By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC

Divorce can be devastating on many levels. In addition to the financial and stress toll on both partners, it can easily wreak havoc on one’s self-esteem. Even those who initiate the divorce process can experience tremendous emotional turmoil resulting in guilt, anxiety and insecurity. Those who were not expecting or in any way desiring the break-up can come away feeling psychologically battered, confused and questioning their own worth.

It’s hard to tackle these burdens alone. A support group, personal coach, professional counselor or other expert resources will be very valuable in reminding you that 1) you are not alone in your experiences or feelings and 2) there is a brighter future ahead for you – if you take proactive steps in that direction.

While family and friends are usually very well intentioned, their support may not always be valuable for you. They have their own agendas, perspectives and values about marriage, family and divorce. What you most need at this difficult time is a support system that is dispassionate, compassionate and knowledgeable about responsible behaviors that will move you into a more positive chapter in your life.

Here are a few suggestions to guide you in boosting your self-esteem during the divorce and in the months and years that follow. If you’re a parent, it’s even more essential that you understand and master these steps to better parent and protect the children you love.

Be prepared to release the past: 

If you stay stuck in reliving and clinging to what no longer is your reality, you will not open the door to the next chapter in your life. There will be better, brighter days ahead – if you allow that awareness into your experience. You are creating your future starting today. So take that seriously and let go of the emotional and physical ties to the past.That doesn’t mean being not being a respectful, caring, responsible co-parent. It means you’re life isn’t in bondage to the hurts, pain, frustrations and challenges that led to your divorce.

Make space in your life for new friends, relationships, career options and fulfilling activities. Look for and expect new opportunities in new places. See the future as a positive beginning for you and your children. You’ll be pleasantly surprised about what you can create when you anticipate good things ahead.

Choose your company wisely:

We can’t easily change other people, but we can change the people we associate with. If your social group isn’t supportive of you, or tends to wallow in resentment, anger or self-pity, realize you have a choice in your life about who you spend time with. Choose instead aware, introspective people who accept responsibility for their own behavior and proactively move ahead in transforming their lives.

Move out of the blame game and put yourself in the company of positive people with high self-esteem who can appreciate you, with all your assets and baggage, as the valuable, lovable person you are. You may find these people where you least expect them: a new club, animal or homeless shelter, adult-education course, museum, dance class, etc. So step out of your comfort zone – and be receptive to new friends and new experiences. This  can open the door to a healthy new relationship when you’re ready to embrace that step.

Listen to your self-talk:

What are you telling yourself? Is it supportive or tearing you down? Let go of limiting beliefs about yourself. When you catch yourself in doubt, fear or put-down language, become aware of that message and consciously refute it. I am a worthy parent. I can attract a new loving partner. I deserve to be happy in my relationships. My children love me and know how much I love them. 

Determine what you want to change about yourself from within and relax about mot having to control circumstances around you. When you come to accept the reality of changes in your life, you’ll feel more at peace with yourself and those around you.

Be flexible about change:

Life is always filled with changes, not just during divorce. Get comfortable with the unknowns ahead and accept that change is inevitable. While dark periods are tough to handle, realize they too will fall away and be replaced with better days and new relationships. We can’t undo the past, but if we’re not careful in our thinking and choices, we can let the past continue to undo our present and future.

Be open to changes – the kind of changes you desire and aspire toward. But don’t resist change beyond your control. What we resist … persists! Try to flow with what is, change what you can, and accept the present moment while always taking action for a better life ahead.

Life is all about choices and decisions. Use your divorce as a catalyst for positive change. Choose to be the person and parent you most want to be. Then watch how circumstances around you settle into place more harmoniously than you ever expected.

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Rosalind Sedacca, CDC is a Divorce & Co-Parenting Coach, founder of the Child-Centered Divorce Network and author of How Do I Tell the Kids about the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook Guide to Preparing Your Children — With Love!For her free ebook on Post-Divorce Parenting: Success Strategies for Getting It Right, her coaching services, expert interviews and other valuable resources divorce and parenting issues, go to: www.childcentereddivorce.com.

© Rosalind Sedacca   All rights reserved.