**Jennie Garth Reflects on Divorce and Embracing Joy in New Memoir**
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Jennie Garth, the renowned actress and podcast host, is candidly discussing the aftermath of her 2013 divorce from fellow actor Peter Facinelli in her upcoming memoir, *I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention*. Garth’s personal journey through heartbreak and self-discovery has informed her new project, showcasing her commitment to not only reclaiming her life but also finding joy in the process.
The dramatic end of her 17-year marriage to Facinelli, which produced three daughters, left Garth grappling with profound feelings of humiliation and grief. In the pages of her memoir, she recounts a particularly painful moment during therapy when she was asked, “Why do you want to stay married to someone who doesn’t love you anymore?” This question starkly highlighted her emotional turmoil and the stark reality she faced.
Garth, now 54, recalls those years as being overshadowed by a profound sense of sadness and anger, which seeped into every facet of her life. “I spent a good amount of years being angry, hurt, sad, just tormented by it,” she shared in a cover story with *People*. She became acutely aware of how her emotional state affected her well-being and those around her, noticing that her inner light was dimming.
The turning point for Garth came when she realised that the only path to healing was through forgiveness. “One day I just said, ‘I don’t want to carry this anymore,'” she recalled. This decision to let go of the burden of anger and resentment became a transformative moment for her. “It was the most freeing thing in the world,” she added, suggesting that such a shift might be difficult for those currently experiencing the pain of divorce, yet it is possible.
Garth emphasises that forgiveness is rooted in self-preservation rather than a concession to the other party. “It has everything to do with you preserving yourself, your life and wanting to move forward and wanting to be happy,” she stated. She believes that holding onto negative emotions leads to self-sabotage, preventing genuine happiness.
Since her divorce, Garth and Facinelli have navigated their co-parenting dynamic with remarkable success, evolving into close friends. Garth is currently married to actor Dave Abrams, and has adopted a sober lifestyle, further embodying the ethos of her ‘I Choose Me’ movement. This initiative also includes a podcast that echoes the themes of her memoir.
Reflecting on her journey, Garth admits that she never envisioned such a hopeful outcome following the turmoil of her previous experiences. “My whole life has been things just coming at me: fame, responsibilities, children, marriage, divorce, marriage, divorce,” she mused. “I’ve just been swimming and trying to keep up.”
In an introspective moment, Garth shared thoughts on how she would counsel her younger self. “I would tell the younger Jennie to buckle up and hold on. It’s going to be a wild ride you never saw coming.” She also underscores the importance of self-compassion, acknowledging that she has often been overly critical of herself.
As she prepares for the launch of *I Choose Me*, which is set to hit the shelves on April 14 and is available for preorder, Garth continues to inspire others by sharing her journey. Her message not only resonates with those who have faced similar challenges but also serves as a reminder of the power of choice in the face of adversity.
Throughout her experiences, Garth has learned to prioritise her happiness, embracing the lessons that life has presented, and fostering an authentic connection with herself. The depth of her insights aims to encourage others to embark on their own path towards healing and joy, ultimately affirming the idea that personal transformation is possible, no matter the struggles one has faced.