Why I Kept My Wedding Album: Healing & Self-reconnection After Divorce

When I got divorced, there were countless decisions to make and things to sort through. In truth, I was in a tunnel vision fog, focusing solely on what needed to be done to take care of my kids and myself. (Not a slight against my ex—just the reality of navigating separation.)

Fast forward five years, and a colleague asked me, “Did you keep your wedding album?”

I answered, “Yes.”

Then they followed up: “Why did you keep it?”

The Unexpected Connection to My Younger Self

At that moment, memories of that day surfaced, and I felt an unexpected connection to my 24-year-old self.

I could see myself at that age—bright-eyed, with thicker golden hair, fewer wrinkles, and a heart full of optimism and hope for forever. My present 40-something-year-old self was meeting my younger self with curiosity, compassion, a little scolding, and eventually, love.

What Is Parts Work and Why Does It Matter?

This is how I define “parts work.” When I ask clients to connect with their 7-year-old self, their adolescent self, or another version of themselves, I’m inviting them to see an earlier part of who they were—to reconnect with their younger mindset, ideals, dreams, and experiences.

Why does this matter? Because certain experiences shape our beliefs, behaviors, and emotional patterns. What once served us well might now be holding us back.

How Emotional Healing Can Help You Move Forward After Divorce and in Life

Attuning to different parts of yourself allows you to bring adult wisdom to your younger self—to offer nurturing and compassion, to provide the words or love you once needed but didn’t receive, to gain insight, and to forgive yourself. It helps release the fears, doubts, and self-criticism that no longer serve your highest good. It fills in the gaps where others may have let us down.

Forgiveness and Compassion for Yourself

That’s why I unconsciously kept that wedding album. Deep down, I knew I didn’t want to forget who I was when I made that decision. I wanted to remember, so I could share that part of myself with my kids and future grandkids. So I could acknowledge that I did the best I could. So I could forgive myself, forgive my ex, and return to a place of love—even sentimentality—for the younger versions of ourselves who once believed in forever.

Reconnecting with Your Younger Self: A Path to Self-awareness

Are there parts of yourself that need healing, compassion, or understanding? Through therapy or Reiki, you can reconnect with your past selves, release what no longer serves you, and embrace a more whole, empowered version of yourself.

Begin Your Path to Healing

If you're ready to begin this journey, let’s connect.