Hi girls!Um, where did 2016 go?  Are you kidding me?!  Quickest year ever.I want you to know how much I've been thinking about my readers this week and as much as I've wanted to connect with you via a blog post, it seems so many other things have been pulling me away.What I've been dying to talk to you about is this - surviving the holidays.For some of you, you might have just found out about your husband's affair or porn use.  If this is you, chances are, you don't even know which way is up right about now.  I get it.  Been there.Or, you might be a couple of years in and feeling like the good times will never return.  I think this can be the hardest part of the journey - the newness of it all has worn off and you are TIRED.  I get it.  Been there.Or you might be seeing, finally, the fruits of all you've been through.  Your pain turned into something good.  For this, you are so grateful and breathing such a sigh of relief to have made it to the other side.  I get it.  I'm there.All that to say - no matter where you are on your journey, here is a quick survival guide to make it through the next 72 hours:Remember what we talked about all last month - connection with God, self and others is key on this journey.  This, dear ones, is critical over the next 72 hours.  As a bonus, I learned recently that our brains are most receptive to information the first 30 minutes of the morning as well as the last 30 minutes before bedtime.  This would be a great time to connect with yourself via journaling and connect with God via reading scriptures.  As for connecting with others, well, chances are, most of us will do much of that over the next couple of days.  Just remember to intentionally connect with someone that you feel you can be yourself with - even if that means making a phone call to one of your go-to girls.Remember to detach as necessary from your husband and from his (or your) cRaZy family.  With detachment comes a lot of watching and waiting and yet trying not to get tangled up in the emotions of it all.  A sweet woman, Tam, on one of my calls explained it this way - it's sitting in the stands, with your popcorn, observing what's going on below you.  Not on the offense and not on the defense, simply observing and taking it all in.  Another wife told our group one evening that detachment meant enjoying his company when she felt safe.  I love this concept and want to encourage you to give yourself permission to enjoy yourself if you feel safe and secure to do so.And last, remember over the next couple of days that absolutely nothing is impossible with God.  This takes us to Luke chapter 1 when the angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her that she would give birth to Jesus.  I can only imagine how terrified Mary must have been.  How much she might have doubted even for a split second.  Gabriel reassured her, telling her not to be afraid.  He then told her - "For nothing will be impossible with God."Ladies, I LURVE this part of the Christmas Story.  How impossible could it be - to become impregnated as a virgin.

Likewise, how impossible could it be - to heal from the pain your husband has caused.

Remember, nothing will be impossible with God.There is hope.  You will heal.For now - connect with God, self and others (that you deem safe); detach if need be; and dwell on God's truth - nothing is impossible.  Oh, and if at all possible, I encourage you to allow yourself to laugh and to enjoy some of the delicious food that comes your way.xo-Shelley