Melissa Peterman’s Secrets to Overcoming Life’s Challenges: Faith, Love, and Grace

Actress and comedian Melissa Peterman has been making people laugh for decades. You’ve probably seen her on the hit shows “Reba,” “Young Sheldon” and the new sitcom “Happy’s Place,” but in her private life she wasn’t smiling through the challenges of losing a close friend and becoming an empty nester. That’s when she called on her faith in God to see her through. Here are the secrets that help her through her darkest times.

Keep Loving

“I lost my best friend, Diana, in 2017, which was really difficult and painful,” shares Melissa, 53. “But I believe there is a bigger picture that God has for us all — a bigger plan. Sometimes, during the tougher moments, you think, ‘I don’t see how this is good’ or ‘how it’s going to turn out okay.’ But there’s always light in the darkness.”

Give Grace To Everyone

“It’s hard to become an empty nester,” reveals Melissa, whose 19-year-old son, Riley, went away to college. “As parents, we worry, but I remind myself how exciting it is to be 19 and out on your own. We want our kids to make the right choices, but we have to allow them the freedom to choose.”

Be True To Yourself

“Don’t edit yourself,” she advises. “There were times in my life when I was afraid to say something or ask questions because I didn’t want to ruffle feathers or look dumb, but I wasted a lot of time when I could have had the answers I needed. Don’t hold yourself back.”

No Regrets

“I think if you’d asked me 10 years ago, I probably would have had a list of regrets for you, but after 50, you can’t waste time on what could have been. I love the life I have now, so I don’t have any regrets.”