Picking up and starting over after the loss of years or even decades’ worth of plans is the most crushing aspect of divorce. It’s a change that touches every aspect of your life and can be emotionally devastating. It is natural to grieve but put conscious effort into moving forward and making this next portion of your life worth living.
You can now make choices and be open to opportunities that you may not have considered before divorce. Surround yourself with supportive family and friends. Stay active and involved in your community. Join a church group, or a gardening or book club. Start volunteering at your local food banks or museums. Find your passion. It is not too late to live your best life!
Take time to grieve:
Do not be afraid to allow yourself to feel and accept all the feelings you are experiencing. Divorce is a vulnerable and emotional rollercoaster, and it does not just stop once the divorce is finalized. You have to get used to a new normal; allow yourself to feel all the feelings that come with this change. Embracing all the emotions will bring you one step closer to accepting them, which brings you one step closer to emotional recovery.
Use your resources:
As unfortunate as divorce is, many people experience it. Fortunately for you, many divorced individuals have created resources to help, such as journals, support groups, and self-help books. If reading self-help books gives you a grasp on what you are experiencing and feeling, read them! If talking to friends and family is more your style, do it! If visiting a therapist and having a licensed professional in your corner is more beneficial for you, set up an appointment! Do not be afraid to reach out and use these resources when you feel you need them, they are there to help.
Find yourself again:
“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.” – Henry David Thoreau
You may be a different person on the day you got married compared to the day your divorce is finalized. Post-divorce is difficult and can be extremely confusing. You may often ask yourself, “Who am I?” Following your divorce, it is completely normal to question your sense of self. Take some time to find out who you are again. You get the opportunity to experience life in a new light; take advantage of it. Make a list and try all the restaurants you have been dying to try, but your ex hated. Try a new workout regimen. Travel to places you have never been before. The world is your oyster!
We hope you found these tips valuable and informative. If you have questions about divorce or any other legal matter, schedule a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys by clicking here or calling us at 210-368-9708.