Emma Sheppard, 42, from Blackpool, says her life changed after divorcing her husband of 18 years in 2020.
The separation left her feeling overwhelmed and lacking confidence. She struggled with anxiety and described herself as simply “existing” rather than living. After years focused on work and family, she realized she had neglected her own health and happiness.
Determined to make a fresh start, Emma began making gradual but steady changes. She joined a gym and committed to regular exercise. She replaced takeaway meals with healthier, home-cooked food. She also reduced her long-standing smoking habit and paid more attention to her appearance and self-care.
These changes improved both her physical health and her outlook on life. Emma says she now feels stronger, more confident, and more positive than she did during her marriage. Friends and colleagues have noticed the transformation, but she believes the biggest shift happened internally.
She has since begun socializing more and joined a dating app, though she says her main focus is her own wellbeing.
Emma credits her transformation not just to lifestyle changes, but to choosing herself for the first time. She describes this period as a new beginning — one built on confidence, independence, and self-respect.