There’s a moment in every journey of divorce where the fear and uncertainty feel overwhelming. When Cindy Elwell, the founder of Divorce With Dignity, first found herself navigating life as a single mother with two children, she faced this moment head-on. It was February, the month of love and togetherness, but for her, it marked the anniversary of her divorce—the moment when everything changed.
At first, the transition was terrifying. Cindy’s household income had dropped significantly, and she was suddenly carrying the full weight of financial and emotional responsibilities for her children. The road ahead seemed daunting, filled with unknowns. But as that first year unfolded, something remarkable happened: she and her children became a team. They adapted, grew stronger, and found new rhythms. They made it through the tough days together. And when the anniversary of her divorce arrived, Cindy didn’t hide from it—she chose to celebrate it.
Why Celebrate Divorce?
At first, the idea of celebrating a divorce may feel strange. Society tells us that divorce is something to grieve, something to keep quiet about, something to be ashamed of. But why? Divorce is a major life transition, much like marriage, having a child, or starting a new job. And while it comes with heartache and struggle, it also brings resilience, growth, and a new chapter of life.
Cindy realized that instead of focusing on loss, she could focus on what she had gained: confidence, independence, a new sense of self. So she decided to commemorate the anniversary of her divorce as a marker of her progress, a day to reflect on how far she and her children had come. She called it Freedom Day.
From McDonald’s to New Horizons
That first year, money was tight. A fancy celebration wasn’t in the cards. But Cindy still wanted to do something to acknowledge their resilience. So she took her children—and their father—to McDonald’s. It was all she could afford, but it wasn’t about the location. It was about the intention. They sat together, shared a meal, and recognized that despite the challenges, they had all made it through.
And so it became a tradition. Each year, Cindy and her children marked the anniversary of her divorce with a small celebration. As her financial situation improved, so did their venues. What started as McDonald’s turned into family dinners at nicer restaurants, then weekend getaways. Over time, they transformed what could have been a painful memory into a tradition of togetherness, growth, and acknowledgment of their journey.
Through it all, Cindy continued to invite her ex-husband to these celebrations. The message was clear: This was not about bitterness or blame. It was about resilience and unity. Divorce didn’t have to mean division. They were still a family, just in a different way. And that, too, was worth celebrating.
Your Freedom Day: Honoring Your Own Journey
Cindy’s story is a reminder that divorce is not just an ending—it’s a beginning. It’s the start of a new chapter, one where you get to define your own happiness, rebuild your life on your terms, and discover strengths you never knew you had.
So, what will you call your day of freedom? What will you do to mark your growth, your survival, your ability to rise from the challenges of divorce? Maybe you’ll take a trip, buy yourself a meaningful gift, have a quiet moment of reflection, or gather your closest friends for a toast. Maybe you’ll create a new tradition with your children, just as Cindy did. However you choose to honor your journey, know that it’s okay to celebrate. In fact, it may be essential.
Divorce is hard. But so is rebuilding. So is learning to co-parent, finding financial stability, and redefining your identity outside of marriage. You have worked through one of life’s biggest transitions—and that deserves recognition.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re feeling lost in the process, know that you’re not alone. Divorce With Dignity exists to help people move through this transition with support, guidance, and a sense of empowerment. You don’t have to navigate this journey in isolation. There are professionals who can help you find clarity, dignity, and peace as you rebuild your life.
If you’re on the path of divorce or have already crossed that threshold, take a moment to think about what you want your Freedom Day to look like. What will it symbolize for you? How will you acknowledge your strength, your resilience, and your new beginning?
No matter where you are in your journey, Divorce With Dignity is here to support you. Contact a provider near you today and take your next step toward a brighter, more empowered future.
