Episode 11

full
Published on:

14th Jan 2026

Why You NEED to Wait to Date After Divorce

Scrolling dating apps after your divorce? Feeling the pull to fill the void with someone new? I get it, but here's what you need to know: dating too soon keeps you from becoming who you're meant to be.

We dive into the real dangers of jumping into dating before you're ready: attracting the same type of person, missing red flags you're now trained to ignore, and robbing yourself of the transformation waiting for you. We reframe this year not as punishment or loneliness, but as your Year of Empowerment, a season to reclaim your identity, set boundaries you've never had, and build the foundation for truly healthy love.

You'll hear practical advice on navigating singleness, investing in yourself, and why the best relationship you can have right now is with God and with yourself. If Part 1 convinced you to wait, Part 2 shows you exactly how to make that year count. This isn’t about deprivation—it's about alignment, clarity, and choosing connection that lets you stay you.

📓 Companion Journal (free)

https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1867562/169272817871750921/share

If something stirred in you today, you don't have to hold it alone.

This journal gives you a private place to process at your own pace.

☕️ New episodes drop on Wednesdays. Follow so you never miss one.

🙏 A special welcome if you just started following — I’m grateful you’re here. 🤍

👉 Start the healing journey here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_cSXSdist0GYS4EL-yT9ockORATI-MY5


Listen & Subscribe

🤍 Listen page: https://validatedpodcast.com/listen


📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal?sub_confirmation=1


🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/validated-own-voice-heal/id1850964341


🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MPNnTAWX2VsoMR9Lek2r2?si=2ed341ee4c0f4306


🔗 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/validated-own-voice-heal/


📓 Free Companion Journals: https://validatedpodcast.com/validated-vault

In This Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:34 The Pull Toward Dating Too Soon

02:32 Your Year of Empowerment

03:30 Reclaiming Your Authentic Self

05:00 Navigating Life Changes

13:02 Healing Through Self-Care + Growth

13:38 Deepening Your Relationship with God

14:40 Closing Encouragement


⚖️ Disclaimer

Just a reminder:

I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.

This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.

If you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. You are worthy of such support.


🎶 Music Credit & License

Intro/Outro music: “Lofi Background Music-337568” — licensed via Pixabay.

Licensed under the Pixabay Content License (free for commercial use; no attribution required). Content ID registered; used with license.

Listen for free

Show artwork for Validated: Own. Voice. Heal.

About the Podcast

Validated: Own. Voice. Heal.
Faith-rooted support and practical tools for women facing hidden abuse.
Validated is a podcast for women navigating hidden psychological, emotional, spiritual, and financial abuse—especially in relationships that look “perfect.” If you're walking on eggshells, doubting your reality, or asking, “Am I overreacting?” you’re in the right place.

☕️New episodes release every Wednesday at 4:45 AM PT, starting Nov 19. Subscribe so you never miss one.

Here, you'll find:
🌱 Hope when you feel isolated – You're not alone, and you're not crazy
🌱 Tools to recognize the patterns – Finally see what's been so hard to name
🌱 Faith-rooted truth – Scripture and encouragement for your healing journey
🌱 Language for your story – Words for what you've struggled to explain
🌱 Courage for your next steps – Whether you stay, work through it, or walk away

I'm Valerie—a voice advocate who chose to leave a marriage that was breaking me emotionally and psychologically. I share my story, the truths that carried me, and practical wisdom to help you move from silence to strength.

This is where you finally get to stop pretending everything is fine...this is where God meets you in your pain and helps you find your voice.

Listen & Subscribe
🤍 Listen page: https://validatedpodcast.com/listen
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal?sub_confirmation=1
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/validated-own-voice-heal/id1850964341
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MPNnTAWX2VsoMR9Lek2r2?si=2ed341ee4c0f4306
🔗 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/validated-own-voice-heal/


Disclaimer

Just a reminder: I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.

This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.

Every situation is unique; if you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. If you ever feel unsafe or are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a trusted crisis resource in your region. You are worthy of such support.

About your host

Profile picture for Valerie Pratt

Valerie Pratt

Valerie is a voice advocate and host of Validated: Own. Voice. Heal., a faith-rooted podcast for women navigating hidden abuse—psychological, emotional, spiritual, or financial. After walking through her own experience and choosing a different future, she blends lived wisdom, careful research, and gentle, practical tools to help women name what’s happening, make empowering choices, and move from silence to strength. Each episode offers clear teaching, real-life examples, and “tiny brave step” prompts, alongside free journals and guides in the Validated Vault. Valerie’s aim is simple: give you hope when you feel alone, truth to steady your mind, and courage for your next brave step. Validated shares education and support; it is not therapy, counseling, or legal advice.