Leaving a marriage is a big step, but it’s what’s for the best in some cases. Whether you want the split or not, you’re going to have to prepare for some major life changes that come in the first year after the divorce.
Getting ready for the year of “firsts” after a divorce isn’t always easy, but knowing what to expect can help.
Expect a roller coaster of emotions
You might think that you’re only going to feel happy and joyful during the first year after you split with your ex – especially if your marriage was toxic. The truth is that even if you were the one who initiated the divorce, you’re still going to go through a wide range of emotions – including sadness.
Sadness can come from the loss of having someone to share triumphs and challenges with on an intimate level. It can come from not having the same holiday traditions now. You can deal with sadness by focusing on the good times that you are having and by acknowledging that some of the changes you’re going through aren’t ideal.
As time progresses, you should notice that the positive emotions you have outweighed the negative ones. Ultimately, you should start to notice that peace and joy are ruling more days than uncertainty and doubt. This is all a natural part of the grieving process.
One thing to remember is that you need to work out divorce terms that will put you in a good spot as you build your new life. Having someone on your team who’s familiar with divorces like yours can help you to learn the options that you have so you can make the decisions you feel are in your best interests.
