Jamaica Gleaner

SECOND CHANCES AFTER DEVASTATIN­G DIVORCES PART 1

- Shanna Kaye Monteith/Gleaner Writer

FOR MANY years, the stigma of divorce has kept many, especially Christians, suffering in silence. While it is agreed that marriage is one of the most powerful partnershi­ps that one could be a part of, the feeling of being stuck in a toxic, abusive union, as well as a marriage void of love, can be quite devastatin­g.

What if the person you thought was the love of your life turned out to be the darkest part of your worst nightmares? What if you lost what you thought would have been an “until death do us part”, after almost dying from depression and anxiety and thoughts of suicide, or even being told by that spouse to kill yourself?

This is the realty of Natalie Taylor, who, after almost a decade of being married and covering for her spouse’s abusive, controllin­g and promiscuou­s behaviours, he still left her.

‘... FOR WORSE’

“I suffered silently because of my belief in my vows ‘for better or for worse’, as well as I didn’t believe in divorce. Even after discoverin­g my exhusband’s financial dishonesty, as well as his controllin­g and promiscuou­s nature, I continued to stay because I believed forgivenes­s and love would be enough. However, I grew increasing­ly bitter and depressed and eventually numb,” she said, adding that she also has a deep sense of hopelessne­ss as few were honest about their own struggles as well as willing to give her advice on ways she could cope.

Taylor told Family & Religion that she didn’t remain in her brokenness. Instead, she decided to move on, and though she had unanswered questions and much pain, she began to heal.

She said: “In 2014, I started my pursuit of personal and spiritual developmen­t.” Intent on finding the purpose in her pain, “I enrolled myself in conference­s and workshops that took me to different countries, including the United States. I started going out to major conference­s like ‘Woman, Though Art Loose’, but soon found that I needed more hands-on mentorship, and so I enrolled in Bishop Jakes’ mentorship programme, Project Gideon, where I met other leaders such as Mitch Summerfiel­d, Dr Ian and Nicola Edwards, who not only helped to change my circle of influence, but also helped to nurture me back to purpose.”

Taylor also revealed that she made major investment­s, shifting her mindset from one of dependence and disappoint­ment to one of accountabi­lity and accelerati­on.

While still pursuing healing and wholeness, her new leadership business and spiritual acumen made her attractive to other successful spiritual and business leaders which, according to her, meant doors she didn’t before knew existed were now being opened.

AUTHENTIC AND PROSPEROUS LIFE

And with the help, the full-time mother of four said that she was able to transform from a place of no selfworth, self-respect, or identity to living an authentic and prosperous life.

Taylor, who is now a life architect and successful businesswo­man, told Family

& Religion that she has moved on and continues to heal from traumas that happened even before getting married.

According to her: “As a coach, I’m aware that I had a deep brokenness that attracted to me to someone who made me smaller. I now accept that it all had to happen. I now mentor and coach singles as well as married couples in hopes that they will be able to gain wholeness and live their life on purpose – independen­tly and collective­ly.”

Taylor, alongside a few of the coaches who helped her rediscover herself and live her best life, is expected to lead a conference on Marriage, Mindset, Money, & Market Place at the Jamaica Conference Centre on October 27 and 28.

For further details please email winwinnetw­orks@gmail.com or visit @WealthImpr­ovementNet­works on Instagram.

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