter in December.” —Erin G.
By gaining strength:
“At age 45, I felt completely exhausted by life and family problems. I was feeling weak in every way, so one day I decided to do push-ups. The first day, I managed two. Every few days, I would try to add one more. They were HARD, but I kept going. I split them up throughout the day (you can do push-ups anywhere!), and every time I felt panicked, I would drop down and do a few. It helped me tremendously! A year later, I was doing 100 a day. It was amazing. Push-ups are now as much a part of my life as eating breakfast and brushing my teeth. “I am very proud of myself.” -Sasha L.
In empty nesting:
“I always worried about being an empty nest. But now that our kids are in college, my husband and I have found great joy in our time together. Now, instead of after-school activities and chores, we have date nights almost every night! We watch the sunset, we do Wordle, we try new restaurants. My daughter recently laughed, ‘You guys are so cute now.’ When the kids are home during breaks, it becomes comforting and busy again, and when “When it’s time to go back to school, everyone is ready! Enjoy your time with your children, but know that there are also new and exciting chapters ahead.” – Joan
About solo joys:
“After a big breakup, I listened to the podcast. just breakwhich was cathartic. I felt less alone realizing how many others have had their hearts broken and have moved on. Now I am happily single. I love being able to do exactly what I want, when I want. There is no one who can leave toast crumbs in the butter or drip jam on the counters. I don’t have to give in or come to terms with anyone but myself. It’s a joy. If I meet someone I want to include in my life, well, good luck.” -RS
On finding new hobbies:
“I recently joined a weekly basketball game with a group of women at my local recreation center. Some of them used to play on college teams and are very good. I’m not one of those women. I’m not good at all. But everyone is very friendly: the rules are explained to me, fouls are ignored, and the baskets I make are applauded. There is something wonderful about running for an hour, playing a game with a group of interesting people. I sweat and get tired like a little kid; I sprained my finger and I pulled every muscle in my body, but I smile all the time.” — Seraphim
On accepting the grays:
“I’m 53 years old and I spent the last year growing out my gray hair. I decided to stop dyeing it when I realized it wasn’t sustainable, either in terms of money or time. I was afraid of looking old to my daughter, my husband, my students and myself. But it’s been such a liberation that I want to shout it from the rooftops! The other week, my husband stopped me to say, ‘You make those gray hairs look.’ good.'” – Anonymous
When opening doors:
“When my husband came out as gay, it felt like an avalanche. Now I see it as the necessary destruction of a good life, in pursuit of a great life. The static in the back of my head, which I had been trying to ignore for so long, finally calmed down. I fell in love with an incredible woman. It’s a love that doesn’t require me to be different. It’s expansive, easy, humble, and truer than anything I’ve ever experienced. Navigating all of this was” —Hannah
How has your life changed lately, in big and small ways? We would love to know.
PS Cup of Jo readers share their favorite photos and three women on career change (gift link).
(Photo by Jovo Jovanovic/Stocksy.)
