Nicole Guttermuth

A New Day

By Nicole Guttermuth

My divorce was final on July 26. At the very end of the proceeding, the judge (Ironically, I don’t remember her name) asked if I wanted to change my name. Without much thought or hesitation, I offered an emphatic yes.

I am, once again, Nicole Trista Guttermuth. Folks, I know the name isn’t much of an upgrade. I grew up being called “gutter-mouth.” But it is my name. The name I was given at birth. The one I “gave up” for what I thought would be a more complete life. And it only seems fitting that I regain my old name to go with the new version of me as I officially turn the page and begin a new chapter in my life.

Obviously I didn’t consider what a pain-in-the-you-know-what it is going to be to have to change all of my identification, and they just ordered business cards for me at The Parenting Place. Thank goodness for Sharpies! It is all worth it to shed my former name because, as much fun as it was to listen to people butcher it in a desperate attempt at pronunciation, it simply isn’t, wasn’t, me.

Being Guttermuth again is like slipping into my favorite pair of blue jeans. The name is comfortable, and it is well-fitting. “Gutermuth” means “good spirit” or “good cheer.” It comes from Middle High German “guot” (good) and “muot” (mind, spirit).

Guttermuth is a name for an optimistic person, and I can’t think of a better-fitting name for my spirit and personality.

I would be untruthful if I said this last year did not come with moments of utter frustration and days when I felt like I wanted to give up and throw in the towel. Yet I am a firm believer in the notion that what does not kill us makes us stronger.

With complete honesty, I can say I am a better person for everything I’ve endured, and I firmly believe that I have God to thank for this because I did not survive the rugged terrain of this journey on my own. I had a guide holding my hand every step of the way, and every time I lost my footing or stumbled, He was there to pick me up and steady me so I could continue.

If I can offer any piece of wisdom to my readers, I would echo the sentiment of Winston Churchill when he said, “Never, never, never give up!”

Believe me: I know there are days when quitting seems like not only the best, but also the only option. Don’t. Those are the days when you must dig in, dig deep and push through.

I am living proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel that opens into an amazingly beautiful new day.