It doesn’t matter if it’s your idea to get a divorce or your spouse caught you off guard by requesting one, you’re likely to struggle with the idea of how you’ll get your life back on track in the future.
There are a variety of internal challenges often associated with divorce, all of which you need to address at the appropriate time. While no two people are the same, here are some of the challenges that may be front and center in your mind:
- The idea that you did something wrong: Depending on the circumstances, you may blame yourself for the divorce. Even if you did nothing wrong, it’s still easy to look at the past and wonder if you could have made things right. Regardless of what went wrong, you can’t go back in time. It’s best to turn your full attention and energy to living a better life from this point on.
- The fear that you’ll be alone for the rest of your life: You may not like the idea of spending time alone, but keep in mind that it can be healthy for you. This gives you the opportunity to assess your life, including what you want out of it in the future. Then, when you feel up to it, you can start to date again. Don’t rush into anything. You’ll find the right person in time.
- Concerns about your relationship with your children: Divorce is hard enough when you don’t have any children together. But if you do, it has the potential to result in many challenges. There’s nothing you can do to completely eliminate these concerns, but a well thought out parenting agreement and visitation schedule can help.
Regardless of what you’re struggling with, keep in mind that time will help you heal. Furthermore, talking with others, such as loved ones and a therapist, can improve your frame of mind and help you get over your divorce.
As you face your internal challenges, don’t lose sight of the importance of your participation in the divorce process. Understanding your legal rights and what you want to accomplish will help protect your interests every step of the way.
