Understanding how tough the divorce journey can be, Brenda Bridges of Bridging Divorce aims to help couples navigate this season with clarity, compassion, and the resources they need to move forward respectfully. Brenda is trained in the many family and financial decisions people face when going through a divorce and has developed a trademarked Informed Mediation™ process that helps couples stay out of court, focused on their goals, and in control of their lives.
With a professional life dedicated to helping others, Brenda also recognizes the importance of taking care of herself. This month, Brenda shares not only what keeps her motivated in her work life, but how she maintains a healthy balance between work and personal time.
What do you love about what you do?
What I love is watching people realize they’re not powerless. When they get good information and a calm guide, they make smarter choices — for themselves and for their kids. I love watching the moment someone realizes - I’m not powerless here. I can do this.
Clients often share that they didn’t know they had options. They send notes of gratitude saying the process helped them show up for themselves and their children with integrity, even when everything felt shaky.
Being invited into that space — that fragile, brave moment in a person’s life — is something I never take for granted. Being that steady presence in someone’s hardest chapter… that’s the real privilege of my work.
What do you love to do for fun?
I’m a bit of a collector of joys. I read a couple of books every week. I practice yoga. I love to bike and I’m very grateful for our e-bikes, because Chattanooga is basically hills wrapped in more hills. I garden, paint, hike, and recently I’ve fallen in love with clay work — there’s something about creating with your hands that feels grounding.
Travel is another passion. From Morocco to Greece, New York to New Orleans, I love exploring new places and cultures. Next up is Portugal with my kids, which I’m already excited about.
And at home, I’m dreaming up a new project: building a waterfall and koi pond in the yard. Creativity + nature = my happy place.
Do you have any favorite local spots?
I love trying new restaurants, catching live music, and finding those little pockets of beauty that pop up everywhere in this city. I’ve been coming here since the ’80s because my parents lived here but settling in as an empty nest adult has been a whole new chapter. People have welcomed me with such generosity. Now that I have real roots here, I’m excited to get more involved in community work and figure out where I can be of service.
How do you ensure a healthy work/personal life balance?
If I’m honest, balance became a necessity after years of living without it. Following my divorce, I rebuilt my career from the ground up at age 50. I worked relentlessly, and eventually it caught up with me — emotionally and physically.
Now, balance isn’t a luxury; it’s part of who I’m becoming. I make space for rest, curiosity, creativity, movement, and learning. I surround myself with mentors who ask better questions and challenge old assumptions. I listen to podcasts about health, leadership, and being a whole human being — not just a productive one.
What I’ve learned is this: when you protect your wellbeing, everything else gets better.
Why is work/personal life balance so important?
Because if you don’t create balance, life will do it for you — and usually in a way you don’t like. When you run too hard for too long, you pay for it. Your health goes, your relationships fray, your clarity disappears. I’ve lived that. Finding balance is about protecting your future self. When you’re grounded, your decisions get better. And your life gets better.
What else would you love readers to know?
Divorce is one of the hardest things a person can go through. It’s disorienting. It’s vulnerable. And it’s often lonely. If someone in your life is going through a divorce, the greatest gift you can offer is your presence. You don’t have to give advice or fix anything. Just stay. Just listen. Just show up. People remember who was there for them.
And if you’re the one going through it, know this: you’re not broken. You’re not alone. And there are healthier, more caring ways to move through this chapter. My work is about helping people find those ways — those that prioritize dignity, compassion, and informed decisions. We really can do better than the old win-or-lose model.
Brenda Bridges holds multiple certifications including as a Mediator, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Divorce Coach® and BeH20™ certified co-parenting educator. For more information and to connect with Brenda, visit BridgingDivorceSolutions.com, email brenda@bridgingllc.com, or call 844-306-0166.
People aren’t powerless. With calm guidance and good information, they make choices they can stand proud of.
Balance isn’t a luxury; it’s who I’m becoming. When you protect your wellbeing, your clarity improves, your decisions get better, and your entire life starts to follow that healthier direction.”