Life after divorce is, at times, viewed as terrifying due mostly to the unknown of what is to come. Where will I live, and what will I do? Who will I become? Truthfully the only way to shake this fear is to take a hands-on approach to plan your future and make the unknown familiar. It is often easier said than done, but with the help of others can be less challenging than perceived.
To learn from is to not copy
Look to others for inspiration, but never live your life as a carbon copy of someone else’s. The key is to discover golden nuggets of wisdom from loved ones on how they too persevered through life’s obstacles and apply fundamental principles to your circumstances. Keep in mind that at the end of the day, you are living life for you. What makes you happy? What gives you purpose? By exploring these questions, you’ll arrive at a place where you can start planning out your goals and take action specific to your journey.
Networking across the board
Whether you are planning on starting a new career, learning a new craft, or delving into a new social arena, be open to learning from others. Specifically from those that have been there before and or have the expertise to teach you something new or help you have a deeper understanding of something you already knew. Networking groups, exercise classes (in the gym and outside), card clubs, cooking classes, book clubs, knitting – whatever moves you, there is a good chance there is a group out there that you can join to learn or enhance your skills while making a new friend and contacts all at the same time.
Commit to being open
There is no shame in considering counsel from others. Certainly not from your support network, security net, and even the newly acquainted. It is a shame, however, in allowing an opportunity to pass by as a result of pride. There’s a reason why the saying goes that there is strength in numbers. Be sure to make use of your resources, all while remembering to stay true to you, at the end of the day.