My wife shared a post on Instagram with me about an Irish New Year’s tradition where you open the back door of your home just before midnight to let out the old year and open the front door of your home to welcome in the new year.
Shifting focus from the past to the future can be helpful for parents going through a divorce. With that in mind, here are some areas to think about when setting goals for the new year:
1. Prioritize Self-Care: The divorce process can be overwhelming. Invest time in your own well-being. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or simply taking time for hobbies you enjoy, self-care is crucial for maintaining your emotional and physical health while going through a divorce.
2. Stay Positive for Your Children: Children are sensitive to their parents’ emotions. Aim to maintain a positive and hopeful attitude around them, even during challenging times.
3. Financial Prudence: Divorces can strain finances. Be mindful of your spending and start planning for a financially secure future.
4. Seek Professional Support: Don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor. Professional guidance can be invaluable. It is especially important to find someone with experience in the divorce process who can help provide an objective perspective on the challenges.
5. Maintain a Healthy Co-parenting Relationship: It takes two to co-parent, so try to do your part in building a respectful and cooperative relationship with your ex-spouse for the sake of your children.
6. Set Realistic Goals: Managing your expectations is very important while going through a divorce. Work with your legal team and support network to establish achievable goals for both your personal and professional life. Avoid overburdening yourself with unrealistic expectations.
7. Embrace Change: Everyone reacts to change differently, and divorce is a life change that can seem daunting to many. Accept that change is a part of life. Embrace it and look forward to new chapters that life has ahead.
8. Be Grateful and Give Back: It is always important to keep perspective and be grateful for the blessings we have, regardless of how difficult the road ahead may seem. Find ways to contribute to your community or others in need. These acts of kindness can provide you with a sense of purpose and connection.
These strategies are designed to encourage stability, growth, and a positive outlook for the future, which are especially important in the midst of the significant changes brought on by divorce. Keeping these in mind and writing down specifics as to how each of these may apply to you and your family can set you up for a healthy and prosperous New Year.
Jared B. Pinkus, Partner
For more information on Mr. Pinkus, please visit:
www.beermannlaw.com/team/jared-b-pinkus.
