Welcome to the X2X blog. As CEO, I get to write the inaugural post (below) and set the tone for what we expect will be both interesting and informative.  The Family Community blog will include elements of education along with case studies and more.  Writing on the topic of separation will be challenging. As someone who has gone through it with 4 kids, I know some days are better than others.  I hope you will take the time to read our posts, comment, and above all else let us know what you want to hear.

I am a divorced father of 4 trying to create something positive out of what was the largest failure of my life.  It should be no surprise that separation and divorce are the second and third most stressful events behind the loss of a spouse; a fact not lost on anyone who has experienced a relationship breaking apart.  As I navigate the waters post divorce, I learned that if life was hard leading up to separation it got exponentially harder post separation.  Time ran away, there was never enough time in the day, moments with the kids got harder and were shared shopping for groceries or while watching a sports game.  Scheduling 1 on 1 time, as a father became tied to a calendar. Spontaneous events turned into planned outings with things to accomplish on the way.  Somewhere in all that mayhem I needed time for just me. Silence, contemplation and healing – fitting it in was the challenge.  In hindsight, I now know that is what I needed but as I exited my relationship I did the exact opposite. I coached youth soccer, managed youth lacrosse and eventually took classes as an Emergency Medical Technician and volunteered with my town’s rescue department.  Balancing that with 4 kids, work, and related activities, time was at a premium and I began to sink not swim.

When I speak to friends and colleagues who experienced separation/divorce a common thread emerged: who do I talk to, what can I read, how do you manage post breakup.  Books felt false, the Internet lacked credibility, attorneys wanted your money and I did not know where to turn.  This blog is my starting point for putting parts of post separation life thoughts in one centralized area.

I am interested in your feedback and would hope you sign up for our blog as we start the process to create a credible blog for those experiencing this stressful and life changing event.

​Thank you,
Mark