Editor’s Note: Ivana Trump is a former model and competitive skier. In 1977, she married Donald Trump and they worked together on various Trump Organization projects until their highly publicized divorce in 1991. Since then, Ivana has written two novels and a self-help book, and has developed a jewelry line, a clothing line and a line of beauty products. In April of 2008, Ivana wed aspiring singer Rossano Rubicondi.  

For all of us, at times it seems as if the world has come to an end. In reality, it has. But it is how we turn that end into a beginning that really shows us — and those we love — who we really are.

My much-publicized divorce from "The Donald," those many years ago now, is still one of the defining times of my life and the lives of my three children. It was the first celebrity global divorce and I can assure you — it was as tough as it looked and sounded. There were truths and there were lies, and for most people it was tough to separate.

But, we all got through it and we all got over it and, as so many people tell me now when they see me, how absolutely great my children are. They’ve turned into wonderful young people. They’re bright, funny, professionally dedicated and easy to be with and be around. I’m very proud of that and of them. They didn’t grow up in an ivory tower, and I know they were terribly hurt at a very young age. But life itself will always give back to us if we’re willing to meet it on good terms.

Click here for photos of Ivana, her husband Rossano and her family at her April wedding.

Now my life is filled with new beginnings. Beginnings I could only hope for on some dark days through the years.

I have a wonderful new husband who brings new meaning and laughter into my life. I famously said a long time ago, "I’d rather be a nanny than a nursemaid." Rossano and I are now that couple, though I don’t have to babysit him. He attacks life with a joie de vivre and a pleasure that inspire me. We love skiing, both on snow and water. We love dancing and learning new things. We love to travel together, experiencing new places and people and food and wine! Now he’s on the road to a new singing career, and it looks very promising. He sang three songs at our recent wedding and some talent agents in the audience got him to make a CD. He definitely knows how to croon a tune and, as an Italian, he knows how to deliver it romantically. Our marriage is a wonderful new beginning and something I always hoped for.

My second major new beginning is one all about life and the future. My wonderful oldest son, Donald J. Trump Jr., and his very beautiful wife, Vanessa, presented me with my first grandchild a year ago. Now, of course, I am ambivalent about the name grandmother or grandma or glam-ma, whatever word you use. But the joy of seeing the next generation of young Trumps is a joy and a pleasure. With three children, I can only imagine how many more grandchildren I’ll have to enjoy in the future. Many I hope.

All of this is said to inspire my reader with renewed hope. If I could survive and now totally thrive on the overwhelming publicity microscope we endured so many years ago, then you can get through your heartache, depression, sadness and tears, and look to a hopeful future.

In life, there are no guarantees. Meeting a wonderful man is pure happenstance; meeting someone you can care for is a miracle. But miracles do happen. I can prove it. 

When you can, pick yourself up and become your own best friend and booster. If a spa day can help heal your mind and let you put your best game face on — go do it! Get back into life and you’ll get back into love. It’s all about loving yourself and those around you. The need to feel alive is overwhelming; now is the time for YOUR new beginning.