It has been a season of change...

People ask me sometimes what happened; Why have there been so many changes? I don't know the actual answer to that... Generally, my answer is simple: I hit my limit. But honestly, I believe that change happens in seasons and far too often, all at once. For me, it's been a long season, but the changes have been really incredible and I am looking forward to the future.

I've always believed that the way to know if a particular change is good, is the feeling you have once the decision is made.

I signed papers in April... It's been almost 7 months since I walked into that office on a mission to change my life. It was a decision that took almost the entire four years of my marriage to wrap my head around and it was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but when I walked out of that office, I felt free. One of the most common questions people (mostly concerned friends) ask is if I have doubts; moments of weakness that make me second guess my decision to leave.

After I signed papers, we took a family trip to California. We were at lunch and a friend and I ended up at the table alone. She looked at me and said, "What is going on? I haven't seen you this happy in years." At the time, I had told one single person that I had signed papers. No one knew - not my closest girlfriends, not my mom - not even my husband. I smiled secretively and told her that I had signed separation papers, and that no one knew. She looked at me and said, "Thank God."

It's amazing, the way that friends surround you with love and support when you need them. It's even more amazing how friends watch you suffer and change, being silent supporters, all while keeping their mouths shut out of respect for you.

She was right. I hadn't been that happy in years. The moment I signed papers, I knew it was over and I knew my reality was going to change, but I knew, with every ounce of my being that the change was a good one. It sounds crazy, especially when you factor in how many other changes have come with that single signature on a piece of paper.

This month, I closed two of my businesses. One, I have been running for 9 years, the other for 4. My store was the dream that brought me to Aspen in the first place, the one that kept me here through my fathers illness, and one I've contemplated closing a million times. I always knew it wasn't going to be my final career, I just didn't know it would end like this. Having said that, the moment the court orders were in, I felt relief. The day I emptied my last box out of that space, I felt 100 pounds lighter.

It wasn't an easy decision. In fact, it was much like the decision to separate from my husband- something I had considered for years but feared immensely. In my head, there were so many factors and so many people I would be letting down. In my confusion, I had never asked myself the most important question - what did I want more consistently - to keep going, or to close. What a concept!! I couldn't believe it took a friend to look me in the eyes and ask me that question. I knew the answer immediately. Much more frequently was I done than was I happy with where I was at. I only wish someone had asked me that just a bit sooner... and in terms of my marriage.

I'm now seven months in, and as my friend pointed out those seven months ago, I am happier than I've been in years. More importantly, my daughter is happier that she was before. It's amazing to see her personality shine through and to see how my life and my happiness has drastically improved hers. I know that we have a long journey in front of us, and I am guessing that the changes are not over yet. I'm sure a year from now I will look back, laugh and shake my head. For now... I just remember that this is a season of change, and change is a good thing.