Divorce is a trying time for all the parties involved and many people emerge from the other side of it unsure of what their next move should be. Once the papers are signed and the dust settles, you’re suddenly left on your own to begin making decisions about where your life will go next. It may seem overwhelming, but you can get back on track by focusing on your own happiness and healing.
Take Your Time
The grieving process after a divorce is serious business and it can be just as difficult, if not more difficult, than the death of a loved one. A whole chapter of your life is closing, and it may take some time to let go. Give yourself some space to grieve. Don’t pressure yourself to move on right away and don’t allow others to pressure you either. Anger, sadness, and fear are all part of the process, so don’t be ashamed to let yourself feel these feelings. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Let Go of the Past
While grieving is an important part of divorce, it’s not something that’s going to last forever. Eventually you will begin to feel rays of happiness and you should grab on to them and even expand them. Don’t hang onto your anger and resentment because doing so will only keep you from moving forward. Find other things to do and other things to talk about that make you feel good.
Become Reaquainted With Yourself
Your life has been centered around your relationship up to this point and now you’re in the spotlight alone. It can be hard to learn to live as an individual again, but it can also be liberating. Try new things and engage in things that you love in order to get a sense of who you are and what you want out of your life. Exercise, eat right, and take care of yourself, because a strong body supports a strong mind. It may seem hard at first, but soon you’ll find that making your own decisions and managing your own life can be empowering and exciting.
Accept Support
You’re probably feeling lonely, but you don’t have to be alone. Isolating yourself after a divorce can feed depression and feelings of hopelessness. Get out and enjoy time with people you love. Talk to them about how you’re feeling and let them make you laugh and feel better. Professional help is available if you’re having trouble getting over the hump. When you make starting over a team effort, things will seem much more manageable.
