Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions. It disrupts the familiar and often forces us to rebuild from the ground up. In the latest episode of  I wonder, Getting Curious with Dr. Cristie, I sat down with Jessica Ashley, a certified divorce coach and founder of Single Mom Nation, to talk about her work helping women navigate the emotional and practical aspects of divorce.

Jessica’s story is one of transformation. What started as a personal blog chronicling her marriage and parenting journey evolved into a powerful platform when her marriage ended. “I wrote as honestly as I could about my divorce,” she shared. “The support I received opened my eyes to the power of vulnerability and storytelling.”

Jessica’s vulnerability didn’t just resonate with readers—it paved the way for her to support other women through one-on-one coaching. As she put it, “Divorce isn’t just an end; it’s a chance to build something better for yourself and your children.”

Breaking the Silence on Divorce
Divorce can feel isolating, but Jessica is committed to reframing the narrative. “People tell you platitudes like ‘it’ll get better,’ but what you really need is someone to tell you, ‘I believe in you, and you can get through this.’” Jessica emphasizes that acknowledging the pain is essential to moving forward.

She also discussed the stigma surrounding divorce, particularly for mothers. “The idea that staying in a toxic or unhappy relationship is better for your kids needs to be challenged,” she said. “A healthy, happy parent is a better parent.”

Empowering Women, One Story at a Time
Through her work, Jessica has seen firsthand how vital it is for women to have financial independence and a support system. “Money is power for women,” she explained, advocating for women to secure their own resources, even in stable relationships.

But empowerment isn’t just about finances. Jessica believes in the power of community and conversation. Her work helps women see that divorce, while painful, can be an opportunity for growth.

Parenting Through the Chaos
Parenting during divorce is another focus of Jessica’s work. As a mom of two kids with an age gap of 10 years, she understands the challenges of balancing life as a working mom while supporting her children. “Kids need to see that life can be rebuilt, and it can be better,” she shared.

Final Thoughts
Jessica’s message is clear: Divorce is hard, but it’s not the end of the story. Whether you’re contemplating it, going through it, or recovering, there’s hope for a brighter future. “You don’t have to have all the answers right now,” Jessica reminds us. “The first step is believing that you’re capable of starting over.”

If you’re in the midst of a life transition, or simply curious about how to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, this episode is for you.

Be sure to check out Jessica’s platforms, Single Mom Nation and Divorce Coach for Moms, for more resources and support.