💔 Introduction: Turning Pain into Purpose

Divorce. It’s a word that brings up so many emotions, from sadness to confusion and even fear. But for many, it’s also the beginning of a new chapter—a chance to rebuild and rediscover yourself. In this week’s episode of Wilder Possibilities, I sat down with the incredible Lyla Aken Oli, aka “The Split Coach,” who shared her personal journey through divorce and how she has now dedicated her life to helping others navigate this challenging process.

🌱 From Shock to Empowerment

Lyla’s story began with a devastating surprise—her marriage ended while she was six months pregnant. The moment her partner said, “It’s over,” everything went silent for her. She described the overwhelming fog that surrounded her during the early years of the divorce. It was as if she could only see a few feet in front of her, unsure of what the future held.

“I was in survival mode,” she shared. “I didn’t know who to trust, what help I needed, or how to move forward.”

It’s something so many of us can relate to, whether we’ve been through a breakup, divorce, or another life-altering event. That feeling of being lost, of not knowing how to navigate through the emotional and financial complexities of separation, is common. Yet, Lyla transformed that pain into purpose, eventually founding her business, Split FYI, to provide support for others in similar situations.

💡 The Click Moment: Finding Her Way

Lyla describes what she calls “the click”—a pivotal moment in life where things suddenly begin to make sense. For her, it was the realization that she needed to take control of her situation. She signed up for a mediation course to learn the ins and outs of negotiation, not for others but for herself. It was her first step toward regaining a sense of agency in her life.

From that point on, she became a mentor, offering guidance to friends and acquaintances going through their own divorces. But she quickly realized there was a need for something bigger—a place where people could get real, unbiased information about divorce, not just from lawyers but from others who had walked the same path.

🌟 Creating a Safe Haven: The Birth of Split FYI

After years of planning, Lyla co-founded Split FYI, a tech platform and community designed to offer support, resources, and education to those going through divorce. It’s a space for people to connect, learn, and empower themselves, much like the church divorce support group she turned to during her own journey.

But it’s not just about education—it’s about connection. Lyla emphasizes how crucial it is to find people who truly understand what you’re going through, whether through online forums or local meetups.

“Divorce can be incredibly isolating,” she explained. “Having a community, even an online one, can make all the difference.”

💪 Empowering Others: Tools for Survival

One of the things that set Split FYI apart is its accountability hours and workshops. Every week, Lyla and her team hold virtual meetups to help people work through the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce. Whether it’s reviewing paperwork during accountability hour or learning negotiation techniques, the platform is designed to give its members the tools they need to not just survive but thrive.

“People come together from all over the world, and they help each other,” Lyla said. “It’s such a beautiful thing to witness.”

🏡 What Does Home Mean After Divorce?

For Lyla, the concept of “home” changed after her divorce. Once, home was wherever her mom was, a place filled with warmth, comfort, and stability. Now, it’s about creating that same feeling for herself and her daughter. It’s a space where she feels safe, supported, and free to be herself.

In her words: “Home isn’t just a physical space; it’s a feeling of belonging.”

🌈 Conclusion: The Gift in Every Challenge

Lyla’s story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is a gift waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s the strength to rebuild, the clarity to see what truly matters, or the courage to help others, each of us has the ability to turn pain into purpose. Through platforms like Split FYI, we can find the support we need to navigate these challenging life transitions and emerge stronger on the other side.