IN FEBRUARY 2017, following family turmoil and marital strain, my relationship with my husband of 25 years came to an end. He packed and left, and I moved out of our home and filed for divorce in March. After all those years together, our divorce became final in 2018.

I was a PhD student at the time. While trying to process my new normal during the divorce, I also had to focus on my classwork and education. I wanted to quit, but I knew I had to keep pressing forward despite the obstacles for myself, my three children, and my grandchildren. When I was in it, I thought that storm would never pass. However, the experience led me on a journey of self-discovery from which I can offer the following advice:

* Find a support system. If your circle does not consist of people who empower you, create a new circle of friends and family. There may be only a few people who can be truly depended upon and trusted. Cultivate these relationships and lean on them until you are strong enough to stand on your own.

Although I had lost the most important man in my life during the divorce, I was able to fill that void with relatives and friends. They stepped up, spent quality time with me, and were genuine in their approach without asking for anything in return.

* Join with others who embrace your spiritual beliefs. There is power in community. Find an organization that fosters both spiritual and mental growth. You are not in this alone.

I found part of my support system in my church, and it was my foundation when I felt like I was sinking. Without the teachings of my co-pastor, I am not sure how I would have managed my divorce and time in nursing school. With the prayers of my church and through connection with like-minded individuals, I was able to build hope and faith for the future.

* Strengthen your spiritual life. For me, prayer is simply communication with a higher power. I think of it as a conversation. I speak as I would with a long-time friend, say what needs to be said, and remember to listen for answers or strategies. No need to overcomplicate it. Some individuals pray in the car, at their desk, or walking around the neighborhood.

Life is about weathering storms. Although we do not know when one will come or how long it will last, the way we respond makes the difference. Hold your head up and keep putting one foot in front of the other to complete nursing school.

At the time of this writing, I was a sixth-year PhD student working full-time as a clinical instructor. I live a life of healing, wholeness, and abundance and will complete my PhD in June 2021.