Some days during divorce aren't about thriving. They're about surviving — and that's enough.

In this episode, I'm talking directly to the woman who cried in the shower this morning and still made it to work. The one holding her life together with very little sleep and a determination she doesn't fully recognize in herself yet. If that's you right now, this episode is for you.

We're not talking about five-year plans or becoming your best self in the middle of chaos. We're talking about what actually helps when everything feels like too much: why your brain fog and forgetfulness aren't a character flaw, and five practical strategies you can use today to get through the next hour, the next decision, the next hard moment.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why divorce puts your nervous system into sustained threat-detection mode — and why that explains the brain fog, forgetfulness, and exhaustion you might be blaming yourself for
• Why trying to solve your entire future right now is keeping you stuck in overwhelm
• The real definition of strength during divorce (hint: it's not "never let them see you cry")

Ready for more than encouragement?

If you need structure, strategy, and a clear picture of your next moves, my 90-minute Divorce Strategy Call is the place to start. We'll map out exactly where you are, what decisions are in front of you, and what your clearest next step actually is.https://herdivorceacademy.com/program/book-a-coaching-fit-call

Have a question? Ask here! HerdivorceacademyDivorce Hotline

Connect with Raquell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdivorceacademy/

Have a Dear Raquell question you want answered on the podcast?

📩 Email your anonymous story to raquell@raquellbartoncoaching.com

Ending a marriage can be the right decision and still break your heart.

This episode is about one of the most misunderstood parts of divorce: the grief that comes even when you're the one who decided to leave. Because choosing divorce doesn't protect you from mourning the life, identity, and future you thought you were building.

Raquel explores the layers of loss that many women aren't prepared for—from grieving the imagined future and the version of yourself that existed within the marriage to navigating the disruption of routines, traditions, and family dreams.

She also breaks down how the five stages of grief can show up during divorce, why healing is never linear, and the powerful truth that relief and grief can coexist.

If you've ever found yourself asking, "If this was the right decision, why does it hurt so much?" this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why choosing divorce doesn't eliminate grief
• The hidden losses women experience beyond the end of the relationship
• How divorce can impact your identity, routines, and sense of future
• The five stages of grief and how they appear during divorce
• Why healing isn't a straight line
• The difference between grief and regret
• How to hold both relief and sadness at the same time
• Practical ways to move through grief with self-compassion

You can book a Free 60-minute Divorce Consultation Call: https://herdivorceacademy.com/program/book-a-coaching-fit-call

Have a question? Ask here! HerdivorceacademyDivorce Hotline

Connect with Raquell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdivorceacademy/

Have a Dear Raquell question you want answered on the podcast?

📩 Email your anonymous story to raquell@raquellbartoncoaching.com

This episode is for the woman who keeps thinking, “I should have handled this better by now.”

In this solo episode of When the Fairy Tale Ends, I’m talking about one of the most common feelings women experience during divorce: feeling completely unprepared. Not just emotionally, but financially, mentally, and strategically. And the truth is, most women are trying to make life-changing decisions while overwhelmed, grieving, parenting, working, and surviving all at the same time.

I’m breaking down why feeling “lost” during divorce is not a personal failure, how emotional overload impacts decision-making, and why having endless information without a strategy only creates more confusion. We also talk about the difference between emotional support and strategic support — and why clarity matters more than perfection during this process.

If you’ve been second-guessing yourself, spiraling through worst-case scenarios, or feeling ashamed that you don’t have everything figured out, this episode will help you breathe a little deeper and focus on your next right step.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why divorce creates emotional and mental overload
• The difference between information and clarity
• How survival mode impacts decision-making
• Fear vs. fact during divorce
• What strategic support actually looks like
• How to stop reacting and start making grounded decisions
• Simple ways to create more clarity during the divorce process

You can book a Free 60-minute Divorce Consultation Call: https://herdivorceacademy.com/program/book-a-coaching-fit-call

Have a question? Ask here! HerdivorceacademyDivorce Hotline

Connect with Raquell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdivorceacademy/

Have a Dear Raquell question you want answered on the podcast?

📩 Email your anonymous story to raquell@raquellbartoncoaching.com