Sometimes, life throws curve balls. Divorce can be a very difficult time for many women. Many women experience high levels of stress over worries relating to living arrangements, finances, employment and children. Regardless of your marital relationship, spiritual beliefs, economical standards, divorce can create a hurdle in your life. Adjusting to current changes, as well as letting go of future dreams and goals, can seem almost insurmountable at times. Surviving your divorce means dealing with day-to-day issues, setting realistic goals and focusing on positive changes.
Emotional Support
Focus on friends that listen to you and make you feel loved and cherished. Many couples share the same friends. This may cause some discomfort during your divorce. As your divorce proceeds, you may develop closer relationships with some friends while others seem to fade away. Don’t feel rejected by their decision to distance themselves. Instead, focus on a few close friends and family members that support you and understand what you are going through. Seek the professional services of a therapist or counselor to help you process overwhelming emotions.
Economic Issues
Seek legal advice to protect your financial interests. Even though you and your husband may agree to an amicable divorce, don’t commit to financial agreements without consulting your attorney. Many women face financial difficulties after a divorce, especially those who stay home with the children and depend on their husband’s income. Plan for financial difficulties by creating a realistic budget that focuses on your priorities and eliminates overspending.
Parenting
As a mother, you may feel responsible for your children’s happiness. They may have trouble understanding or accepting the divorce. Continue to work with their father to parent the children and make important decisions regarding their care.
Self-Esteem
Many women experience a blow to their self-esteem when they go through a divorce. Boost your confidence by focusing on the positive aspects of your life and your nature. Reward yourself for your accomplishments. Don’t compare yourself to others or put yourself down. Take time for yourself and participate in activities that bring you happiness. At the same time, acknowledge any destructive behavior and gently accept your shortcomings. Realize that everyone makes mistakes; learn from your own.
Future Plans
Divorce can leave you with a huge hole in your future. Recreating your dreams and goals can take time. Move forward by setting small goals and long-term ones. You may find you finally have time to pursue dreams and interests that you put on the back shelf during your marriage. Small goals, like learning a foreign language, or learning yoga, can keep you moving forward, in a positive direction. Allow yourself to dream and take action to make those dreams come true.
Photo Credit
- sad woman near window image by Piter Pkruger from Fotolia.com
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