For many people, breakups signal a chance to make a fresh start. But one woman has gone further than most by completely transforming her life after getting divorced. Emma, 42, was left feeling "worthless" after splitting from her husband of 18 years in 2020. Now, two years on, she's living her "best life" after finding inner happiness.
The mum-of-two realised it was "her turn" after years spent caring "for everyone else." So, she joined a gym, ditched junk food, glammed-up, and even joined Tinder - turning her life around. Emma, a welfare case worker from Blackpool, said: "I feel amazing and it's like the beauty comes from within. It's like walking on air.
"Before I'd always just worked hard and cared for everyone else. But, one day after we separated, I realised it was my turn. I looked old empty and drained, but now I'm living my best life. I'm happy and I look completely different."
Emma tied the knot in 2000, aged 22. She thought she would be married for life but the relationship started to break down several years ago, she says. The divorce was finalised in October of that year. Emma says she was initially down but, after listening to Roar by Katy Perry, she decided to move on.
First she gave her wardrobe an overhaul, booting out her usual black trousers and flats for skirts, heels and brightly coloured jackets and coats. She also started wearing red lipstick for the first time, and cut her 20-a-day smoking habit to just four.
The non-drinker also took an extra job two nights in a cocktail bar and started going to the gym for weights and cardio five times a week. Emma says she also switched up her eating habits, replacing egg and chips and bacon sandwiches with chicken pasta and homemade bolognese.
She said: "I'd married for life. It was him, the girls and work. I felt I'd got it all sorted.
"I had no confidence in myself and was so isolated. I was just existing, working to pay the bills and just getting through. One day I woke up and thought, 'You come from a family of strong women, you are free and you can make a difference in your life'.
"I realised I can be so much more. It was like a force from somebody watching over me. Everything about me is completely different now.
"People say I look incredible compared to before, and I think it's because I'm so happy inside. Now I just smile all the time. And this is just the beginning."
Emma does not have a new partner, but she is looking for love on Tinder - where she caught the attention of a man who claimed to be a Love Island star. She said: "It was funny to get hit on by that Love Island guy. I didn't recognise him at first but I thought, 'My type on paper'.
"I worked it out when we talked over Snapchat and I saw videos of him. He was messaging saying how pretty I was and that I don't look like 42.
"It was very flattering, and a shock, and quite funny."
Do you have a story to share? We pay for stories. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
