Several friends (cyber and otherwise) have mentioned (not "stressed" or "encouraged" or "beat me into submission and believing") but mentioned the importance of healing before becoming involved with someone new.  They mentioned the need to be on my own for while, be alone, rediscover myself, don't rush into anything...

Well, let me share with you how I broke the news to my mom that I was already! seeing someone a few months ago.

My marriage, as brief as it was, was lonely.  After making the realizations I made shortly after the wedding, I did a lot of thinking about "what ifs" and "what could have beens."  I made my own mistake of putting walls back up when I worked hard to bring them down.  That was me protecting myself after learning from the horse's mouth (or ass, if you will) that he was never going to change.  I made my peace with that and moved on as much as I could while still remaining faithful to my wedding vows.

While separated I did more thinking and decided I wanted to be happy.  I wanted to be happy and if that meant I might meet someone in the process, so be it. 

And then I met a great guy.  The timing wasn't ideal for everyone else but it happened.  And I work really hard not to bring all 17 pieces of luggage with me into this newness.  Nothing's being rushed, the pace is nice and slow for a change.  I like it.

I still have my few days here and there when I'm angry and mad at that jackass I married.  But then I get over it because I know something bigger and better is waiting for me.  Everything happens for a reason.  I really believe that.  All this pain and trouble I've experienced will be worth it someday. 

But I still wallow in sadness and grief sometimes.  And if I don't seem like your typical "cheated-on-soon-to-be-divorced" woman, well, all I can say is that I'm not typical.