The presents are unwrapped, the Christmas tree is put away and you have somehow managed to survive the mayhem of the holiday season. Now, the New Year is upon you and reality sinks in once again.
For many people, the New Year is a time to reflect on their family and relationships and start a plan for the year ahead. Some of us will commit the year to making an existing relationship work while others may decide to part ways and start a brand-new chapter. However, for all of us, the New Year is an opportunity to dust off the cobwebs of the year elapsed, reinvent ourselves and be brave enough to take and overcome rewarding challenges.
Although a resolution such as a separation may be overwhelming, there are a few things to remember when closing this chapter and starting your next one.
Every divorce is different but regardless of how old you are, how long you were married, whether you have children or are heartbroken, the first question that comes to mind is “where do I go from here?”
1. Look after yourself emotionally – build yourself a support team such as your friends and family and consider making an appointment with a counsellor or a psychologist as this will be extremely beneficial to your healing process.
2. Look after your children – let their teachers know that there have been some changes at home and be careful of what they are exposed to as they are often more perceptive than you may realise.
3. Get a plan in place – prevention is better than cure and obtaining the right advice upfront can and will make all the difference.
The end of a relationship is a loss, and it is important to grieve that loss. But remember every ending is a new beginning so know that 2019 is your opportunity to turn the page and realise there is so much more to the book than the page you were stuck on.
