Shannon: I Felt Like I Was Punched in the Stomach
Shannon's candid reaction to the episode and her painful journey with David.
Wow, Season 10! I really don't know where to start. I suppose the first thing I should address is why my husband and I have chosen to show such personal and private information on television. The decision was not an easy one. But after much counseling and discussions with our children, we thought that we would tell our story with the hope that other couples who have faced similar heartbreak can repair and restore their marriage like David and I are doing.
This episode is difficult to watch because I don't like to relive any of this. Honestly, my marriage would not be where it is today without Tina Konkin and her staff at the Couples Retreat. Our experience with her was life-changing. We are so blessed that she came into our lives.
Tina has helped us to understand that so much of your personal history and baggage molds who you are. David and I do not want to adversely impact our children and are hoping to re-write our future to positively influence them. It is incredibly painful for me to see myself speaking negatively about my own childhood because I have an amazing relationship with my mother today. She went through some very difficult times as a wife and I am hopeful that my children will be able to move past the pain we have experienced as a family and continue to look forward.
When watching David reveal the highs and lows in his life, I felt like I was punched in the stomach. I saw that he listed the affair as both a "high" and a "low". I heard him say that the affair gave him "new life". Today, I am trying to process through the hurt that I feel from his comments. Some moments can be difficult, but I am focusing on the positive. I remind myself of the commitment that David has made to both me and our family. He has not only made himself accountable to me, but to everyone who watches the show, and for that, I am grateful beyond words.
I feel like it's been years since Season 9. Get ready for a ride this season! On the next episode you will see more of our experience with Tina and the Couples Retreat. I am hopeful that some will be inspired by our journey of healing because family is the most important.
I am finally going to enter the 21st century and begin live tweeting during the episodes this season. Please follow me on twitter @shannonbeador and let me know how I am doing! Also, join me on Instagram and Facebook!
For more information on the incredible Couples Retreat and Tina Konkin, visit www.couplesretreat.com.
Until next week...XOXO
