Divorce is a heavy emotional experience, one that often feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Amidst the sadness, anger, and overwhelming uncertainty, it can be easy to feel lost, but music became my anchor during one of the most difficult times of my life. 

When I was going through my divorce, it felt like the world had come crashing down. Every corner of my life seemed to be affected by the separation. Emotions surged in waves—anger, confusion, and, of course, deep sorrow. I couldn’t deny that I was in pain. Music became an outlet for whatever emotion I was feeling at that moment.  

Channeling Anger and Sadness 

The anger I felt during the divorce was consuming, and I struggled to find a healthy outlet. But when I found music that matched my mood—something powerful and raw—I felt like I could channel my emotions in a safe way. I’d turn up the volume on a song and scream the lyrics at the top of my lungs. In that moment, it was like the music was giving me permission to let go of the pain. I didn’t feel so alone in my anger. It was almost like a conversation—my emotions and the music, working together to help me release the heaviness. 

On the flip side, music also gave me the space to process my sadness. Soft, soulful melodies became a way to sit with my sorrow instead of running away from it. I would let the tears flow and give in to the discomfort. Sometimes, that’s exactly what we need when we’re going through heartbreak: something that doesn’t try to fix things but simply sits with us in the mess of emotions. 

A Companion Through the Darkness 

Every time I heard a song that resonated with my feelings it was like someone was speaking to me directly. I found comfort in the familiarity of the music, and it helped me process emotions I didn’t fully understand, offering me a space to reflect, cry, and eventually heal. 

Finding Joy in the Process 

One of the most surprising things that happened during this journey was that music didn’t just help me cope with the difficult emotions. It also helped me rediscover joy. I went back to listening to songs that were popular when I was a teenager/young adult. With every old song, I felt like I was opening a door to a part of myself I had forgotten about. The excitement of rediscovering my favorite tracks and artists from my childhood gave me something other than despair to focus on. It brought back positive memories from the past and gave me a reason to smile again. 

I began to see music as more than just a distraction—it became a tool for self-expression and a way to rebuild a sense of identity. Through every note and beat, I was finding a part of myself that wasn’t defined by the pain of the divorce. Music became a way to heal, a way to feel, and a way to reclaim my life in a time of uncertainty. 

Music as a Therapeutic Outlet 

The beauty of music is that it’s a deeply personal experience. It doesn’t matter what genre or artist speaks to you—what matters is the way it makes you feel. For me, it was a way to process emotions I didn’t even have words for, to grieve, to heal, and to celebrate even in the toughest moments. Music has a magical way of helping us make sense of our emotions. 

Music didn’t make the pain go away, but it made it bearable. It gave me something to focus on when despair and anger tried to take over. It allowed me to feel my emotions fully and helped me navigate the complex journey of healing. Through it, I found a strength I didn’t know I had, and I learned that even in the darkest of times, music has the power to heal, restore, and transform. 

If you’re going through something similar, I encourage you to turn to music, not just as a distraction, but as a tool for healing. Let it help you process your emotions, find moments of peace, and, most importantly, give you hope for the future. 

Next time you start to feel anxious, sad, or even a little depressed, try turning up your favorite music and having a spontaneous dance party. It might sound silly, but moving your body—especially to music that lifts your spirit—can shift your mood almost instantly. Dancing releases endorphins, helps you reconnect with your body, and gives your mind a break from whatever thoughts are weighing you down. Even just one song can be enough to shake up your energy and bring a little joy into your day.  

My Post Divorce Playlist 

1. Alright – Sam Fischer and Meghan Trainor 

2. Break My Stride- Matthew Wilder 

3. Wonder Woman- Kacey Musgraves 

4. Breathin- Ariana Grande 

5. Thank you, next- Ariana Grande 

6. Whoops- Meghan Trainor 

7. Crushin- Meghan Trainor feat. Lawrence 

8. Good as Hell- Lizzo 

9. No Tears Left to Cry- Ariana Grande 

10. Good 4 u- Olivia Rodrigo 

11. Down to You- Kelly Clarkson  

12. Send My Love (To Your New Lover) – Adele 

13. Lose You to Love Me- Selena Gomez 

14. All You Had to Do was Stay- Taylor Swift 

15. More Than Enough- Sara Reeves 

16. ALWAYS- Forrest Frank 

17. These Tears- Andy Grammer 

18. I Wanna Thank Me- Megan Trainor 

19. Maybe You’re the Problem- Ava Max 

What are your go to songs when you feel sad, angry, need to smile? 

What’s your favorite song to dance to?