While media coverage around Ashlyn Harris has been focused on her relationship with Sophia Bush lately, it might be easy to forget that she’s also going through a tough divorce. After all, she and her ex-wife, former women’s soccer star Ali Krieger, were not only married for years but share two young kids together.
So, in a recent talk with Women’s Health editor-in-chief Liz Plosser, Harris took a step back from gushing about her new relationship and got candid about her split instead.
“I’m navigating a divorce that’s been really hard,” Harris said, adding that it has been “one of the hardest seasons” of her life. The conversation, which was in partnership with The Ad Council, took place in a panel titled Breaking Barriers: Navigating Mental Health On & Off the Field.
And, as such, Harris talked about the mental challenges she’s having to face during this time. “I’m just riding the waves and realizing I can only control what’s in my controllables,” the retired soccer star said. “I can’t control everyone else’s reaction. I can’t control everyone else’s opinions of me. I have to own myself and my body and be present and be human.”
In fact, it’s safe to say Harris’ personal life, from her divorce filing and her blossoming relationship with Bush has taken over the internet lately. And, with that, so do the unwanted comments.
But, despite it all, it seems Harris is doing her best to cope, and most importantly keep all her troubles away from her kids Sloan, 3, and Ocean, 2.
“My storm doesn’t have to be theirs,” Harris said. “It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through—dealing with a divorce with two very young children and not letting them see or feel my storm and rain. It’s a really big test.”
Earlier this month, Harris shared quite a touching birthday tribute to her girlfriend on Instagram. “Happy birthday beautiful,” Harris wrote in the caption to Bush alongside pictures of them together. “I hope today feels special and full knowing how much we love you. You are such a gift in this world. To see you shine and happy fills us all up.”
“I love your heart Soph… I love everything about you,” she continued. “Happy born day baby.”
Looks like Harris has at least Bush to lean on during this tough time.
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