Divorced women everywhere seek one singular outcome: The ability to start over; the capacity to build a satisfying new life after divorce. Although the recommendations below are quality pieces of advice for everyone to consider, for those of us who have been shaken by divorce, the suggestions are particularly potent ones.
(adapted from “And Then I’ll Be Happy!” by Kristen Houghton)
There is always a special time of the year when people stop and take stock of where they are and what they have done in their lives. This is an excellent time for anyone to take stock. For some reason summer is a grand time for reflection. The weather is great for sitting outdoors or going for a “thinking walk” where you assess your life. Begin by -
• Putting away the negatives.
Should have done…, could have done…, wished I had done… are not productive.
Allow yourself to think about them for only 15 minutes. If you feel there were things
you wanted to do and didn’t, make a determination to do them in the near future.
• Concentrating on the positives.
There have been positives in your life since last summer. Make a list, mental or written
of what you’ve done that enhanced your life.
• Being kind to yourself.
Do something nice for yourself. A simple reward makes you feel special. You’re not being
selfish, you’re seeing yourself as a person of worth.
• Appreciating life.
Look around you and focus on the beauty of life. Find one small thing that gives you
pleasure.
• Doing something fun.
How much fun have you had since last summer? Fun balances the seriousness of life.
Make it a point to do something that is simply fun this summer.
• Celebrate you!
Celebrate your own life as an independent person who has a lot of living to do.
Appreciate yourself for not only who you are now, but who you have the potential
to become.
 This is a guest post by Judy Smith. Judy specializes in helping women create a new life after divorce. She uses experience and skills acquired over a lifetime to help divorced people transform their lives. Get the personalized help you need by joining her Divorce Coaching Club.
“It’s never too late to live happily ever after.” |
