The end of a marriage is significant, regardless of the specific circumstances. Such a drastic change can be difficult to overcome, even if that change is for the better in the long run. Oftentimes women going through divorce focus on how to survive with their newfound lifestyle, and that’s only natural. But make sure you’re not selling yourself short – at some point, the focus should shift from just surviving to actively thriving.
Divorce can be messy, and painful, and drawn out, and a whole list of other adjectives that you no doubt can understand. However, it is not defining. Your divorce doesn’t define you! It simply marks the beginning of a new chapter of excitement and opportunity. Let’s take a look at some of the ways to go from surviving to thriving after your divorce.
Financial Stress
The splitting of assets and loss of dual income is a huge factor to divorce that just adds to the complications. The end of a marriage can be an extremely stressful time filled with uncertainty and discomfort, and the loss of financial security only amplifies that stress.
When your two-person home suddenly houses only one person, it can be difficult to keep up with costs and housework. By taking part in a home share arrangement, you can introduce somebody new into your home who can help you to share the financial burden, so that you can focus on getting yourself back on track. Establishing a sort of task exchange homeshare can be beneficial as well, to help you stay on top of household chores that can be overwhelming for just one person.
Companionship
It’s common for those going through a divorce to experience a period of loneliness. This only makes sense, and it’s worthwhile to sit with those feelings and allow yourself to experience them. Be kind to yourself, be gentle with your needs, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to move from surviving to thriving.
Many divorcees have trouble establishing their group of friends after splitting from their partner, especially if the relationship was a long one. Friends are often “divided up” between the couple, making it difficult to find your support system or know who’s really in your corner.
Be upfront and communicate with your existing friends to avoid any confusion or passive aggression. Hopefully, you’ll find that you still have some folks on your side. However, you should expect that some of the people in your shared life will slip away – you can take this as a sign that those people are no longer meant to be a part of your life, and move on.
Now’s the time to rebuild your social circle and come back stronger than ever. Finding friendship later in life is no more difficult than it was on the playground, as long as you keep an open mind and an open heart!
A homeshare arrangement can be a great tool for finding companionship after divorce. When you’re used to living with another person, staying in an empty house can feel uncomfortable. Introducing a house mate can help you to feel safer and more relaxed at home, while also providing you with continuous social interaction. It’s not just about finding a person to fill a space – it's about finding the right person. Be sure to screen your house mates in order to find someone who will suit your lifestyle, and perhaps with time it could bloom into a beautiful friendship!
Attitude
It can be frustrating to continually hear the same cliches. Folks will tell you that the only cure is time, or to keep a positive outlook, or that there are plenty of fish in the sea. And while they’re probably right, it’s not very helpful to hear over and over.
The good news is that simply by reading this blog, you can give yourself a pat on the back. One of the main issues that divorcees struggle with is attitude, because it affects everything else. If you adopt a sour outlook on life and only see the negatives, you’ll struggle through things for longer than necessary. But if you seek joy and positivity and work to improve your situation, you’ll be okay. No matter what.
If you’re reading this blog, you’re putting effort into yourself and your happiness. You’re doing the work. Even if it doesn’t feel like it quite yet, this shows that you have hope for the future and see the potential that it has to offer. Keep up the positive attitude and have faith in yourself and your resiliency – you're stronger than you think you are!
If you’re curious about how home sharing could benefit you and your newfound reality, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at HomeShare Alliance. We can help you to turn a difficult situation into something positive!
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