With divorce, came the need to be independent. There were certain tasks that my ex was good at and now I’m having to learn those things for myself. I’m gaining new skills that will help me in many ways. It’s not easy but it is necessary.

One of the biggest challenges for me this year was pulling together the information for my taxes. There I was buried underneath a huge pile of paperwork, receipts and stress. I  just kept thinking about how he could do this in twenty minutes. I spent a great deal of my day fussing, whining and working. Why would I think it would be easy? I certainly don’t have an MBA majoring in finance like he does. I can’t even count my shoes.

Even though he had offered to come help me with it, I declined. A very important part of this journey is for me to learn how to do things for myself. I can not be independent having to depend on him. There is a peace that comes from working it out. I tend to worry about certain tasks that I struggled with. You remove the fear when you take it by the horns and wrestle it to the ground. By allowing him to do it I would have hindered my own growth.

I guess I didn’t do too bad of a job since my tax preparer did not follow up with a bunch of requests. I did inform her that I was stressed out during the process. I think she thought I was joking. I let her know that I plan to start working on next year’s information right away. I don’t think I could survive having to do it all at one time again. She said everyone says the same thing every year and they procrastinate. I actually meant it when I said I would start soon.

I can pat myself on the back for organizing the information for my taxes. Yeah, I did it. I was fearful about doing it for myself for the first time in many years. I kept telling myself that I could do it no matter how long it took me. When it was done I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. Surprisingly I didn’t pass out or cry. I’ll take a break but then I’ll start working on 2023 soon. I know how to do it now.

Regina H