Shannon Beador Reflects on Her Split from David Beador: “I’ve Gotten Stronger"

Last October, Shannon Beador confirmed her separation from David Beador after nearly two decades of marriage. In the time since the couple went their separate ways, the SoCal mom-of-three has certainly started a new chapter in her life — and the amount she's accomplished, personally and professionally, in that time is not lost on her.

“It’s crazy to think what you can accomplish in a year. I’ve learned a lot. To say in one year, I’m going to lose nearly all my weight, launch a business that so far is doing well, move on from a marriage, and strengthen friendships and established new ones? That’s a tall order! But I’ve gotten here one step at a time," The Real Housewives of Orange County pal told PEOPLE. “I’ve gotten stronger, deep down. Part of what I did after I separated with David — while staying home, not going out, and not doing much of anything — was I tried to self-reflect and figure out the changes I wanted to make in myself. What kind of person do I want to be?”

While Shannon confirmed on WWHL last week that her estranged husband has recently moved in with his girlfriend, she reiterated to PEOPLE she has no plans to settle down anytime soon.

“I have no control over David’s life anymore; he can do whatever he wants to do. But for me, I think that it’s important to not jump into a relationship right away. I think it’s important for me to stand on my own for a little bit  and check out my options. It’s like, if I immediately go with one person, I’m cutting myself off from meeting so many people," she said. "I don’t want to do that right now.”

Shannon has also served as an inspiration to other women who may be going through similar circumstances, even if, as she said, "I don’t look at it that way," and she explained why.

“There are so many people out there who go through so much worse times than me. I’ve got it good. Fans will say to me from time to time that I inspire them but I don’t look at it that way. I’m willing and open to letting people in, and showing people all the difficulty that I’m going through — which isn’t easy, because people judge and criticize. But there are people going through way worse things," she said. "I’m inspired by so many other women that are standing on their own. It’s hard out there. And they encourage me.”

You can follow Shannon in her life post-David on RHOC every Monday at 9/8c. Preview, below.

Still to Come on Season 13 of The Real Housewives of Orange County