If I knew I'd feel this fulfilled as a single woman, I would have left my ex's ass a thousand times. According to a recent article published by PEOPLE, that's exactly how "Not Gon' Cry" singer and recent Lifetime Achievement Award winner Mary J. Blige feels now that her divorce has been finalized.
After discovering that her former husband, Kendu Issacs, had committed infidelity in their relationship, Mary took a hit both to her heart and her bank account. While undergoing divorce proceedings, a judge determined that Mary pay Kendu a total of $30,000 a month in sposal support, totaling a sum $360,000 a year, but no sum of money was equal to the freedom the 48-year-old singer felt after breaking free of a toxic relationship.
Mary is back to singing the songs of love and heartbreak that have been the soundtrack of our romantic lives for days, and according to her, the ability to revist those old feelings is more of a blessing than a curse. She explained:
Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix
"It's therapeutic. To travel back and to relive something again and not have it drive you crazy is a true gift from God."
She explained that because she's been through the storm, she's on a mission to let other women know there's a rainbow on the other side. Often times in life, we're blindsided by the ones we love, and although it may not take away the feelings of betrayal and hurt, it helps to know that you're not going through it alone. She continued:
"To be able to touch people with what you've gone through and pull them through…The sadness makes me happy almost. I can't even describe it."
Although Mary is able to look on the bright side today, the singer shared that she hasn't always maintained this level of joy and optimism. Mary revealed that contrary to what we may think, she didn't truly find peace until having to undergo one of the most tumultuous storms of her life. She explained:
"I think I turned that corner when I got my divorce. I think that I realized that no matter what comes to me, no matter how big or bad it is, I have to keep moving, I have to keep living. I said, 'No, I'm not going to stay in this marriage. I'm out of here.' That's what thriving is about."
According to Mary, although her divorce may have been difficult, she's confident that her life as a new woman will be just fine. It takes a truly mature woman to see the purpose in her pain, and to Mary, what she's been through has only solidified her faith.
"I'm very content, and I'm happy with myself. I learned to be happy with just Mary, just enjoying my own company, me by myself most of the time. I'm grateful."
To read Mary's full interview with PEOPLE, click here!
Featured image by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix