No one is ever truly prepared for a divorce. Whether you are contemplating divorce, in the middle of the legal process, or focused on your recovery afterwards, it can be incredibly overwhelming. Most women feel lost, and it can take time to recover from a divorce.
We all react differently to these situations, and no two people will respond in the same way. We’ll take a look at the 10 most important steps you can take to recover from a divorce and how to begin moving in a more positive and productive direction.
1. Take time to process and grieve
One of the most important steps you can take after experiencing a divorce is to give yourself time to grieve. This may take the form of talking to a friend, journaling or seeking out a coaching professional if necessary. Whatever feels right for you, allow yourself to take the time you need to process your feelings and begin moving forward.
2. Get a Divorce and Empowerment Coach
Have your own thinking partner who not only guides you through the divorce, but who helps you grow into a new and empowered you. It’s someone who can guide you through the process and understand what’s happening, work with you on your self-awareness emotions and skill building, support and empower you, prepare you for what’s to come. It’s someone who can help you think through whether you want a divorce or not, what kind of divorce you want, what members of your divorce support team you need and how to live a happy vibrant life afterwards.
3. Reach out to your network
Your network is one of the most important resources you have when it comes to dealing with a divorce. Leaning on your them for emotional support isn’t a weakness, don’t be afraid to reach out for help to encouraging people. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you lean on your support network during this difficult time, the easier it will be to recover and adapt to your new reality.
If you don’t have a network, join a divorce support group like Women’s Divorce Recovery and Empowerment Facebook group. There you will find encouragement support and a focus on the solution rather than the problem.
4. Develop a new routine
A divorce can throw your life into chaos, which makes it even more important to establish a new routine. This doesn’t have to be anything drastic, but taking the time to plan out your day and set simple goals for yourself can help you get back on track. Whether it’s carving out some “me time” each day or taking a bubble bath, taking the time to develop a new routine can help you feel more grounded and in control of your life.
5. Take time for self-care
When you’re dealing with a divorce, your first instinct may be to neglect your own needs. But taking the time to practice self-care is an incredibly important step in the recovery process. Whether it’s carving out some time for meditation each day, using affirmations, or practicing self-care in a more tangible way, taking the time to look after yourself will not only make you feel better in the short-term, but it can also help you face your challenges with more confidence and resilience. Self-care is not selfish.
6. Practice self-compassion
When you’re feeling down or struggling to move forward after a divorce, practicing self-compassion can be a powerful tool for finding your way again. Instead of berating yourself for all the mistakes you’ve made, try giving yourself a little more understanding and compassion. It can be incredibly healing to treat yourself the same way that you would a friend in need.
7. Practice forgiveness
Forgiveness is powerful tool that can help you move forward and begin living the life you truly desire. Whether it’s forgiveness towards yourself, your ex, or a someone who has let you down, try practicing forgiveness as a way to let go of the. Forgiveness can do so much more for yourself, than it does for the person you are forgiving.
8. Journaling
People who journal often report that they find the solutions to problems within themselves. Journaling is a way to access those answers positively. It’s incredible how allowing ourselves to be honest and open to our struggles ends up making the answer we’ve been seeking. Develop a habit of listing 5 things you’re grateful for and 5 things that are awesome about yourself in your journal for each day in your journal.
9. Focus on gratitude
When you’re dealing with a divorce, it can be difficult to look on the bright side and focus on what you still have. That’s why it’s so important to practice gratitude. Whether it’s small acts of kindness from friends, or even something as simple as a fresh cup of coffee, making a conscious effort to focus on gratitude can help you feel more positive and motivated as you begin to recover from your major life change.
10. Make a plan, and take one step at a time
The most important thing you can do when recovering from a divorce is to make a plan and take one step at a time. This is where a coach comes in. Whether it’s restructuring your budget, building new connections, or simply setting new goals for yourself, make a plan that you can follow and commit to taking action towards your goals. And remember to celebrate your successes as you work towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with a divorce can be difficult and challenging, but with the right tools and support, you can move from just surviving in live to thriving at life. Whether it’s practicing self-compassion, prioritizing self-care, or making time for gratitude, make sure to use these tools and strategies as you begin the journey towards a healthier, happier you.
With 25 years of divorce coaching experience, Beverly Price guides you along your divorce journey from understanding the process, to going through the legal process, to getting to know yourself and personal empowerment through Divorce and Empowerment Coaching. You’ll be able to reframe your mindset and rewrite your story as a confident, happy, and fulfilled woman with the next best chapter of your life ahead of you.
Click on the link to schedule your free Divorce Breakthrough Call.
We’ll talk about your situation, your needs and goals, and we’ll see if you think coaching could help. Remember, divorce doesn’t have to be a death sentence, it’s the springboard to the next best chapter of your life. You’re only one click away.
Written By: Beverly Price
