Creating A Life After Divorce In 11 Steps

Over 50% of all marriages will end in divorce and with that, may dreams and plans are crushed and lost. Whether you wanted the divorce or not, it is a painful process. But once the paperwork is done and you can really focus on creating your new life, do you really know what steps to take to create the life you want?
Here are 11 steps to take after divorce to help create your new life.

1. Establish short term and long term goals and put them down in writing. Think of the steps you'll need to take to reach your goals and set some time frames of when you want certain steps to be done. Keep yourself focused on your new life and goals and you'll end up creating a whole new and better life.

2. Dating is ok but it really is worth spending a year alone - yes, a year! Why? All too often people rebound after a divorce and end up dating people that are not good for them or are not the type of people they will date once they create their new life after divorce. Many folks end up dating or even marrying within a year, someone who actually is very similar to their ex-spouse. In a year after divorce, you will have grown, changed, have a different life and likely have different expectations of dating material.

3. Create a tight home financial budget and live within your means. Making smart financial decisions while being single is tough but extremely necessary if you want to feel secure and begin to establish goals.

4. Is your career the one you really want? Are you passionate about it? Now is a great time to look around at alternative careers that interest you. Check them out, what credentials are needed, what is the career's sustainability? Then start doing activities that the job may do and see if you like them. If so, make a list of what you need to do to have career in that field and even consider moving.

5. You probably lost a lot of friends and possibly, family members, because of the divorce. You also now know who is really there for you. But it is time to build new friends too. Look at joining different activities to meet new people but who also enjoy doing what you like to do. Ask people who interest you to know better out for a cup of coffee or ice cream. If you put yourself out there, you'll attract some wonderful new friends.

6. Make a list of things you've always wanted to do and include things you want to do but haven't done in years. Then start taking steps to actually do them, take pictures and create your Living Life Photo Album. You'll make new friends who have similar interests, you'll grow as a person, you'll have a blast and be happier and you'll enjoy life a whole lot more. Make your wishes and dreams real.

7. Do not sit home alone all the time. You do need time to heal but you also need to get moving but only do it in ways you want/count. You will probably have to push yourself - like take an adult education class or join an organization. Volunteering is great. Life won't come to you. The past is past. It is now the time to create your new life.

8. DECORATE!! Yup, male or female, whether you have a new home or the old one, you must first decorate your bedroom into your dream bedroom. Even on a slim budget, you can create a sumptuous, allurering, decadent oasis that is about you. Let the room represent your inner self. Then move onto one room at a time. Don't forget the outside or painting the door you enter your home every day through in your favorite color.

9. Do something once a month to pamper yourself that you did not do in your previous life. This does not even have to cost money. Do something you'll just love, book it in your calendar and just do it for you (either by yourself or with friends). Great time to take a few minutes to look through your Living Life Photo Album.

10. Gratitude. Remember what you do have and be thankful. Spend time each day in a few minutes of silence and gratitude. Try meditation, write a journal, pray to a higher power, give thanks and make gratitude a part of everyday life.

11. Improve your mind and body - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Make time everyday to improve your mind and body and you'll be healthier, happier and attract like people to you. Make this a daily habit.

You are on your way to a new and different life and you'll change. But it is up to you, to create your new and better life (and yourself) and it does take work - it won't just happen! Write it down, make action steps, make habits and actually do things and it will all come together.