Rachel shares her deeply personal journey of navigating emotional and verbal abuse in her marriage, ultimately leading to divorce. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s gut instincts, recalling how her initial hesitations about her partner were overlooked due to external pressures and expectations. The conversation touches on the tumultuous period following her father's passing from COVID-19, highlighting the lack of support she experienced from her husband during this critical time. Throughout the discussion, Rachel reflects on the lessons learned from her experiences, particularly the necessity of recognizing and valuing one's self-worth. As she moves forward, she encourages listeners to seek help and embrace the idea that life is happening for them, not to them, fostering a mindset of resilience and growth.

Takeaways:

• Rachel emphasizes the importance of trusting your gut instinct in relationships, stating it is often right.
• Emotional and verbal abuse can escalate over time, often unnoticed until it's too late.
• It's crucial to recognize when a relationship is unhealthy and to exit immediately, and seek help if necessary.
• The transition from being married to facing a divorce can feel surreal and overwhelming.
• Divorce can lead to personal growth, and starting over can be the best thing that ever happened to you, if you choose it to be.
• Support from family and friends is essential during tough times, especially after losing a loved one.