Divorce creates a huge disruption in a person’s life. If you are thinking about or currently going through a divorce, your mind is probably filled with questions:
- Do I want a divorce?
- What will my life look like after my divorce?
- Where will I live?
- How will I support myself?
- How will I take care of my children?
For many, simply the thought of getting divorced is frightening; something that you wouldn’t choose to go through unless there was no other option. However, though getting divorced can be painful and emotionally draining for everyone involved, many people go through it and come out at the end with a more positive future.
Divorce can be an emotionally freeing, life-affirming transition that can give you a new outlook on life and lead you on a journey of self-discovery and growth. So, think of divorce as not only the end of the life that you once knew, but also the beginning of a new chapter for you and your children.
Here’s a look at what your life may look like after a divorce, along with a few helpful tips that will help you thrive.
Newness
After your divorce, you may find yourself in a completely new, strange, and scary environment. Your life may be different. Many of your old routines may be gone. You may have lost many of your friends, as they may have taken your spouse’s side. In short, what you grew accustomed to may no longer be there and you will have to get used to a completely new life.
How do you get back on track?
First of all, let yourself grieve the loss of your marriage. Don’t expect to get over it right away, but, don’t despair either. You will have some dark days, but there will also be brighter days.
Concentrate on taking things one day at a time. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and continue to be productive and proactive. Every time you begin to think of the past, allow yourself to feel the emotion to fully acknowledge how you feel, and then let it go.
Forgive yourself and, for the sake of your own mental health, learn to forgive your ex as well. Finally, talk to a counselor or a friend you trust who can help you process your thoughts and feelings.
Longing
At times, you will long for the things you’ve lost, even though you know they weren’t good for you. You will be inclined to think that your future is bleak and that you will remain unhappy or that your life is over.
You will mourn the loss of companionship, stability, and the financial security you shared with your spouse, even though you also understand that these things were all illusions that you allowed yourself to accept as real.
When you hear these voices in your head, be aware that they are not speaking the truth. Don’t listen to them. Instead, replace them with positive affirmations.
Your divorce has given you a chance at a new life and an opportunity to reinvent and reinvigorate yourself. Take that chance and run with it.
Growth
Going through something as troubling as a divorce can be a profound learning experience. Learn well from it, so that you know not to make the same mistakes in your next relationship.
There are other ways you can grow from your divorce as well, for example, you can:
- Continue your education.
- Learn a new language, skill, or hobby.
- Travel and explore the world.
Doing things like this will help you expand your horizons and open up your mind to new possibilities. Don’t be overwhelmed by your circumstances, instead, overcome them. Envision yourself living the life that you want for yourself and work towards that goal every day. What you decide to do in response to your divorce will determine your destiny. It’s all in your hands.
Rebuilding
Divorce affects the lives, relationships, and futures of everyone involved. So, your immediate priority after divorce will be to rebuild your life, re-establish the relationships you lost, and to create a future for you and your children, if you have them.
Spending your energy focusing on your new life and your children will reduce confusion and negative emotions for everyone. However, as you continue putting your life back together, the goal should not be to rebuild your life as it was before, but as something better, happier, and more fulfilling.
How Hiring a Divorce Attorney Can Help Ease Your Fears
During your divorce, critical decisions will have to be made regarding child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, the division of your assets and liabilities, and more.
Many of the choices you make will have a huge impact on your life after the divorce. Because of this, hiring the right divorce attorney to represent you and work on your behalf is one of the most important decisions you can make.
The right divorce attorney will be there every step of the way and will provide you with divorce advice that will keep you from making mistakes that will be costly to you, both financially and emotionally. What’s more, having an experienced professional by your side will make the process less fearful and give you a certain amount of peace-of-mind.
Contact An Experienced Arkansas Divorce Attorney
Life after divorce is not the end of the world. We know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel because we help people just like you get through the process every day. We are here to walk you through every step, to give you the answers that you need and stand up for your rights regarding your children and your property.
If you are contemplating or going through a divorce in Arkansas and have questions, contact the law offices of Mann & Kemp at (501) 222-4730, or fill out our contact form here to arrange a consultation with an experienced Arkansas divorce attorney. We are eager to help.