Having a post-divorce bucket list can be a helpful exercise. When most people think of divorce they immediately picture the negatives. They think of losing a spouse, the financial headache, the legal ordeals and the stresses of change. Like any other major readjustment in life, however, there are both positive and negative aspects of divorce.
As you move into the next chapter of your life, it’s time to reclaim everything you might have sacrificed or compromised for the sake of your relationship. This can be a refreshing way to empower yourself after your divorce. Where do you want to go next? Who do you want to be? The possibilities are endless.
Creating a list of everything you want to do once the divorce is finished is a useful way to stay positive and focus on the future. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.
3 Ideas for Your Post-Divorce Bucket List
- Stop putting off travel – For years you’ve been a package deal. You’ve had to work around the demands or your spouse’s schedule. Now you are free to take that time off and explore. It’s time to prioritize that trip you’ve been putting off. You don’t have to break your budget. Even if all you’re doing is camping somewhere near your home city, it can feel good to get out. Feel free to uproot, go on adventures and visit friends. Who knows? If your situation permits, it may even be time to move to your dream city.
- Reach out to Friends – Remember how your friends complained your never got out anymore? Now is your chance to change that. You’d be amazed how many people will be there to support you if you have the courage to reach out. Start seeing that friend your partner didn’t like, or simply taking advantage of a shorter list of obligations. Now is the time to reconnect with old friends and meet new people.
- Get out and Date – For most people it’s going to be while before they are ready for the next big relationship, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go out and have fun. Feel free to ask out the attractive person you’ve been eyeing. It may take time to get back in the swing of things, but before long you might realize how much you’ve missed being single.
Changes in life can feel intimidating, but if you keep an eye out for the future and continue to make plans the journey after divorce will feel more like an adventure.
JulianJohnson, P.C. is a Lewisville family law firm.