The end of a marriage is an emotional time for all parties involved. The period after a divorce is when it can get particularly tricky. As a woman, there may be an adjustment period to return to “normal.” However, it is important to remember that divorce does not make you a failure.
If you have recently gone through a divorce and are now trying to get back to living your life, we are here with three crucial tips.
Tip 1: Realize your self worth
The end of any relationship can shake your self-esteem. Of course, it’s only natural that a relationship as serious as a marriage can make you lose sight of who you truly are. Your identity is not exclusively being a wife. As a woman, you are so much more than that. By not basing your self-worth off of what other people think of you or define you, you’ll be able to be unshakable in your confidence.
Practicing positive affirmations is a great way to practice recognizing your self-worth. Try saying phrases like “I am worthy” or “I deserve happiness” to yourself. While it might feel silly at first, positive self-talk makes a huge impact on your confidence and self-worth.
While on the journey to increasing your self-esteem, it is important to forgive yourself for past mistakes, especially in your marriage. Even if you made mistakes in your past relationship, reconciling with your past actions will help you accept yourself as you currently are.
Tip 2: Secure your support
Even toward the end of your marriage, it’s likely that your partner was a huge part of your support system. Rebuilding your support system is key to moving on after divorce. Here are some great ways to gather a support system.
- Reach out to rebuild: If some of your friendships might have been neglected over the course of your marriage, don’t let the fear of being rejected keep you from contacting them. Reach out to let them know what you’re going through and that you’re interested in getting back in touch. Your loved ones will always be happy to support you!
- Join a club or local organization: There are probably plenty of opportunities to join clubs, take classes or even volunteer, depending on where you live. Taking a pottery class at your local rec center or volunteering to help clean up a park gets you out and into the community. Book clubs or hiking groups are also a great way to connect with your peers.
- Attend a support group: Support groups can connect you with other recently divorced women. This can be a safe space where you will be able to talk to others going through situations similar to you. If you don’t feel comfortable attending a support group in person, online options are always available.
Tip 3: Look toward the future
The most difficult part of life after divorce is moving on. Instead of dwelling on the past, try reconciling with the end of your marriage. It’s okay to mourn the fact that your relationship is over; a large chapter of your life has closed! The important part is making sure that you find peace with this fact.
This is not to say that you should rush through the healing process. Take your time, and once you are ready, look toward all the good things you have in your future. Consider planning a trip or setting up rewards for hitting certain milestones to get you excited about the future.
If you realize you need help in any of these aspects of your life, we are here to help. Ending a marriage can be hard, but it gets better. Contact me today to get started on your journey towards a better future with marriage counseling.