U.S. Newsthird metricVideodivorce

The Moment I Stopped Avoiding Change And Got A New Start

The Moment I Knew: I Looked In The Mirror And Felt Sorry For Who I Was
|

Taking a literal look at herself was all Brandi Preul needed to completely change her life.

"I think I was putting laundry away, and I caught my reflection in a mirror, and I just completely felt sorry for who I saw," Preul told HuffPost Live's Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani. "I had done a long time of avoiding my reflection because I didn't like what I saw, but I felt absolutely sorry for who I saw and I knew I needed to make a change."

And change she did. Preul's realization of her unhappiness drove her to file for divorce, uproot the lives of herself and her daughter and move to a different state. She had to wait more than a year until the divorce was finalized, but she vividly remembers the moment she finally knew that her life was what she wanted it to be.

"I looked into the mirror and I thought, 'I'm pretty awesome, and I love my life, and I'm happy where I am right now,'" she said. "That was the moment that I was like, 'Alright, I'm over everything that just happened.'"

Did you get a new job? New spouse? New city? We want to hear from you! Share your stories of life-changing breakthrough moments with HuffPost's Third Metric at themoment@huffingtonpost.com.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Use These Colors To Change Your Mood
(01 of07)
Open Image Modal
Tones of blue have shown to slow down heart rate and lower blood pressure. Take a moment to get lost in these blue hues for a soothing midday break. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="13" data-vars-position-in-unit="14">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15559081@N04/1765561236" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Haleyface" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15559081@N04/1765561236" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="14" data-vars-position-in-unit="15">Haleyface</a>)
(02 of07)
Open Image Modal
Looking at the color green can evoke the same relaxation as going for a stroll in the park. Since we associate greens with the environment, it's no wonder this image makes us feel refreshed. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="11" data-vars-position-in-unit="12">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14922165@N00/9674369445" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Nicholas_T" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14922165@N00/9674369445" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="12" data-vars-position-in-unit="13">Nicholas_T</a>)
(03 of07)
Open Image Modal
Need a little spring in your step? Yellow symbolizes joy and happiness. So smile and smell the sunflowers! (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="9" data-vars-position-in-unit="10">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11116473@N00/9774340951" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="lichfield dean" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11116473@N00/9774340951" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="10" data-vars-position-in-unit="11">lichfield dean</a>)
(04 of07)
Open Image Modal
Purple is a rich and regal color associated with confidence. Take a look and say a positive mantra to yourself because you can conquer whatever obstacle you face. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="7" data-vars-position-in-unit="8">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22605449@N06/5646625428" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Camera Eye Photography" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22605449@N06/5646625428" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="8" data-vars-position-in-unit="9">Camera Eye Photography</a>)
(05 of07)
Open Image Modal
Feel like taking a whiff? We don't blame you, beige is warm and inviting to clam your nerves after a rough day. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="5" data-vars-position-in-unit="6">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56796376@N00/8795734535" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="mckaysavage" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56796376@N00/8795734535" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="6" data-vars-position-in-unit="7">mckaysavage</a>)
(06 of07)
Open Image Modal
Hearts are often appropriately painted pink. The color symbolizes love and acceptance, so splash some pink in your life to give yourself a little TLC. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="2" data-vars-position-in-unit="3">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41893519@N07/4357608912" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="ShironekoEuro" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41893519@N07/4357608912" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="3" data-vars-position-in-unit="4">ShironekoEuro</a>)
(07 of07)
Open Image Modal
The bright glow of an orange sunset is exciting and stimulating. Soaking in some orange color can spark your creativity and enthusiasm. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="0" data-vars-position-in-unit="1">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37721397@N06/9348732941" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="LouisvilleUSACE" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60fe85f9e4b06971f409869f" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37721397@N06/9348732941" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="1" data-vars-position-in-unit="2">LouisvilleUSACE</a>)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip