Your channel has helped me beyond what words can describe. When I decided to leave my boyfriend of 3.5 years, it was incredibly difficult because I thought he was my forever. I found so much comfort in your channel while navigating my emotions. Thank you for sharing what you do, Michel. You are amazing and I admire your perseverance in life!
@@destinyc6185 I don't mind at all. I ignored a lot of red flags throughout the entire relationship. We did not align on our values and after he said some very hurtful things to me, I knew it wasn't going to work anymore. And honestly, about 6ish months before I broke it off, I was googling things like "how to know when your relationship is over" and "Red flags to look for in your relationship" and things like that. I think that was when I subconsciously knew it was over but took me a little longer to admit it to myself. Sunk cost fallacy perse of wanting to stay but realizing I was very unhappy and not my true self ❤❤
@@the_caffeinated_hustle Thank you for your reply. I like learning about people’s experiences and have multiple family members going through divorce and in on/off stages of relationships, so I always like learning others stories/perspectives and applying when applicable! I hope you’re happy and healthy, thank you again for sharing when you didn’t have to 🤍💕
When you said “frankly it’s not for you” 👏🏼👏🏼I have been following you for years and I am SO happy for you and proud of you. One thing I noticed recently is your clothing style and how I feel like it’s symbolic of your growth. 18 months-2+ years ago you were always choosing longer dresses and calling everything modest and how that made you comfortable. You’ve branched out so much and chosen clothes that are still so classy, but show personality and are less “modest housewife” style if you will. Maybe you didn’t notice this but I love it for you and have loved seeing you grow. 🤍
I did it and I was a few years older than you already, at the time. It feels so large and so overwhelming, uncertain and feels like you’ve wasted so many years of your life. Trust me; it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I thought I was happy once, but I didn’t know how happy I could truly feel after that. I’m now in a relationship that I deeply cherish and am thankful for every day! You’ll get through it, slowly but surely! Wishing you strength and the best of luck on your future! There’s a lot of happiness waiting for you.
I liked your channel before but I LOVE it now! That comment about how you've made your divorce your whole personality is absolutely absurd. When you go through a really hard, traumatic situation, it's bound to be a huge part of your life for a while. I've learned that grief isn't something that necessarily goes away, but we just grow our lives around it so that it eventually seems much smaller. I have loved watching you grow around your grief and you've challenged me in so many ways to grow around my struggles. So thank you for being willing to share this vulnerable, personal side of your life. It has been a breath of fresh air to see somebody be so REAL and it really makes a difference to a lot of people!
Only at the 3 minute mark and I have to comment. Ignore those kinds of comments. A divorce is traumatic. In stress terms it is one of the highest stressful events in a person's life and equals the death of a spouse. I've been there. It's a season of life that is very emotional, very hard, and takes time to come to terms with it fully. You do things the way you feel is right for you. Ignore the comments.
Call the this series "Culinary Coversations"...! You are helping many people. I love your content and I appreciate you sharing your life victories and struggles. It humanizes content creators and it shows that we aren't alone with the things we experience in life. You teach us how to think through things and how to be intentional. You are a wonderfully genuine person and it's so refreshing to see.
I have never been through a divorce, but I lost a triplet brother when I was 15. It changed me in so many ways and continues to affect my life daily over 10 years later. Seeing your grief and growth over the past year has been nothing short of astonishing. So proud of how far you have come. ❤️
Michel, I'm one of the young divorcee's who has benefitted from hearing your journey. I had the same feelings on generosity on splitting of assets and on dating/not-dating post-divorce. I found myself in the same situation being just as trusting of others but being untrusting of myself. It's refreshing and reassuring to hear someone my age going through the same things. Thank you for sharing your journey!!
This video suddenly helped me understand something about myself so take it or leave it. For the last year, I’ve been dealing with my relationship ending but with much different circumstances. I’ve been married for 25 years. I have three kids. His family feels like my own family. I have a much different/less flexible job. Yet I continue to watch. I realized that it’s because there are many things about your situation that I wish for myself. I wish I could take “me” time. I wish listen to my body and rest. I wish I could drop everything and go on vacations. I wish I could take time to focus on myself and healing. I wish I could move and start over. That is not possible in a situation like mine. The kind of divorce that I see here (eliminating someone from your life), isn’t actually possible when you have kids or when you’ve built a 25 year life together. Divorce in my situation will never look like your divorce and I think hearing many of things you talked about today helped me realize that and it was a very helpful reality check for me.
This is such a brave post Krisam 1998.... Yes it is VERY, very different doing this with children in the frame. It IS possible though. I think that the crucial difference is, as you wrote too, that you are unable to 'eliminate' someone from your life, when you have children. But that CAN be alright. It IS still possible. It takes a lot of navigation, negotiation and communication, yes. And resolve. And energy. It is entirely different to doing it without children involved, yes. But it IS possible.
I agree that divorce may not be possible TODAY, but these don’t rule it out. I divorced with a child, And it was the hardest thing I ever chose to do. But I validated my sons feelings, his confusion and his anger at his father and at me, while also telling him what I told myself. This is not fun or happy, but we can have fun and find happiness, and this is what has to be done. I also had a chronic illness, and while it was challenging and I felt sick physically and emotionally at times, I did it. I made mistakes but was as honest as I could be. If you want to know if there was a happy ending, yes, there is. I am happily engaged in my son is graduating from an honors college. He and I are extremely close, even though he lives a few hours away. For me I think the moment came when I knew that staying was so harmful that no matter what we just needed a place where there was some peace and less stress. I just put 1 foot in front of the other and shaky and terrified did what I thought was best for myself and my child. I don’t know what Is best for you and your children. But don’t feel powerless. There are people who can help if you reach out.
Please don’t let the small minority of miserable people that comment on your page change your interaction with the rest of us. We appreciate your honesty and your truth and many of us can relate to you. Thank you for sharing all the parts of your life with us 💜
Michel, because of you, I too rented a car and went from Boston to Maine. It was a big deal and I’m so proud of me! So out of my comfort zone. Thank you for sharing your wins! You are truly inspiring me and so many others. Xo
I had to stop it at 2:49 to tell you, coming from a divorced man, that comment is beyond rude, and you should block that person. When you get a divorce, it will take up a lot of your life. It's also extremely emotionally draining. Not to mention the fact you was discovering things about your ex you didn't know throughout all of this. You are a strong lady.
I love how you said that sharing all this has been like a form of ministry--it TOTALLY is. You are helping so many people by sharing what you're going through and making people in similar situations feel less alone.
I’ve followed your life journey for a few years now and had related in many ways. To find myself now at 25 divorced for almost a year, I have related to you on an even deeper level. I’ve gone through years of manipulation and emotional abuse and still don’t have the truth or answers as to all went wrong. It feels my own story is being withheld from me. Many people around me have complimented me on how well I’m moving forward with my life and how impressed they are with my healing journey and for that I want to thank you for being an example of integrity and hope. It helps me so much to have incredible internet mentors like you to share wisdom on what I’m going through. Keep sharing girl it’s already helped one person over here!!
You can have 99 positive comments but it's that 1 comment that's hard to ignore. I hope you dont stop relating to your audience, theres people out there going through what you went through and I'm sure you're helping them.
You have helped me immensely in my post divorce journey. I’m twice your age but your situation and experience are similar. Anyone that says your are milking this divorce stuff, has probably not been through the trauma you have been through. You are navigating this whole thing with such dignity and grace. Please keep being you because so many of us adore you. Xoxo
You are so incredibly refreshing, and candid and unapologetically genuine and open, and kind, and always willing to turn the bad into good. So glad to be a subscriber you are an inspiration
The anxiety showing up now is definitely aftermath from the trauma. It's a symptom of PTSD most likely. And it's showing up now because your body feels safe enough to finally process the danger it was in and feel anxious. Growing up in a traumatic home, for 29 years, been married and safe for about two and a half and since getting safe have dealt more with anxiety and nightmares.
You said you felt the need to share in case your experience helped even one other girl -- well I'm your proof!! We're the same age, but I'm going through my divorce right now. Your vulnerability has been SO helpful and comforting for me. To know I'm not alone, that others feel the same as I do, and give me hope for what is to come. Thank you, Michel!!
Hi Michel, I’m happily married and not going through your same experience but I really enjoy listening to how you’re growing and it encourages me to examine myself and to continue growing. I’m very excited for where God leads you and super happy for you to be making the most of this season of not being married and growing as an individual. We all should strive to grow and care for each other regardless of our marital status. Thanks for sharing! 😊
I am not going through a divorce and have never been married, but hearing about your journey has still been incredibly healing to me. Your thoughtful reflections on your experience speak to the major, universal tentpoles of dealing with things as heavy as grief and frustration, or as inevitable as change and growth even in the smallest capacities! I feel like i am better at organizing my thoughts and understanding my own intentions/feelings because I’m learning from you! You are so precise and delicate with the way you communicate, it’s a true gift :’)
I found your channel when I watched your video about divorce. I guess life changing sentence for me was, that you said he didn't say yes, he didn't say no either but he DIDN'T say yes, this opened my eyes and ears to REALLY hear what somebody is saying towards a relationship or me. Your journey has been comforting for me, as I have been doing my best on a similar journey. It has helped me to put myself first and act loving and time giving towards myself. AND I love your sip and trift videos! As for this video, once the food has been cooked, all I can think about is please eat it before it gets cold😉
Michel, I wanted to let you know that I am proud of you. I found your channel right before all the major changes happened last year. You have navigated your own trauma, and other Christian’s unhealthy views of remaining in trauma and unhealth, with so much grace. Using your journey and path to help to help others is such a gift. Its exciting to see you in a very different place🧡 P.S: Mama and Papa Janse seem like the sweetest people ever!
I too went through a divorce (this year). You are doing great! If I’m being honest, I feel like you’re doing so much better than I am. Share as much as you need to and obviously the person who commented has either no empathy or hasn’t gone through a divorce themselves.
Watching your videos now vs the ones from over a year ago....you sound and look way more mature and grown and that makes you even more beautiful both physically & spiritually. The past is the past and it will always be just a learning experience of what not to do, and what you should do in the future. There is nowhere to go from where you've been but up. Have a blessed journey.
I’m so so proud of all your accomplishments and how much you have healed from a devastating period in your life. You have matured in a beautiful way. I’m so thankful you lean on the Lord and aren’t afraid to share it. Hope you have a sweet blessed day.
You don't bare yourself to strangers, but to your followers, people who like and support you :) that person with the mean comment-delete and block, you don't need that kind of negativity in your life! You do you and we will be with you every step of the way.💕
I’m so thankful that you share so openly about your life. I very recently got out of a relationship that had a lot of similarities to yours. Seeing you go on your healing journey has given me so much hope for my own life.
I love this series and I love saving these videos for when I cook! Thanks for sharing. Know that you have “friends” in this community who have been with you through it all and having been praying for you so much in this past year.
Thank you so much for continuing to share your feelings and being brave enough to be vulnerable…you’ve helped me tremendously. I’m 5 years post divorce. When you said about trusting others more easily than yourself I thought that would be a very good area to work on and relax into. The abuse really does undermine the ability to trust yourself but, not trusting yourself is something that can make you more vulnerable to future abuse. I know you will get there with this…you make wise, astute, measured decisions and I have a feeling you always have done. What happened wasn’t your fault. Love and prayers xxx
I love your growth and setting boundaries! You have come a long way with a lot of work. I heard this once and I love it having gone through a divorce myself. Turning your mess into your message. YOU are doing just that and I am sure helping so many through your honesty. So proud of you as I know this journey takes one step in front of the other at your own pace. There were so many times in the pain of my divorce, I wished someone else could just make it all better. But the realization came fast that me, and only me, had to do the hard work, therapy and healing in order to come out the other side. It was well worth it. You learn so much compassion and insight, that when you run across a hurting person going through a divorce, you will have all you need inside of you to give them hope by your journey. God bless you Michel.
It’s amazing that you share so much. I love it and I’m trusting like you. I can’t imagine a person coming here and trying to hurt you. You are such a beautiful soul! I’ve been loving your travel videos and how calm and restful you seem to be. That is so good for your soul! Love you!
I'm in the thick of my awful divorce. So much stuff has come out about my ex since I made the decision to file and it's all been deceitful and awful. Having someone to go along with on the journey has been so helpful so thank you. I don't watch an other content creators but I'm looking forward to watching you thrive.
Proud of you for growing, learning and establishing boundaries. That is definitely something not easy to do as a former people pleaser. I am so happy for you for being stronger and confident! :)
You are doing a fandamtastic job and keeping your life together, keep on keeping on Michel!! You are so loved, thank you for sharing all that you have with us!!
Can I just say how cute Michel looks today. Love the hair and outfit😍 Thanks for covering this topic. You are right on with many of the things you have gone through in your divorce. I can really relate. It's nice to see I'm not the only one. You have grown a lot and have more layers to you. Also, yum your dish looks delicious 😋
I adore you and all the content life thoughts, holding yourself accountable and the growing you have done in the last year is really something I have enjoyed the more adventurous content especially. Also the sleeves on that shit are so cute
I'm so proud of your milestones Michel! I can relate to the divorce trauma and I'm so glad you're vlogging about your divorce journey because it has helped so many who's going through it. By you being vocal about your journey takes so much courage, and it's truly admirable of you. Love your honesty and your beautiful soul. The Lord bless you. ♥️🙏🏻♥️
Hey Michel! Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty! You are such a special soul! As a mom, your mom's age, I'm so proud of you! Keep being true to yourself and living your honest and best life! Enjoy this new nomadic chapter of your life! So awesome watching your journey!!! On a totally side/selfish note... can you share (again) where you got that magnificent jewelry box!? Hugs and love!! Be safe in your (car) travels!!
Thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable, highly appreciate it. I went through something extremely painful and was thinking...this is not fair and why me. Then sb told me :"even though it is so painful right now, God let it happen so that you could bless others in the future". You are trully blessing women by sharing your story.❤️ Thanks again
Anxiety is crazy. I went through a divorce a few years ago and have since remarried and have the most amazing life. But I have pretty intense anxiety since my divorce but never did before. You aren’t alone. I was told once that anxiety is a liar. It tells you everything is wrong and you can’t and that’s not true. I tell myself that all the time.
Your meal looks delicious!! I am also so happy for you. It's been a year of growth and your confidence is amazing! I love your vlogs and your sweater is beautiful like you! 😍
Oh my gosh, the divorce stuff is why I love following you, I feel like you’re the only person talking about this in a real way, I’m going through it right now too.
You are doing a great job, Michel, as you walk and talk through life in the wake of your divorce. Continue to trust God and your body, through this healing journey. We are blessed to walk with you.
I agree with the comment you posted about just moving forward. You've helped people, I'm sure, but, divorce was, is, and forever will be a part of our society. It's time to move on instead of "milking it for content" and living in the past. When you're putting yourself out there publicly, ya gotta take the bad with the good comments.
Michel your videos have been so helpful for me, and as a 26yo coming out of a 5year serious relationship, I really relate with a lot of what you are going through. Thank you for letting us go on this journey with you 🧡
Eating Annie's mac 'n' cheese while watching! Also love family date nights to watch Great British Bake Off! Thank you for being so vulnerable and open. It must take so much strength to share and I admire you so much
It was selfish of your ex to take more than what he deserved but I’m proud of how far you’ve come and i’m excited of what the future will bring for you 💕💕
Great video! Thanks for showing us what it is like to face your vulnerabilities yet fearless press on. You are an inspiration and I’m here to cheer you on.
These kinds of chatty videos are my favorite! While my life looks very much different than yours, I relate with many of the themes and topics you bring up. I love how you reflect on things and I hope that you keep feeling comfortable enough to share. People who say mean things are probably intimidated by your intrepid vulnerability and openness towards life and others. Not everyone can be as brave as you 😉
So the cooking segments could be called The Details and The Dish" because you're normally talking through something (details) while creating a dish of food. & also dish can also mean provide information. (:
I've gone thru similar things. I am so proud of your honestly and authenticity. If you only show the good people can see thru that and would end up un-following you bc I feel that people want the truth more than a facade. You are a beautiful human being and dont ever let others tear down your light. Shine on and keep going. Love ya!
Love the honest chat in this video. I'm happy to see that you are growing so much from everything that you have been through . Prayers & Wishes Lisa Hampton 😃
It's your channel to post about whatever you want to post about. I feel most connected with people when I understand their pain and they show vulnerability. Also, for a second I thought you said nerdy laundry not dirty laundry and it was a sweet moment in an otherwise heavy moment.
I connect with your channel so much more than before because of your honesty and openness. I would hate for that light to be dimmed by others’ comments. Keep shining, Michel!! ☀️ For a video name idea - to go along with sip and thrift - maybe call these videos ‘cook and chat’ and have a similar tag line to the sip and thrift and rephrase to something like “when we cook a meal together and have a chat along the way.”
These videos have been helpful and encouraging at least to someone like me who put off filing for divorce much longer than I should have !! it’s been helpful to relate to someone who has shared similar feelings and experiences.
Hi Michel! I haven’t been through a divorce but I have been through a very toxic relationship. I was with my ex for 6 years. (16-21)He was very manipulative, very gaslighting and abusive. The best decision I could have made was leaving him for the final time. Afterwards I thought I was going to be alone for a year and take it slow. I found me now husband in 7 months, dated for 4 and got married after only knowing each other for 7months. It’s the best decision I ever made. Im very proud of you for how you handled everything with your ex and how you continue to handle it.
I went through a long term breakup when I was 23, that was almost 10 years ago after being together close to 8 years and at the time I went through a horrible months long depression. I wish I would have had resources like this video of other girls going through similar experiences. Ignore the haters, some people can’t empathize with others or feel the need to make rude comments towards others since they cowardly hide behind their screen. If you can help just one girl I think it’s worth it 💛
You are without a doubt one of the most authentic content creators. Recent,y, I’ve walked away from an abusive situation with a famiky member that was just a shit show to deal with. The fallout Tony health was nit worth having this person in my life. I believe on God withallof my heart. You had a wonderful piece of advice from your mom instecent videowhere you said she told you to trust the path that you were on. Life has a way of working out. You won’t get a totally perfect day each and every day. However life is made up of what I call little pockets of goodness. When you recognize this, it means you know that all encompassing God has a structure and a path built with your higher purpose in mind. You are good,I promise you! Stay blessed and walk with strength in your divinity and purpose in scope you are so loved. Stay blessed and stay the course. It’s going to be an awesome road ahead.
I loveeee your channel and your content! I don't mind your divorce content at all. I know everyone has their own way to cope and for you, if it means to share with us then share away. We're here for you. Divorce is already hard as it is, anybody who's writing those mean comments can bring that negativity somewhere else. So sorry you have to deal with that.
One special lady Michel. I love how honest and in touch with your feelings you are. It takes doing the work. You're an absolute inspiration. Bless you ♡♡♡
(Obviously not my key takeaway from this video but… THAT SWEATER! 😍😍 where’d you get it??? So proud of you + your accomplishments this past year. You are such an inspiration!
I enjoyed all you had to say, but what I *really* was impressed by was your ability to eat something tomato-based while wearing a gorgeous, brand-new, possibly extensive sweater!
How about “Cook & Connect” with Michel? The things that you bring up in these videos hit home for a lot of people, as they make personal connections with the experiences that you share about your life. Also, your insight about these experiences is inspiring! Many people are connecting with you in a meaningful way when they watch these videos. Hence, “Cook & Connect” would be a nice title for your new segment.
Sending love! ❤️ side note - I was anxious all video wondering if you were going to spill red sauce on that beautiful sweater. Very impressed you didn't!
Always love to watch your videos.. SO if the ONE YEAR is here now.. After that Leave it in the rear view mirror. LET IT GO .. it made you stronger !!! . you have a Bright future. you are young ,, and I cant wait to see what you share on your nomad adventures .. Love you girl "HAppy " looks good on YOU !!!
As an 18 yr old who has yet to experience being in a marriage, I cannot tell you how much your videos help those of all ages. Your confidence has been such a radiating joy to women all around. I commend you for setting strict goals you wished to keep over this first year and sticking to those goals. Your growing relationship with the Lord is something to admire and is so beautiful to see. I couldn’t imagine having to uproot your life and have such sudden changes take place but you took those changes on and showed them who is boss. You are such an amazing role model to the people viewing your channel and I love watching your videos🫶
Your channel has helped me beyond what words can describe. When I decided to leave my boyfriend of 3.5 years, it was incredibly difficult because I thought he was my forever. I found so much comfort in your channel while navigating my emotions. Thank you for sharing what you do, Michel. You are amazing and I admire your perseverance in life!
If you don’t mind me asking; what made you want to leave/why was it felt like the best move? 🤍
@@destinyc6185 I don't mind at all. I ignored a lot of red flags throughout the entire relationship. We did not align on our values and after he said some very hurtful things to me, I knew it wasn't going to work anymore. And honestly, about 6ish months before I broke it off, I was googling things like "how to know when your relationship is over" and "Red flags to look for in your relationship" and things like that. I think that was when I subconsciously knew it was over but took me a little longer to admit it to myself. Sunk cost fallacy perse of wanting to stay but realizing I was very unhappy and not my true self ❤❤
@@the_caffeinated_hustle Thank you for your reply. I like learning about people’s experiences and have multiple family members going through divorce and in on/off stages of relationships, so I always like learning others stories/perspectives and applying when applicable!
I hope you’re happy and healthy, thank you again for sharing when you didn’t have to 🤍💕
What an incredibly courageous woman you are! Blessings to you on your journey!
When you said “frankly it’s not for you” 👏🏼👏🏼I have been following you for years and I am SO happy for you and proud of you. One thing I noticed recently is your clothing style and how I feel like it’s symbolic of your growth. 18 months-2+ years ago you were always choosing longer dresses and calling everything modest and how that made you comfortable. You’ve branched out so much and chosen clothes that are still so classy, but show personality and are less “modest housewife” style if you will. Maybe you didn’t notice this but I love it for you and have loved seeing you grow. 🤍
She has so much more youthfulness to her style now! I love it.
I'm going through a divorce right now and being 25 it feels so hard to do and recover from. Thank you for these videos.
I did it and I was a few years older than you already, at the time. It feels so large and so overwhelming, uncertain and feels like you’ve wasted so many years of your life. Trust me; it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I thought I was happy once, but I didn’t know how happy I could truly feel after that. I’m now in a relationship that I deeply cherish and am thankful for every day! You’ll get through it, slowly but surely! Wishing you strength and the best of luck on your future! There’s a lot of happiness waiting for you.
Elena sending you so much love, prayers and hugs.
@@Jess_Smith0903 Thank you and thank you for sharing your story with me.
@Elena Simons Be encourage love! You will recover, be stronger and happier! All the best to you on your healing journey! Sending you prayers and hugs!
I liked your channel before but I LOVE it now! That comment about how you've made your divorce your whole personality is absolutely absurd. When you go through a really hard, traumatic situation, it's bound to be a huge part of your life for a while. I've learned that grief isn't something that necessarily goes away, but we just grow our lives around it so that it eventually seems much smaller. I have loved watching you grow around your grief and you've challenged me in so many ways to grow around my struggles. So thank you for being willing to share this vulnerable, personal side of your life. It has been a breath of fresh air to see somebody be so REAL and it really makes a difference to a lot of people!
Grow around your grief, yes thats exactly it! 💯 well put
Beautifully put and I agree completely
Only at the 3 minute mark and I have to comment. Ignore those kinds of comments. A divorce is traumatic. In stress terms it is one of the highest stressful events in a person's life and equals the death of a spouse. I've been there. It's a season of life that is very emotional, very hard, and takes time to come to terms with it fully. You do things the way you feel is right for you. Ignore the comments.
I agree. I will never understand comments like that.
You can 100% re-litigate your divorce terms with new evidence brought to light.
Call the this series "Culinary Coversations"...!
You are helping many people. I love your content and I appreciate you sharing your life victories and struggles. It humanizes content creators and it shows that we aren't alone with the things we experience in life.
You teach us how to think through things and how to be intentional. You are a wonderfully genuine person and it's so refreshing to see.
Love this name ❤❤❤❤❤💛💛💛💛💛💚💚💚💚💜💜💜💜
@@donnacoxx8232 Hi Cousin with 2 Xs!!
I have never been through a divorce, but I lost a triplet brother when I was 15. It changed me in so many ways and continues to affect my life daily over 10 years later. Seeing your grief and growth over the past year has been nothing short of astonishing. So proud of how far you have come. ❤️
Michel, I'm one of the young divorcee's who has benefitted from hearing your journey. I had the same feelings on generosity on splitting of assets and on dating/not-dating post-divorce. I found myself in the same situation being just as trusting of others but being untrusting of myself. It's refreshing and reassuring to hear someone my age going through the same things. Thank you for sharing your journey!!
This video suddenly helped me understand something about myself so take it or leave it.
For the last year, I’ve been dealing with my relationship ending but with much different circumstances.
I’ve been married for 25 years. I have three kids. His family feels like my own family. I have a much different/less flexible job. Yet I continue to watch. I realized that it’s because there are many things about your situation that I wish for myself. I wish I could take “me” time. I wish listen to my body and rest. I wish I could drop everything and go on vacations. I wish I could take time to focus on myself and healing. I wish I could move and start over. That is not possible in a situation like mine. The kind of divorce that I see here (eliminating someone from your life), isn’t actually possible when you have kids or when you’ve built a 25 year life together.
Divorce in my situation will never look like your divorce and I think hearing many of things you talked about today helped me realize that and it was a very helpful reality check for me.
This is such a brave post Krisam 1998.... Yes it is VERY, very different doing this with children in the frame. It IS possible though. I think that the crucial difference is, as you wrote too, that you are unable to 'eliminate' someone from your life, when you have children. But that CAN be alright. It IS still possible. It takes a lot of navigation, negotiation and communication, yes. And resolve. And energy. It is entirely different to doing it without children involved, yes. But it IS possible.
I agree that divorce may not be possible TODAY, but these don’t rule it out. I divorced with a child, And it was the hardest thing I ever chose to do. But I validated my sons feelings, his confusion and his anger at his father and at me, while also telling him what I told myself. This is not fun or happy, but we can have fun and find happiness, and this is what has to be done.
I also had a chronic illness, and while it was challenging and I felt sick physically and emotionally at times, I did it.
I made mistakes but was as honest as I could be. If you want to know if there was a happy ending, yes, there is. I am happily engaged in my son is graduating from an honors college. He and I are extremely close, even though he lives a few hours away.
For me I think the moment came when I knew that staying was so harmful that no matter what we just needed a place where there was some peace and less stress. I just put 1 foot in front of the other and shaky and terrified did what I thought was best for myself and my child.
I don’t know what Is best for you and your children. But don’t feel powerless. There are people who can help if you reach out.
Please don’t let the small minority of miserable people that comment on your page change your interaction with the rest of us. We appreciate your honesty and your truth and many of us can relate to you. Thank you for sharing all the parts of your life with us 💜
Michel, because of you, I too rented a car and went from Boston to Maine. It was a big deal and I’m so proud of me! So out of my comfort zone. Thank you for sharing your wins! You are truly inspiring me and so many others. Xo
Im following you BECAUSE i found your divorce video. The realness, the truth, the emotions! I needed all of it.
I had to stop it at 2:49 to tell you, coming from a divorced man, that comment is beyond rude, and you should block that person. When you get a divorce, it will take up a lot of your life. It's also extremely emotionally draining. Not to mention the fact you was discovering things about your ex you didn't know throughout all of this. You are a strong lady.
I love how you said that sharing all this has been like a form of ministry--it TOTALLY is. You are helping so many people by sharing what you're going through and making people in similar situations feel less alone.
I’ve followed your life journey for a few years now and had related in many ways. To find myself now at 25 divorced for almost a year, I have related to you on an even deeper level. I’ve gone through years of manipulation and emotional abuse and still don’t have the truth or answers as to all went wrong. It feels my own story is being withheld from me. Many people around me have complimented me on how well I’m moving forward with my life and how impressed they are with my healing journey and for that I want to thank you for being an example of integrity and hope. It helps me so much to have incredible internet mentors like you to share wisdom on what I’m going through. Keep sharing girl it’s already helped one person over here!!
You can have 99 positive comments but it's that 1 comment that's hard to ignore. I hope you dont stop relating to your audience, theres people out there going through what you went through and I'm sure you're helping them.
You have helped me immensely in my post divorce journey. I’m twice your age but your situation and experience are similar. Anyone that says your are milking this divorce stuff, has probably not been through the trauma you have been through. You are navigating this whole thing with such dignity and grace. Please keep being you because so many of us adore you. Xoxo
You are so incredibly refreshing, and candid and unapologetically genuine and open, and kind, and always willing to turn the bad into good. So glad to be a subscriber you are an inspiration
The anxiety showing up now is definitely aftermath from the trauma. It's a symptom of PTSD most likely. And it's showing up now because your body feels safe enough to finally process the danger it was in and feel anxious.
Growing up in a traumatic home, for 29 years, been married and safe for about two and a half and since getting safe have dealt more with anxiety and nightmares.
You said you felt the need to share in case your experience helped even one other girl -- well I'm your proof!! We're the same age, but I'm going through my divorce right now. Your vulnerability has been SO helpful and comforting for me. To know I'm not alone, that others feel the same as I do, and give me hope for what is to come. Thank you, Michel!!
Hi Michel, I’m happily married and not going through your same experience but I really enjoy listening to how you’re growing and it encourages me to examine myself and to continue growing. I’m very excited for where God leads you and super happy for you to be making the most of this season of not being married and growing as an individual. We all should strive to grow and care for each other regardless of our marital status. Thanks for sharing! 😊
I am not going through a divorce and have never been married, but hearing about your journey has still been incredibly healing to me. Your thoughtful reflections on your experience speak to the major, universal tentpoles of dealing with things as heavy as grief and frustration, or as inevitable as change and growth even in the smallest capacities! I feel like i am better at organizing my thoughts and understanding my own intentions/feelings because I’m learning from you! You are so precise and delicate with the way you communicate, it’s a true gift :’)
I found your channel when I watched your video about divorce. I guess life changing sentence for me was, that you said he didn't say yes, he didn't say no either but he DIDN'T say yes, this opened my eyes and ears to REALLY hear what somebody is saying towards a relationship or me. Your journey has been comforting for me, as I have been doing my best on a similar journey. It has helped me to put myself first and act loving and time giving towards myself. AND I love your sip and trift videos! As for this video, once the food has been cooked, all I can think about is please eat it before it gets cold😉
Michel, I wanted to let you know that I am proud of you. I found your channel right before all the major changes happened last year. You have navigated your own trauma, and other Christian’s unhealthy views of remaining in trauma and unhealth, with so much grace. Using your journey and path to help to help others is such a gift. Its exciting to see you in a very different place🧡
P.S: Mama and Papa Janse seem like the sweetest people ever!
I too went through a divorce (this year). You are doing great! If I’m being honest, I feel like you’re doing so much better than I am. Share as much as you need to and obviously the person who commented has either no empathy or hasn’t gone through a divorce themselves.
I agree totally
Watching your videos now vs the ones from over a year ago....you sound and look way more mature and grown and that makes you even more beautiful both physically & spiritually. The past is the past and it will always be just a learning experience of what not to do, and what you should do in the future. There is nowhere to go from where you've been but up. Have a blessed journey.
I’m so so proud of all your accomplishments and how much you have healed from a devastating period in your life. You have matured in a beautiful way. I’m so thankful you lean on the Lord and aren’t afraid to share it. Hope you have a sweet blessed day.
Thank you so much for continuing to share. Healing is non linear and it’s so important to let it be
This is my first time seeing a video by you. Your warmth and authenticity make my heart smile. ❤
You don't bare yourself to strangers, but to your followers, people who like and support you :) that person with the mean comment-delete and block, you don't need that kind of negativity in your life! You do you and we will be with you every step of the way.💕
I’m so thankful that you share so openly about your life. I very recently got out of a relationship that had a lot of similarities to yours. Seeing you go on your healing journey has given me so much hope for my own life.
I love this series and I love saving these videos for when I cook! Thanks for sharing. Know that you have “friends” in this community who have been with you through it all and having been praying for you so much in this past year.
Thank you so much for continuing to share your feelings and being brave enough to be vulnerable…you’ve helped me tremendously. I’m 5 years post divorce.
When you said about trusting others more easily than yourself I thought that would be a very good area to work on and relax into. The abuse really does undermine the ability to trust yourself but, not trusting yourself is something that can make you more vulnerable to future abuse. I know you will get there with this…you make wise, astute, measured decisions and I have a feeling you always have done. What happened wasn’t your fault. Love and prayers xxx
I love your growth and setting boundaries! You have come a long way with a lot of work. I heard this once and I love it having gone through a divorce myself. Turning your mess into your message. YOU are doing just that and I am sure helping so many through your honesty. So proud of you as I know this journey takes one step in front of the other at your own pace. There were so many times in the pain of my divorce, I wished someone else could just make it all better. But the realization came fast that me, and only me, had to do the hard work, therapy and healing in order to come out the other side. It was well worth it. You learn so much compassion and insight, that when you run across a hurting person going through a divorce, you will have all you need inside of you to give them hope by your journey. God bless you Michel.
It’s amazing that you share so much. I love it and I’m trusting like you. I can’t imagine a person coming here and trying to hurt you. You are such a beautiful soul! I’ve been loving your travel videos and how calm and restful you seem to be. That is so good for your soul! Love you!
I'm in the thick of my awful divorce. So much stuff has come out about my ex since I made the decision to file and it's all been deceitful and awful. Having someone to go along with on the journey has been so helpful so thank you. I don't watch an other content creators but I'm looking forward to watching you thrive.
Proud of you for growing, learning and establishing boundaries. That is definitely something not easy to do as a former people pleaser. I am so happy for you for being stronger and confident! :)
You are doing a fandamtastic job and keeping your life together, keep on keeping on Michel!! You are so loved, thank you for sharing all that you have with us!!
Thank you for sharing! I love my video moments with you. Feeling like i'm hanging with a friend and i'm growing with you. It's precious to me 💕
Can I just say how cute Michel looks today. Love the hair and outfit😍 Thanks for covering this topic. You are right on with many of the things you have gone through in your divorce. I can really relate. It's nice to see I'm not the only one. You have grown a lot and have more layers to you. Also, yum your dish looks delicious 😋
thank you so much for this, still helpful 11 months later
I adore you and all the content life thoughts, holding yourself accountable and the growing you have done in the last year is really something I have enjoyed the more adventurous content especially.
Also the sleeves on that shit are so cute
I'm so proud of your milestones Michel! I can relate to the divorce trauma and I'm so glad you're vlogging about your divorce journey because it has helped so many who's going through it. By you being vocal about your journey takes so much courage, and it's truly admirable of you. Love your honesty and your beautiful soul. The Lord bless you. ♥️🙏🏻♥️
Hey Michel! Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty! You are such a special soul! As a mom, your mom's age, I'm so proud of you! Keep being true to yourself and living your honest and best life! Enjoy this new nomadic chapter of your life! So awesome watching your journey!!! On a totally side/selfish note... can you share (again) where you got that magnificent jewelry box!? Hugs and love!! Be safe in your (car) travels!!
Thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable, highly appreciate it. I went through something extremely painful and was thinking...this is not fair and why me. Then sb told me :"even though it is so painful right now, God let it happen so that you could bless others in the future". You are trully blessing women by sharing your story.❤️ Thanks again
Anxiety is crazy. I went through a divorce a few years ago and have since remarried and have the most amazing life. But I have pretty intense anxiety since my divorce but never did before. You aren’t alone. I was told once that anxiety is a liar. It tells you everything is wrong and you can’t and that’s not true. I tell myself that all the time.
Same! Divorced, remarried, and stayed with a lot of anxiety. You’re so brave !
Ooooh I like this strategy. Thanks for sharing I’ll be stealing it haha
I love your videos! Seeing your confidence grow throughout the the past year has helped me feel more confident, too. Thank you for being vulnerable!
Your meal looks delicious!! I am also so happy for you. It's been a year of growth and your confidence is amazing! I love your vlogs and your sweater is beautiful like you! 😍
Oh my gosh, the divorce stuff is why I love following you, I feel like you’re the only person talking about this in a real way, I’m going through it right now too.
You are doing a great job, Michel, as you walk and talk through life in the wake of your divorce. Continue to trust God and your body, through this healing journey. We are blessed to walk with you.
I agree with the comment you posted about just moving forward. You've helped people, I'm sure, but, divorce was, is, and forever will be a part of our society. It's time to move on instead of "milking it for content" and living in the past. When you're putting yourself out there publicly, ya gotta take the bad with the good comments.
Thank you for sharing and making me feel a little less alone on this journey x
Michel your videos have been so helpful for me, and as a 26yo coming out of a 5year serious relationship, I really relate with a lot of what you are going through. Thank you for letting us go on this journey with you 🧡
Eating Annie's mac 'n' cheese while watching! Also love family date nights to watch Great British Bake Off! Thank you for being so vulnerable and open. It must take so much strength to share and I admire you so much
It was selfish of your ex to take more than what he deserved but I’m proud of how far you’ve come and i’m excited of what the future will bring for you 💕💕
Great video!!! You're helping more people than you know. I'm glad you are so happy ....
Great video! Thanks for showing us what it is like to face your vulnerabilities yet fearless press on. You are an inspiration and I’m here to cheer you on.
Proud of you, Michel. You’re helping so many women!
Wishing you the best! Watching all the commercials for videos like this. Don’t listen to the haters, listen to your heart.❤
Thank you Michel. I’m going through a break up right now and you’ve just given me a little bit of hope that I was struggling to find ❤️
In the end of the day you are here for you. Your content who make you happy not others♡
These kinds of chatty videos are my favorite! While my life looks very much different than yours, I relate with many of the themes and topics you bring up. I love how you reflect on things and I hope that you keep feeling comfortable enough to share. People who say mean things are probably intimidated by your intrepid vulnerability and openness towards life and others. Not everyone can be as brave as you 😉
l absolutely LOVE your videos Michel.... let the haters hate, they have the choice of not watching. You have soooooo many that do love you.
So the cooking segments could be called The Details and The Dish" because you're normally talking through something (details) while creating a dish of food. & also dish can also mean provide information. (:
I've gone thru similar things. I am so proud of your honestly and authenticity. If you only show the good people can see thru that and would end up un-following you bc I feel that people want the truth more than a facade. You are a beautiful human being and dont ever let others tear down your light. Shine on and keep going. Love ya!
At 36, I still have those moments where I’m proud of myself for doing things independently.
Love the honest chat in this video. I'm happy to see that you are growing so much from everything that you have been through . Prayers & Wishes Lisa Hampton 😃
It's your channel to post about whatever you want to post about. I feel most connected with people when I understand their pain and they show vulnerability.
Also, for a second I thought you said nerdy laundry not dirty laundry and it was a sweet moment in an otherwise heavy moment.
I connect with your channel so much more than before because of your honesty and openness. I would hate for that light to be dimmed by others’ comments. Keep shining, Michel!! ☀️ For a video name idea - to go along with sip and thrift - maybe call these videos ‘cook and chat’ and have a similar tag line to the sip and thrift and rephrase to something like “when we cook a meal together and have a chat along the way.”
Michel you truly an inspiration, you are blessed so be a blessing to others especially women who are going thru divorce or just issues in life🙏
Many of the other bloggers just block someone that is negative ,your doing great ,don’t let negativity interfere with your mission
These videos have been helpful and encouraging at least to someone like me who put off filing for divorce much longer than I should have !! it’s been helpful to relate to someone who has shared similar feelings and experiences.
You rock Michel. Keep up the great work!
i LOVE your channel michel you're so inspiring 💗
Hi Michel! I haven’t been through a divorce but I have been through a very toxic relationship. I was with my ex for 6 years. (16-21)He was very manipulative, very gaslighting and abusive. The best decision I could have made was leaving him for the final time. Afterwards I thought I was going to be alone for a year and take it slow. I found me now husband in 7 months, dated for 4 and got married after only knowing each other for 7months. It’s the best decision I ever made. Im very proud of you for how you handled everything with your ex and how you continue to handle it.
Love love love you. And this. Thank you for sharing. You’ve helped me so much more than you’ll ever know!
Keep up the great work Michel😊
1000 lessons in defeat, only 1 in victory.
I think many more people support you than not.
I went through a long term breakup when I was 23, that was almost 10 years ago after being together close to 8 years and at the time I went through a horrible months long depression. I wish I would have had resources like this video of other girls going through similar experiences. Ignore the haters, some people can’t empathize with others or feel the need to make rude comments towards others since they cowardly hide behind their screen. If you can help just one girl I think it’s worth it 💛
You have come a long way. Be proud! ❤
I married young 25 to someone I didn’t really know it turns out. I was divorced at 27 with a child with him 1 year old. It was extremely challenging.
You are without a doubt one of the most authentic content creators. Recent,y, I’ve walked away from an abusive situation with a famiky member that was just a shit show to deal with. The fallout Tony health was nit worth having this person in my life. I believe on God withallof my heart. You had a wonderful piece of advice from your mom instecent videowhere you said she told you to trust the path that you were on. Life has a way of working out. You won’t get a totally perfect day each and every day. However life is made up of what I call little pockets of goodness. When you recognize this, it means you know that all encompassing God has a structure and a path built with your higher purpose in mind. You are good,I promise you! Stay blessed and walk with strength in your divinity and purpose in scope you are so loved. Stay blessed and stay the course. It’s going to be an awesome road ahead.
Good morning michel happy Tuesday morning and I loved your vlogs and you are amazing Supporter and I'm proud of you
I loveeee your channel and your content! I don't mind your divorce content at all. I know everyone has their own way to cope and for you, if it means to share with us then share away. We're here for you. Divorce is already hard as it is, anybody who's writing those mean comments can bring that negativity somewhere else. So sorry you have to deal with that.
You are so STRONG Michel!!! I am so proud of you. GOD BLESS YOU!❣️❣️❣️
Oooh, while I love the content of this video, I love the sweater you are wearing even more!! So cute! It looks great on you!!
Thank you for sharing!💛 Would love to hear how you and Jordy got together.
If you place a damp cloth or paper towel under your cutting board, it prevents the cutting board from sliding around and prevents potential injury.
One special lady Michel. I love how honest and in touch with your feelings you are. It takes doing the work. You're an absolute inspiration. Bless you ♡♡♡
Series name: Recipes and Reflections
love your videos and your honesty, michel!
(Obviously not my key takeaway from this video but… THAT SWEATER! 😍😍 where’d you get it???
So proud of you + your accomplishments this past year. You are such an inspiration!
God Bless You, thank You for sharing testimony!💞
Great video. You come so far proud of you all that you accomplished 😊.
Have aGood week 🥰
I enjoyed all you had to say, but what I *really* was impressed by was your ability to eat something tomato-based while wearing a gorgeous, brand-new, possibly extensive sweater!
How about “Cook & Connect” with Michel?
The things that you bring up in these videos hit home for a lot of people, as they make personal connections with the experiences that you share about your life. Also, your insight about these experiences is inspiring! Many people are connecting with you in a meaningful way when they watch these videos. Hence, “Cook & Connect” would be a nice title for your new segment.
So much to be proud of 🎉👏🏼
Sending love! ❤️ side note - I was anxious all video wondering if you were going to spill red sauce on that beautiful sweater. Very impressed you didn't!
Always love to watch your videos.. SO if the ONE YEAR is here now.. After that Leave it in the rear view mirror. LET IT GO .. it made you stronger !!! . you have a Bright future. you are young ,, and I cant wait to see what you share on your nomad adventures .. Love you girl "HAppy " looks good on YOU !!!
As an 18 yr old who has yet to experience being in a marriage, I cannot tell you how much your videos help those of all ages. Your confidence has been such a radiating joy to women all around. I commend you for setting strict goals you wished to keep over this first year and sticking to those goals. Your growing relationship with the Lord is something to admire and is so beautiful to see. I couldn’t imagine having to uproot your life and have such sudden changes take place but you took those changes on and showed them who is boss. You are such an amazing role model to the people viewing your channel and I love watching your videos🫶