Going through a divorce is, naturally, a pretty emotional time. There are many big life changes that come with a divorce, and it can be tough to handle all of them. Whether your divorce is difficult or amicable, emotions are still likely running high, and you may be concerned about transitioning to your new solo life. If you discover that you are just not sure how to handle being newly single, consider some big life changes you can now make. Divorce is an ending, but it is also the start of a new life for you.
Change Your Career
Did you always want to own your own business? Is there a dream job out there for you that you have never sought out? It is possible, depending on your finances, that now is the time to go ahead and pursue that dream career. Since you now have the time to focus on that new path and any training you may need for it, explore whether it’s time for you to enter a new professional field.
Go on a Solo Vacation
During your marriage, you likely had to compromise with your spouse when it came to vacations. When you are going by yourself, you can go wherever and whenever you want. Is there something you always wanted to do or some place you always wanted to visit that your spouse was never interested in? It’s time to do those things and see those places!
Adjust Your Style
It’s not uncommon for someone to change up their personal style after a divorce. If you always wanted to try a fashion trend, haircut or cosmetic look, there is nothing stopping you now. If you find you don’t like it, you can always just go back to your original style.
Make Some New Friends
In an ideal world, you’d keep the same friends you had during your marriage, but unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. If your friends are all married, you may feel like the odd person out with them sometimes, too. It’s not a bad idea to try to meet some new people after your divorce, preferably people with interests similar to yours and who have also gone through a divorce themselves. A shared experience can be a great foundation for a new friendship. Of course, you don’t need the bar scene to find new friends. Look for groups online that match your interests, such as sports, book clubs or board games enthusiasts.
Work on That Bucket List
Nearly everyone has some sort of bucket list, so it’s time to take a closer look at yours and see what you can make happen. You no longer have to account for your spouse when you make plans, and that can really free you up to try some things you’ve always wanted to do but felt you couldn’t while you were still married.
Hit the Dating Scene
When the time is right and you are ready, start dating again. It’s usually best to take it slow after a divorce. On a dating app, for example, you can talk to other people first and on your own time before you meet them in person. If you would, in fact, rather meet others in person, try events that relate to your interests. This can make it easier to meet people who have values similar to yours.
Your life doesn’t end with divorce; it just becomes something new and full of potential. Take the time you need to grieve and heal from your ending marriage, and then embark on your new journey.