President’s Letter November 2017

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” — Cynthia Ozick

Thanksgiving puts gratitude front and center.  Initially thinking about gratitude in the context of Collaborative Divorce felt a bit contrived.  Yet, the more I thought, the more my gratitude for it grew (those of you more steeped in the practice of gratitude are not surprised by this) as well as my understanding of why we all do the hard work that it requires of us. Because it matters.

Collaborative Divorce:

• • Empowers clients to control their own lives
  • Values true collaboration, not game playing or one-upmanship
  • Does not worship at the altars of ego and money
  • Allows me to work with a great team of professionals
  • Honors our deepest human desires to be connected to and to help one another
  • Provides the privacy required for clients and professionals to be honest with each other
  • Appreciates each person’s unique skills and qualities
  • Let’s me use my gifts to help others
  • Understands that heaping guilt and blame upon people for the past does not serve the higher good of that person, the couple, their family or our society
  • Is optimistic, not cynical, about people
  • Teaches and supports genuine communication
  • Honors human dignity
  • Allows me to meet many amazing people
  • Expects the best from clients and professionals
  • Understands the harm caused by pitting husbands and wives and mothers and fathers against each other
  • Provides many opportunities to learn new things
  • Allows me to help clients help themselves
  • Honors the grieving inherent in divorce
  • Values individuals not arbitrary rules and procedures
  • Reduces the burden on our court system
  • Engages with conflict constructively, not manipulating it to serve other purposes
  • Sees the harm in generating additional fear and anger
  • Recognizes that when parents work things out themselves, kids are more likely to thrive
  • Encourages patience, kindness and generosity of spirit
  • Values creativity and thinking outside the legal box. 
  • Understands that humiliation and force do not bring peace or lasting settlements
  • Seeks enduring solutions

I am tremendously thankful for Collaborative Divorce.  Because it matters.   To me, my clients and society.

I am also thankful to you for your membership in CDT. Collaborative Divorce supports clients to be their best selves during one of their worst times.  How people divorce matters.  Your support makes it possible for CDT to continue working to make Collaborative Divorce the preferred method of divorce in Texas. 

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

Winnie Huff