Life After Divorce: Michelle Madrigal Pens Love Letter To Self

No one wishes for their marriage to fail, but when it happens, the next best step is to take the time to heal from what has been broken. This is what US-based mom Michelle Madrigal has been gracefully displaying since her separation from her ex-husband Troy Woolfolk.

On April 13, 2022, a day after Michelle and Troy were supposedly celebrating their third wedding anniversary, the celebrity mom took to Instagram to share that their divorce had already been finalized.

Michelle considers the divorce "An ending" to a chapter of her life. Posting throwback photos from her wedding day, she penned a lengthy love letter for herself, reflecting on how she will be moving on from the failed union—in a positive light.

"Yesterday was supposedly a day we celebrated our union few years back… Fast forward to 2022, it's a completely different story because this marriage is at the end of divorce (took some time but have been legally separated). An ending to something that once gave her happiness and joy," Michelle wrote.

Read stories on celebrity moms opening up about their failed marriage:

• Chariz Solomon On Failed Marriage: ‘Pag Hindi Na Kayo Nag-uusap, Medyo Nakakatakot Na’
• Jodi On Blended Family Setup: ‘A Loss Of A Marriage Does Not Mean A Loss Of A Parent’
• Donita Rose Reveals Why She Is Happy Again After Failed Marriage

Moving On From A Failed Marriage

The actress acknowledges that while her marriage has ended, it's not to be regarded as an impasse. She considers the time ahead sans a wedding ring on her finger as a chance to heal and work on creating a better version of herself.

"A big part of herself that needed to heal. Letting go of the thought and idea that she will never find love again. Allowing herself to honor her truth and core beliefs. And forgiving herself for setting boundaries."

She adds, "Yes, marriage is a lot of hard work, but both parties should be willing to evolve and change individually (do the inner work). This woman is a complete different person a year ago. She's constantly evolving and relearning about herself."

Michelle also chooses not to throw the memories of the time she shared with Troy altogether. As she moves on, she's "Letting go of all the negative emotions that transpired during this union and embracing the positive ones left in her heart."

The divorce will end their marriage, but Michelle and Troy will remain involved as they co-parent their daughter Anika. "We are blessed to have a loving daughter that we get to share during this big transition," Michelle notes.

By the end of the post, the single mom expressed her readiness "letting go to free myself" and to welcome a "new chapter of my life."

Also read: How Fitness Helped Michelle Madrigal Battle Depression, Anxiety

Recovering From A Breakup When Kids Are Involved

In a previous Smart Parenting article, family psychologist and author Michele Alignay, Ph.D, RPsy, RGC gave some advice on how one can bounce back from a failed relationship. 

1. Tell kids the truth

When kids are involved, it won't yield anything good if they are left out of the conversation. Dr. Alignay also warned against badmouthing the other partner to the kid. "You can tell them that their father still loves them."

2. Know how to take care of yourself

Going through a breakup or a separation is never easy. This is why one must intentionally look after themselves while processing the pain and working on healing. "Alam mo dapat kung kailan ka lalabas [sa isang unhealthy relationship]. You should know how to save and nurture yourself so that if a crisis situation comes, you will also know how to take care of your kids," Dr. Alignay says.

3. Ask for help

In challenging times, don't hesitate to surround yourself with other loved ones and people you trust. Pwede naman sabihin na, ‘‘Nay, punta ka muna dito ayusin ko muna sarili ko.”

Watch couples get real about being married here.