In this thoughtful episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Dr. Merideth Thompson, TEDx speaker, executive coach, and relationship researcher with over two decades of experience and a deeply personal divorce story. Dr. Thompson opens up about staying in her first marriage too long, the impact it had on her children, and her eventual decision to prioritize joy, peace, and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

- Dr. Merideth Thompson’s Divorce Journey:

She discusses marrying her high school sweetheart, staying together for the sake of her kids, and the moment she realized staying was more harmful than leaving.

- Letting Go and Starting Over:

Merideth reveals how letting go of her “stupidly big house” and prioritizing a home that brought her peace became a turning point. She emphasizes the freedom that comes from recognizing it’s not about the “stuff,” but about reclaiming your life.

- Parenting Plan Lessons:

Both speakers reflect on the importance—and difficulty—of crafting parenting plans that anticipate future life changes. Dr. Thompson offers advice on what she would do differently to smooth co-parenting transitions.

- Impact on Health:

The episode explores the significant physical and mental health toll of an unhealthy marriage.

- Introducing PartnerLab:

Merideth introduces her work through PartnerLab, helping individuals gain clarity about their relationships, whether they’re “in limbo” or seeking healthier partnerships.

Free Resource:

Merideth Thompson’s “Clarity Matrix” is a free starter guide to help you gauge what’s working in your relationship, consider your deal-breakers, and start important conversations.

You can access it here: The Clarity Matrix  

Connect with Dr. Meredith Thompson: 

Website: https://www.mypartnerlab.co/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merideth-j-thompson/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@merideththompsonphd 

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ 

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights 

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.