support via Meetup

This is great, Dan - I'm so glad you went!
On Meetup, I found a local program that a friend had told me about and it is "like a 12-step program" for divorce support. It is hosted at a church (but it is open to all public). When seeking that group & signing up for it, I also found the 40's & 50's Singles group. They are more about going out to a movie with drinks before or after or other nights, dinner before (restaurants named that are not so bar or brewery - so I may end up trying out on of the non-bar events sooner or later).
There IS life after divorce - even if or when there are children, even ones with special or ongoing needs, even when the spouses battle - it CAN be gotten through.
Good luck my friend - this group definitely sounds like an asset in Exit Planning.

I am a HUGE fan of Meetup!

Man, did I ever hurl myself out of my comfort zone with Meetup groups.

I didn't attend any "post divorce" ones but that's because not having kids, I just didn't have the same issues as other divorcees. I also wanted to focus on building the life I dreamed of so I joined groups where I could do the things I love (go dancing, go to lectures, hike, kayak, etc.). I was active in a lot of the outdoor ones - went kayaking with great groups of people and made lifelong friends I still stay in touch with now.

My favorite Meetup events were the ones I hosted even though I was scared to death to do it. I did some Photography hikes at sunset and sunrise. No one else did it, I thought it would be fun so I planned them. There were usually 10-15 of us on those hikes even at 5 am. Looking back that may have been risky but really only genuinely good and awesome people ever joined up. I got great pictures and tips from actual pros. I also ran a Woman's Retreat for 12 women up in my home area (four hours away from the metro area) for a five day weekend and had a blast sharing a cabin in January with these women, cross country skiing, snow-shoeing and talking around the fire with wine. I was nervous about that one because what if "pain in the ass" women joined up? But actually I met my best friend on that trip and the others were great, too. That was just after I left my ex-husband. I was able to talk so openly with them all and found out we all had a lot in common. The last one I hosted was the most fun -- it was a book club meetup based on the book "Naked Dating" - I ran it for 5 weeks in January at a venue that was close to live music on Thursday nights afterwards. I thought maybe 7 women would join or something but the RSVPs kept POURING in so I had to find a bigger venue. That first night there were 70 men and women there! OMG. I had to speak in front of everyone! lol I was a mess, but it worked. I set up tables of 10 and named each table after a type of thong (it goes with the book... bare yourself, love yourself even in your thongs... lol). So we had the "Lacy Thongs" table, Leopard Print Thongs table, etc. I had premade conversation cards based on the book for each table and everyone went around talking about the topics, questions, sharing. Then afterwards most people all went out dancing up the street. It wasn't meant to be a singles hook-up but many did hook up. I did not, but I had a BLAST. We kept the membership around 45-55 the remainder of the event so it was a positive thing. I received a standing ovation at the end of it - I was so embarrassed. But what I learned from that is both men and women LIKE to share and open up and learn from each other. One man in particular touched me so much. His wife of 30 years had died a year ago and he was just dipping his toes in the dating world, terrified. But talking with the women at this event enlightened him and gave him hope to just go out there have some fun. He got tears in his eyes as he thanked me. Ooof. He was just such a sweet older guy and I am sure it took courage for him to come to the event, I am glad it was a positive thing for him.

Anyway, sorry -- just had to share that I think it's a GREAT idea to get involved in Meetup groups. As always, one attracts what one sends out (I truly believe that) so expect to make some good connections, be genuine and have fun!! I also am a HUGE advocate for focusing on the life you DO want. So while there is genuine good reason to discuss divorce, etc., there's also something to be said to finding what you LOVE and going out and doing that as well. I have been to many AA meetings with clients and I can't say I am personally a big fan of such a form of therapy/recovery. I think they do better when they find purpose, joy, passion to replace the booze and that doesn't come by just talking about their issues. (again, not saying we shouldn't talk about issues, but it's more helpful to also pair that with taking positive action).

Live your way to the life you want.
Be the person who lives the life you dream now, even if you aren't "there" yet. It will happen.

Sorry I was judgmental of AA.  To be fair, I think my poor clients landed in very "dry" (um, that doesn't seem PC to say) meetings where I think a lot of the "life" of what AA should be could have been missing from.  Also, finding that kind of help for those with profound and persistent mental illnesses and/or disabilities is even more challenging.  They likely did not get the full benefit from these meetings because most didn't know how (and were unwilling) to connect with them.  We are still seeking other avenues but I have found for them, specifically, just helping them find purpose, meaning, hobbies, activities, healthy friendships (the most challenging for them) is key.  

I am glad your meetings follow an empowering path.    

I have found some people "get" the saying "Live your way to the life want" and others scratch their heads and say, "uh.. okay."  I really believe it's empowering to get it.