Sophie’s Time is an homage to this new chapter in my life. The name Sophie is a nickname for Sophia, a word that comes from the Latin, sophia, which means wisdom. So, “time of wisdom” is my own translation. Sophie’s Time was chosen to honor that time in my and many women’s lives. The wisdom that was borne of pain – both emotional and physical. I will refer to Sophia as my wiser, higher self. In the days of my Christian associations, I'd call that part the Holy Spirit - in me. God in me. Enthos but that's a good idea for a blog article...
I’m Cheryl Hines, the editor. I conceived of Sophie’s Time as I stepped from a disintegrating marriage and a nest that was soon to be empty. You will find much of my Ramblings as I did a sort of writing therapy during my long months of divorce and eventual new singlehood.
I also offer lots of practical advice on how to tackle this or any new chapter. Because I was the one who instigated the divorce proceedings, there were – are – daily fresh raw feelings that I need to deal with. It would have been easier if he had been overtly “bad” but he isn’t. He is just a sad, depressed, angry man that I could no longer live with.
It is my hope that you, dear reader, will find some encouragement and perhaps the will to take on this time with courage and hope.
I am planning all sorts of therapy workbooks or journals from my own writing therapy journey. All of which will include coloring sections!
Divorce is never easy. watching your children grow and leave the nest is both freeing and yet leaves you standing on the stage – alone.
What next? We’ll explore that one together.
Much love, dear visitor!
Cheryl
for Sophie's Time
P.S. I was married a bit over 40 years when I separated from my husband and started divorce proceedings. Together we have nine children: three boys and six girls. My youngest was in her senior year in high school and turns 18 at the end of 2020. She and her older sister still live at home – the nest isn’t quite empty yet.
He didn’t contest the divorce (though he desperately wanted to) and in Washington state, there is no fault. I tried to start proceedings in July of 2020 but because of COVID, courthouses were limiting access. So I chose an online divorce. I suppose that all divorces seem slow when you want it to be over with but mine seemed to take forever. At this rate, it will be in early 2021 before things finalize.
Update May 2021: My divorce was finalized in April 0f 2021. You can expect that many of my ramblings will be concerned with the backlash/fallout of that. And also, my nest is going to shrink in the fall of this year as my youngest is off to college.
Sigh.