life after divorce - Page 7

The Commonality of Divorce
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The Commonality of Divorce

James Brown
James Brown
Host of
Divorce The Talk Show

What are the common factors of divorce? There are many things that bind us all together in this dysfunctional social escapade called divorce, many of which would consume way too much ink and paper for this publication.

It varies from ethnicity, family, education and how we interact or don’t, divorce is as common as sending your kids to school or going to church.

Divorce has become the new in-thing in our society. Divorce happens without thought of consequence. As we experience the fallout of those who’s lives are reshaped because of it, we recognize that shit happens, we watch it, laugh at it, fascinated by it and scared of what it does to us.

Listen up men, if you are much like the thousands or maybe millions of men, and let’s assume you are! In retrospect have you examined your marriage as much as you have replayed the issues of your divorce.

If not, I suggest that you get off your mental asses and give it some thought. It’s about time. Yes, I’m suggesting you give it a lot of thought because you are about to become a statistical measurement. A trend an engine powering all of this dysfunctional madness, which now sets the statistical stage that tells us the patterns and informational trends of why and what causes divorce.

These trends can even be used to predict how we are to react. Let me tell you, it may or may not come as a surprise to you, but the common issues that impact marriage and causes divorce are many.

It is by today’s standards that we are no longer left wondering why so many people are facing divorce. Especially with all of the massive relationship shutdowns worldwide and neighbor-to- neighbor. It is estimated that about 50% of marriages and 5-10 percent more of second marriages end in divorce.

There are a wide variety of circumstances that lead to these factors. It is sometimes age, education, income, and even that age-old concept of shacking up before marriage. When they say, “You will get to know each other better when you shack up”, and then get married. That’s a myth. There is no one thing that makes couples stay together and surely, living together before marriage doesn’t qualify as such, not even pregnancy is a defining factor.

Our society has become an overactive social collaborative dysfunctional gestation unraveling right before our eyes and in our minds. We now have learned that our parent’s mistakes follow us, lead us and torment us into mimicking our parents into the abyss that is divorce.

Our thirst of social acceptance and that sense of being in the in-crowd causes so many damaging problems that the trail of information we share with families, friends and our children side track our personal situations and lead us astray. Often is the case when one of the partners in a marriage has come from a divorced family, we are subconsciously subjected to the insecurity that plays a role in defining our paths as a couple.

This will lend itself to the uncoupling of our own marriage as a reflection of what our parents experienced and much more. With all of these factors in front of us hindering the potential of having a successful marriage and certain disintegration becomes a factor the question now becomes; why should we get married?

Believe me, many are asking that very question and even acting it out, which defines the commonality of divorce. With that being said and with so much information describing these varied routes and processes that all spell disaster, why is divorce so common?

Let me share a few thoughts based on the research for our TV show, Divorce; The Talk Show. Before you shut the door to getting married, let me assure you that many of these issues can be repaired and in many instances eliminated from the potential of splitting up and getting divorced.

It is critically important that from the start you must recognize that a good relationship takes a commitment. But what is that?

How much does that factor rely on knowledge and understanding of what it will take to generate a high commitment in a given relationship and/or ensure continued positive results in an ongoing marriage?

Commitment; the act of binding yourself to a course of action.

Marriage is a compilation of unknowns and expectation, bewilderment, happiness, sickness, profound disappointment and incredible gratification.

It’s an uphill and a low valley existence is known as life. We can’t pretend to understand everything nor be able to handle it appropriately every single day, but commitment outlines the course of action you will live with it come hell or high water. It is a must that you be willing to honor that commitment where you blend and bind your feelings and emotions to carry forward.

When we first get married, do we ask the question what are our commitments in marriage and what does that mean?

Many of us don’t recognize what it means as we stumble down the aisle and into what we perceive as marital bliss? I want to help you to understand that we must at least know that commitment does translate into a safer state of mind and existence and yet it is a dark place that we travel filled with hopes of a successful and happy marriage.

Commitment is the bond in a relationship that you will continue forward joined by a mutual understanding. It is no question that commitment or what we understand to be commitment becomes the major factor why couples stay together without it, there is the ever-present divorce.

When there are issues don’t disavow that divorce is sometimes necessary and may preserve key boundaries. In the processes of any relationship, when boundaries are crossed we can expect it to spell doom. The many faces of boundaries are moral, spiritual and the inspirational value of marriage. Commitment is the barrier before you cross those boundaries.

Commitment is often in this process of tangled emotions particularly when we have children it can create the reality for staying together at all cost.

That functionality of responsibility and the need to maintain a marriage at the cost of abuse and intellectual discord is not a sound way to continue in a marriage. But of course, some things bring on an intensity of emotional stress which means the introduction of the heavy stuff. Things that we must learn to sort through in an attempt to keep the marriage afloat.

There is one thing that seems to penetrate that veil of do I stay married money, honey! The money will break a marriage most of the time.

If the trends and stats are correct, half of all first marriages will end in divorce, but we continue to react as if marriage is just a game of chance.

I’m sometimes inclined to think that most people think of it as such perhaps it helps to lessen the severity of the potential outcome. Over the years a lot of organizations have developed a lot of research data which has identified various factors that seem to be associated with the higher risk of divorce. Although, it has become redundant, but that’s the commonality of divorce.

Divorce, It crosses all lines of human compatibility. As a young and gifted society, we must embrace our heritage and escort it into this new millennium with a profound desire to preserve the family tradition that is marriage. Therefore, we need to respect our relationships in all of its representations and work to understand what creates a better relationship or helps with a better divorce.

Through all of the indulgence in developing DivorceThe Talk Show, we have come to understand that some people actually have a low risk of divorce while others have a high risk.

Understanding these factors may not directly help you improve your marriage or assist you in making a decision about your divorce, but it may possibly help you understand how better to face the challenges. Read as much of everything about divorce before you divorce and watch how you evolve.

Remember to add this to your list of things to do, turn to your married friends if you still have them and share the reality of your divorce with them not your individual biases but the crippling aspects of your divorce. What you are experiencing will make them aware of the many preventative observations and actions that exist along with all of the potential healing processes which are available.

Not only will you achieve self-gratification, but you will contribute to resolving the punitive damages that are a divorce. I call it Cope, Hope and Heal.

Be a friend and inform them before they get hit. Of course, I can’t assure you that reading this piece will guarantee you anything about your divorce and or marriage.

My simple goal is to increase awareness of the risk and identify the issues that divorced people will face. But, most importantly, the intent is to increase your knowledge to help reduce that risk of divorce and help you survive how you can get through it.

Facing the challenges of divorce is when you can recognize the various factors that increase the risk of divorce. This will become important as you forge ahead with your commitment to having a healthy life after divorce.

Loneliness enables you to conjure thoughts that may not be realistic, often causing you to wish that you and your ex-spouse had worked through your differences.

A survey was offered to some folks in Utah who were asked that same question; 31% of men who had divorced said they wished that they had worked harder to save their marriage. 74% said they wished their ex-wife had worked harder to save the marriage as well. 13% of women who had divorced said they wished that they had worked harder to save their marriage coupled with 65% said they wished their ex- husband had worked harder to save the marriage.

Believe me, after divorce you find so many things that trigger your emotions. As you keep divorce at bay, you will think of all of the things to help change your mind.

Now that divorce has taken its full measure and complete toll, there are still periods of time where you will feel like you can’t do it anymore. Divorce will make you search for companionship, that at times will be unbalanced you seek those physical desires. We all yearn for a potential mate and physical attention, which may not be the right thing at that time.

This pendulum keeps swinging a lot,   all that is left is a happy face and to keep going forward continue to look for the tools that can help you escape the pitfalls of divorce and life after divorce. As you make an effort to survive, you won’t believe who is rooting for your successful salvation of life after divorce.

We strive as human beings in marriage to couple our lives with someone or something that brings joy, and yet we face the commonality of divorce.

Who have I been and what I’m I now? These are the questions we must ask ourselves as we learn to master our desire for companionship. The commonality of relationships is it marriage or is it divorce. I leave you with our desire to help you harness the tragedy that is divorce, assuring you that Divorce; The Talk Show will help you Cope, Hope and Heal.

ABOUT JAMES

James, grew up in San Francisco, and has lived in Salt Lake City, for over 25 plus, and is a second time divorcee with 4 children. 

With his diverse background in television, both in front and behind the camera, Mr. Brown is the driving force behind the highly innovative production of Divorce The Talk Show; A New Beginning, a multi-platform production which is led by new media engagement using digital, mobile as well as the legacy media (television) platform to reach a growing number of people who have gone through a radical change in life via divorce.

Mr. Brown has a background that makes him unique and perfect to support effort to make change in divorce. He has been at the center of development in corporate recruiting programs including Discover Card which focused on youth and minorities; developed diverse training seminars for corporations; created programs that provided scholarships for deserving, disadvan­taged students as well as building one of the finest film and television production studios (Salt Lake Studios) in the western U.S.A.

Five Essential Steps to Support your Children During Divorce or Separation

That you and your ex are going through a breakup is a huge deal for your children no matter what age including infants and toddlers.

One thing you need to know about infants is that not only are they extremely sensitive to their environment but they are also very much aware when someone, whom they have been seeing frequently, is no longer available or present. (There is plenty to say about the 0 – 3 year olds and divorce but that’s a whole other article).

The thing with divorce or separation is that it is one of those times when your parenting skills and abilities are tested to the limit!

Here you are busy going through a hellish, challenging time that is possibly preoccupying your every thought and time of your day, while simultaneously being expected to be the best parent you can ever be because your children need you to show up even more.

Here’s how you can do that in 5 essential steps:

Listen, understand and love: One of the first important elements of divorce or separation is to acknowledge and accept that the break-up will affect your child.  How much will depend on how you and the other parent deal with it and with each other.

Really listen to your children when they speak. Are there any recurring themes that they are not directly asking or talking to you about? Is there a particular game that your young child plays over and over again that might be divorce-related?

One six-year-old would dress her dolls up ready to go out when their dad came to pick them up.  He never showed.

It is ok and actually recommended that you tell them that you understand that this is not an easy time for them and keep telling them that you love them and that you are there for them.

Show them love as often as possible. This doesn’t mean spending long blocks of time with them, a hug here and there, kind words and positive attention can go a long, long way.

Communicate: Answer their questions. During the divorce process, children will have questions about the divorce or separation. They will want to know how it will affect their lives. What is going to change?

Speak frankly and honestly with them but avoid involving them in adult matters or providing them with unnecessary hurtful details.

Without answers, children will allow their imagination to provide them with explanations and interpretations that they so need and we all know who imaginative children can be. If they ask you a question that you have no answer to, then tell them so.

Self-observe: This is a tough time that you are all going through. You will make parenting mistakes, not one but a few.

Being aware of your feelings, thoughts,  words and actions can help you deal with and react to most things that come your way. Are you alienating the other parent by what you say and do while the children are present? Are you being civil with the other parent or able to put your own feelings aside for the sake of the children?

Did you know that your thoughts affect your feelings which then affect your behaviour? These three parts of you are so intertwined that not feeling a certain way due to a thought you have had is almost impossible which then means that you will behave or react to that thought in a way that correlates with the thought.

So be mindful of your feelings, thoughts and actions – in what you say and what you – do especially if your children are present or within earshot.

Seek professional help and support: When you are not sure, ask. Ask a professional for support and guidance. This is definitely not the time to try and do things yourself.  Have a psychotherapist or counsellor work with you and if you are struggling with behavioural problems with your child, work with a parenting practitioner to help you continue parenting your child positively through this time.

Be your child’s compass: Remember that you are not your child’s only influence so you better be the best.  As mentioned earlier, this is the time that your children will need you the most – someone to guide them and keep their lives as steady as possible.

Keep them in the fold and bring them back with they wander off – very common with teenagers. They will look to you for what’s right and if they cannot find it, they might look elsewhere.

As I often say, divorce or separation will always be an important time in your child’s life,  but what is even more crucial is how you and your ex handle the divorce process and your lives after separation. Let it be an experience they went through at some point in their lives. Don’t allow it to become an experience that defines them and their future adult relationships.

ABOUT SOILA

Soila is a graduate member of the British Psychological Society, a Parenting Practitioner, an accredited Triple P practitioner, a Certified Trauma Specialist and a trained Family Mediator.  She works in private practice mainly, but not exclusively, with families going through divorce and separation.

Soila is the founder of The Davis Centre and The Divorce Magazine.

Life after Divorce - When Fear Takes Over
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A Divorce Story – When Fear Takes Over

Charis Rooks
Author and Speake

The first 3 days without my ex-husband in our home was terrifying for me.

I could not sleep because I was constantly checking windows, doors, kids, and then I would start the rotation all over again until daylight.

After those three days passed by I noticed I would lie down but I couldn’t really sleep the way my body wanted me to sleep.  I was mentally and physically exhausted and on top of that I was sleep deprived.

I remember my fear was there are only three of us, me and my two daughters and no male protector in our home anymore, in those moments I felt overwhelmingly vulnerable.

I have come to notice that with divorce we tend to believe fear more so than anything else, I can definitely testify to this. For you it may not be a fear of being alone however, fear is fear regardless of the reason or situation.

Maybe your fear came in the form of a financial burden after the divorce. How will the mortgage get paid or how will I put food on the table. Did your nights become sleepless? Or maybe how will I be able to do everything that we planned for our future now on my own? Or maybe you are saying to yourself that you were barely keeping to a schedule with both of you in the household, so how in the world can you maintain structure alone?

There are several reasons and fear of the unknown seems to be the common denominator. I remember when I finally began to say to myself, “I will not allow fear to operate my car on this journey called life.”  I received an overwhelming sense of peace. I will be honest it wasn’t a onetime thing.

I said it daily and sure enough I began to sleep more and more peacefully as time went on. I began to check the doors less and less until I would check the doors one time and the kids once and I was out like a light bulb.

For more articles by Charis Rooks, Click here.

ABOUT CHARIS

After her second divorce, Charis decided that it was time to do something not only for herself but also for other women going through similar struggles.

As a survivor of divorce, Charis knows all about the lies and confusion that come with divorce. Though divorce does eventually end, the emotional scars and stress that come with a difficult divorce do not.

Charis is passionate about speaking the truth to women who are caught in the endless cycle of struggle after divorce and she encourages them to share their stories to help provide not only counseling for themselves but also support for others.

Charis does not limit her time to Draw for Women but also reaches out in other ways.

She is an accomplished and published author, having penned God Rarest Diamonds: A Proverbs Life after Divorce Devotional for women and Coming Soon- The 30 Day Life after Divorce Prayer Challenge for Women, which provides encouragement, support, and spiritual enlightenment to those who are struggling, helping readers bring peace to their life journeys. In addition to Draw for Women and writing,

Charis has a personal life that is as full as her professional life.

Charis is married to a wonderful man and is the mother of two talented and beautiful daughters.

Charis earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Technical Management with a concentration in Small Business and Entrepreneurship- Magna Cum Laude in Spring of 2016 and is currently pursuing her MBA.

When she is not working or studying, Charis loves to read, write, and travel. Charis is a dedicated individual who wants nothing more than to share her ideas, experiences, and knowledge to help other women who are struggling with divorce to become comfortable with themselves and with the state of their lives again. 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/draw4women

Twitter: Charis Rooks @draw4women

Instagram: Draw4Women

Life After Divorce and Separation
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Creating the Perfect Life After Divorce and Separation

Adele McCormack Accredited Coach specialising in Relationships and Divorce

“Looking back, I knew my relationship was flawed, and I mean deeply flawed. We practically hated each other and yet we got married – Why? Because the prospect of rebuilding my life seemed to be more daunting than staying in a dysfunctional, abusive relationship.”

This is a common feature of why people stay in unhappy marriages because the fear of dealing with the fall out is crippling.

We all just want to be transported from miserable situation to perfect future life straight away.

Unfortunately, life does not happen like that but you can get to your perfect future quicker if you are prepared to do the work. You see your future is created by you and only you.

If you sit back and do nothing, then nothing will change in your future.

Take control of your decisions and your life can be transformed. Here are a few strategies to kick start you to creating that perfect future.

  • The first thing to do is to focus on the Now – This may seem all too ambiguous so what I mean is this; Write a list of what is holding you back and make the time to correct it i.e. finances. What is the impact on the financial situation since you separated? Do you need to address your income and expenditure? Ignoring this now could have grave consequences in the future but is often an area that people like to put off.
  • Acknowledge your pain – Yes, you are hurting, yes you may be angry, some people are even relieved that their marriage is over. The important thing is to acknowledge your pain, whatever that is. If you need to cry, then cry, shout then shout just don’t deny your feelings. All too often I see people posting pictures on Facebook claiming their life is wonderful when there is a photo posted of them staggering out of a club, pain etched all over their face. Numbing your emotions with alcohol and drugs will just prolong you having to deal with them. If you can’t face dealing with the emotions by yourself, use your friends, family or even coach or counsellor. It is really important to acknowledge your grief.
  • What’s working and what is not? – Your Divorce provides you with an opportunity to really transform your future. Think about what is enhancing your life currently and what is hindering it. This is a useful exercise because it really gets us to evaluate our activities. Humans are creatures of habit and often we do things because we have always done them, not because it serves us any purpose. What in your life can you let go of?
  • Take control of the practicalities– In every relationship, we have jobs to do round the house. Someone is the predominant family cook, someone sorts the cars, does the garden, washing etc. When you separate, this leaves a gap. Say your ex always mowed the lawn be he is no longer here. If you ignore it then the grass will grow and will be a constant reminder of the separation. Get yourself a mower and get out there and do it yourself. You may even find it liberating.
  • Be Kind to Yourself – You are going through a tough time, and will have good days and bad days. So, it is important to be kind to yourself. A facial, new hairdo, time to meditate, pray, go out for dinner, whatever you need. Be kind to yourself and be grateful to yourself for making the time.
  • Re-Organise the space– If you are remaining in the house, re-arrange the furniture, re-define the space as yours. If you have moved elsewhere then try redefining something else like you wardrobe. Use the time to have a clear out, be ruthless. Its shifts your energy and helps you feel in control.

For more information and tips about getting through Divorce go to www.northhousecoaching.com

Adele McCormack is a trained and accredited Coach specialising in Relationships and Divorce. Also a qualified Social worker with a background in Mental Health and Substance misuse, Adele is skilled at helping people rebuild their lives following dysfunctional and abusive relationships.

You find out more about Adele and her work here – www.northhousecoaching.com

 

Adele has also been featured as an expert on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire and the Dr Jackie Black podcast in Canada.

In collaboration with Sara Collins (divorce solicitor and coach) they have created the New Dawn Divorce Retreat offering an intensive healing experience for people going through Divorce. For more information visit www.northhousecoaching.com/divorce-retreat

 

pride and arrogance

A Divorce Story – How Pride and Arrogance Ruled my Life

Charis Rooks
Author and Speaker

Pride and arrogance were embedded in my thoughts after my second marriage.

I was so determined to not really tell anyone how much I was suffering out of pride. I also had this attitude because I had divorced before and I didn’t feel I needed anyone to help me.

When I was hurt I felt as if I couldn’t show it.

Reality was I had taken two huge financial blows in a course of a few short years.  If I needed something definitely this was the time that I needed it.

I remember, as a single mom, one day our company had a huge catered potluck. At the end of the potluck a member of our planning committee made the comment saying “I know this could probably help you, would you like to take these left overs for you and the kids”.

Now reality was yes this meal would have blessed us, however pride and arrogance caused me to say no and then the fall came as I stood there and watched food go into the trash that had never been opened.

There were selections of sandwiches wrapped perfectly with juices, fruits, drinks, and cookies. All of it would have definitely lasted us a couple days until my next payday.

I thought it was the worst thing that I could ever have seen, until I got home and my kids were hungry. That was truly the fall when I realized I passed up a blessing out of my own selfishness that impacted my kids.

I know there are some ladies out there just like I was so prideful and arrogant out of pain and brokenness.

Understand that you aren’t taking a hand out; you are receiving a blessing of resources you may not have imagined or been able to obtain yourself. While you are busy worrying about how to stretch $5 towards gas and food, you have been given food that will supply your need until your next paycheck.

If you are not working, then this blessing will carry you to the next one.  Never be ashamed to feed yourself or your children as I was. Speak up and remember that pride and arrogance will cause unnecessary pain and suffering in your life.

ABOUT CHARIS

After her second divorce, Charis decided that it was time to do something not only for herself but also for other women going through similar struggles.

As a survivor of divorce, Charis knows all about the lies and confusion that come with divorce. Though divorce does eventually end, the emotional scars and stress that come with a difficult divorce do not.

Charis is passionate about speaking the truth to women who are caught in the endless cycle of struggle after divorce and she encourages them to share their stories to help provide not only counseling for themselves but also support for others.

Charis does not limit her time to Draw for Women but also reaches out in other ways.

She is an accomplished and published author, having penned God Rarest Diamonds: A Proverbs Life after Divorce Devotional for women and Coming Soon- The 30 Day Life after Divorce Prayer Challenge for Women, which provides encouragement, support, and spiritual enlightenment to those who are struggling, helping readers bring peace to their life journeys. In addition to Draw for Women and writing,

Charis has a personal life that is as full as her professional life.

Charis is married to a wonderful man and is the mother of two talented and beautiful daughters.

Charis earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Technical Management with a concentration in Small Business and Entrepreneurship- Magna Cum Laude in Spring of 2016 and is currently pursuing her MBA.

When she is not working or studying, Charis loves to read, write, and travel. Charis is a dedicated individual who wants nothing more than to share her ideas, experiences, and knowledge to help other women who are struggling with divorce to become comfortable with themselves and with the state of their lives again. 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/draw4women

Twitter: Charis Rooks @draw4women

Instagram: Draw4Women

coping after breakup

7 Essential Steps to Coping with the Holidays after a Breakup

Sara Davison
Sara Davison
Divorce Coach

Christmas holidays are by far one of the toughest times after a breakup or divorce because it is traditionally a time for families and loved ones to come together.

For many people it heightens the feelings of loneliness and highlights fact that they are single and no longer with their ex.

It can stir up negative emotions that usually are manageable with the daily routines of everyday life. However during the holidays it gets harder to distract yourself as the focus shifts to where you will be, what you will do and who you will spend your holiday time with.

Everyone’s breakup is different and affects them in different ways.

Some people find the emotional rollercoaster the hardest part to cope with and for others it’s the new practical challenges they face that are the toughest to deal with. But whatever the circumstances the ripple effects of a breakup can be the cause of much stress and upset over the Christmas holidays.

The build up to Christmas can be really tricky when everyone around you is getting excited and making plans.

A female client of mine, Sasha, came to see me distraught as this year she would not have her two young children for 10 days including Xmas Day and Boxing Day.

All the talk about the holidays with the mums at the school gates was making her feel like the odd one out and she was fed up of putting on a brave face.

A newly divorced male client of mine recently explained that for the last 12 years he has always cooked the Christmas lunch for his family and then on Boxing Day he always cooked a goose. It was special to him as it was their family ritual and now he had to get to grips with the fact that he wouldn’t even be seeing his children on those days.

They were spending it with his ex-wives family this year and he would have to wait until next year to spend Christmas Day with his kids. He had been enjoying this routine for so many years that he could not imagine Christmas without his children.

A close friend of mine, Emma, was dumped by her boyfriend out of the blue and she was terrified of spending the Christmas holidays alone. She was totally heart broken and her feelings were amplified by the feeling of loss at a time when loved ones are traditionally together.

But the good news is there are lots of things you can do to help you cope better over Christmas after a break up. Here are my top 7 steps:

  1. Give yourself a break: Remember that feeling sad is a normal and necessary part of the grieving process after a breakup. Crying and feeling low is part of the healing process you have to go through and if you try to avoid it by stuffing down negative emotions and distracting yourself, they will come back to haunt you and show up in other ways. It’s ok to cry as it helps to release the negative emotions.
  1. Surround yourself with loving and supportive people: The people you surround yourself with will play a large part in determining how you feel. So take care to choose to spend quality time with people who make you feel good about yourself and who are positive about the future. Sometimes even the most well-meaning friends and family can be emotionally involved in your breakup and can make you feel worse. Make plans to see the people who make you laugh and you look forward to being around.
  1. Recreate Christmas for your kids: If you won’t be with your kids on 25thDecember then you don’t have to miss out on those magic moments. You can celebrate on another date! Pick three days when you do have them and recreate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day on those days instead. Father Christmas will come twice for children who have two homes!
  1. Do something different: Plan ahead and make the actual 25thDecember a special day for you that you will enjoy. Do something that you wouldn’t normally do. Maybe spend it with other single friends, take a trip to visit friends you would not normally get the chance to see, volunteering to do some charity work is a great way to put things into perspective, or go out to a restaurant the kids would never have sat still for!
  1. Change the way you look at it: Instead of feeling sad about it and seeing it as a negative use my technique Flip It to find the positive about it and focus on that. It may be that you get some quality “you time” or help others less fortunate than you. It may take some practice to find something positive but changing your focus will have a huge impact on how you feel.
  1. Get your sparkle back: Get your diary out and plan in some activities that you will look forward to. Make sure you get a good balance between quiet time where you can rest and pamper yourself and also fun times where you are out, socialising and having fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things either. A client of mine tried trampolining and found it made him completely relax as he couldn’t hold on to any negativity whilst bouncing around!
  1. Take the opportunity to plan for 2017: Set the new year up to a great start and spend some time thinking about what you would like the future to look like for you. What do you want to achieve in 2017? What would you like to start doing? What would you like to stop doing? Set yourself some goals to kick your new year off in the right direction.

Remember that it’s not what happens to you in life that counts, it’s what you do about it that defines you as a person.

So take back your control of the Christmas holidays and decide what you want to do and how you want to feel. By getting a plan together you can create a Christmas you enjoy and some incredible magic moments you will always remember.

ABOUT SARA

Sara Davison is a highly credible life and business expert whose own personal experience has led to her creating a unique divorce coaching programme designed to support individuals with the tools, techniques and advice needed to journey through divorce.

An NLP Master Practitioner, with 16 years’ coaching experience, Sara has successfully built and developed a global business and has worked with some of the top names in personal development such as ; Anthony Robbins, Paul McKenna, Barefoot Doctor and more.

With a wealth of experience helping others through challenging situations, as well as the experience of her own marriage breakdown, Sara was inspired to create a bespoke divorce coaching program that would help guide those battling through the process of divorce. The program offers tailored, practical advice and strategies to help people move forward.

Sara’s aim is to change the stigma associated with divorce in the UK. She wants to encourage people to ask for help, and teach people the skills to get from where they are to where they want to be.

For more information see saradavison.com for more details.

 

7 steps to coping without your children at Christmas time

7 Steps to Coping without your Children at Christmas Time

Sara Davison
Sara Davison
Divorce Coach

“Ouch, Ouch, Ouch” accompanied with a heart sinking feeling when you start to actually focus on the fact that it’s not your turn to have your children with you this Christmas.

Add to that a slight jittery panicky sensation and a cold heavy feeling of dread. It’s the part that still strikes a chord deep within and brings tears to the surface however relieved you are not to be living with your ex any longer.

For some this is the very worst part of being divorced, especially if your children are young enough to still believe in the magic of Christmas.

It seems so unfair as when you first held your child you never dreamed that there would ever spend a childhood Christmas apart. It’s a time for being with loved ones and who is more precious than you own small bundle of joy.

However the reality is you cannot change the fact that you will not be with your kids if this is part of your divorce deal.

Of course there is no magic wand to take away all the pain, however you do have a choice to make. You can decide whether you want to focus on the hurt and upset of the situation or grab back your control and find a way to flip this around and make it a positive experience for you.

The trick is to find a way to make this Christmas more bearable and even enjoyable given that there is nothing you can do to change it.

7 steps to help you cope with not seeing your kids over Christmas:

  1. First of all it helps to remember that you are not alone in feeling lonely at Christmas. There are lots of people in all different circumstances who are suffering from the same feeling. Loneliness comes in many guises. You can even feel lonely when you are in a marriage if you are not happy.
  1. You don’t have to miss out on the magic of Christmas just because you don’t have your kids with you on 25th You can always recreate it on a different date. Do it exactly as you would with all your routines and traditions and you will be able to capture the magic with your children as they will be just as excited, if not even more so, to have two Christmas Days and two lots of presents from Father Christmas!
  1. Plan ahead to make sure you have something special to do on Christmas Day. Take some time to think about what you really want to do on 25thSome of you might actually like to spend the day on your own pampering yourself with a lovely hot bubble bath, glass of bubbles and box of chocolates. Others may prefer to be out with friends or family and to spend the day celebrating with other people.
  1. Keep an open mind and try something new. A rewarding way to spend time over Christmas is to volunteer some time to help with a charity. This will help to shift your focus away from your own situation and open your eyes to how other people less fortunate than you are coping over Christmas. It’s a great way to meet other single people too as many of the volunteers are in your situation too.
  1. The run up to the time apart from your children is often worse than the actual time they are away. The dread of saying goodbye to them looming is difficult when everyone else you know is getting excited about their family plans together.
  1. When the kids are gone the countdown starts to their return and it’s up to you to pack in as many fun things as possible. It’s a chance for “you time” so make sure you spend some quality time with friends you don’t get to see often and do them things you never get the chance to squeeze in between the school run and the daily chores. It’s also a great chance to get all those jobs out the way that you have been putting off. By setting yourself some goals you will feel like you are making positive progress and using the time wisely.
  1. Socialise and maybe go on a date. Christmas is the party season so make the effort to go out and mingle. There are lots of people out and about and it’s a great time to make some new friends. A great confidence boost is to go out with a friend and make a pact to meet some new people. You never know who you may meet and where it may lead!

I know from personal experience that being without your children over Christmas is challenging.

There are times when of course it will make you sad, you love them and you would rather be with them for sure. However it’s not what happens to you in life that matters, it’s what you do about it that defines you as a person. So it’s time to take a deep breath and step up.

Transform your situation into one that you enjoy and have with fun. If you can learn and grow from the experience then it will no longer have that hold of fear over you. You can flip it into a different kind of Christmas with new magic moments that you would never have dreamed of before.

Make this a Merry Christmas as well as an empowering one for you!

About Sara

Sara Davison is a highly credible life and business expert whose own personal experience has led to her creating a unique divorce coaching programme designed to support individuals with the tools, techniques and advice needed to journey through divorce.

An NLP Master Practitioner, with 16 years’ coaching experience, Sara has successfully built and developed a global business and has worked with some of the top names in personal development such as ; Anthony Robbins, Paul McKenna, Barefoot Doctor and more.

With a wealth of experience helping others through challenging situations, as well as the experience of her own marriage breakdown, Sara was inspired to create a bespoke divorce coaching program that would help guide those battling through the process of divorce. The program offers tailored, practical advice and strategies to help people move forward.

Sara’s aim is to change the stigma associated with divorce in the UK. She wants to encourage people to ask for help, and teach people the skills to get from where they are to where they want to be.

For more information see saradavison.com for more details.

6 Steps to Make your Children’s First Christmas after Divorce Special

Kate Banerjee
Partner and Head of the Children Department
Jones Myers Family Law Solicitors

The festive countdown will leave many separated spouses and their children feeling apprehensive, distressed and nervous – particularly for estranged couples who are embarking on their first Christmas post-divorce.

For the newly single, these sentiments are understandably exacerbated at what is already an emotional time of year – and if they no longer live with the children.

The partner looking after the children can likewise feel overwhelmed with the prospect of feeling they single-handedly need to organise everything and everyone.

In this scenario, effective planning, communication and a spirit of goodwill can help both parents to survive the break while keeping the children at the heart of celebrations.

Here are six top tips for reducing stress at Christmas:

  • Double the magic: if you don’t spend Christmas Day with the children, why not organise a second celebration or an added treat for them? As well as enhancing their anticipation and enjoyment, it will strengthen the bonds between you.
  • Talk to each other: planning ahead with regular communications should allow you to agree and organise a holiday season that will suit as many people as possible.
  • Set objectives: always aim to achieve what is best for the children, despite any lingering grievances you may have. Don’t criticise your ex in front of them or ask them to take sides – as this will make them less likely to want to spend time with you.
  • Be flexible: accept that children will want to see as much as possible of both parents, wider family and their friends. If that means you spend less time with them this year, discuss it reasonably with your ex and aim to make up for it next Christmas.
  • Tell the children what’s happening: the further ahead you can let children know how Christmas will be spent the better; they like security and certainty – and will already have been unsettled by the split. Hopefully, keeping them informed will allow them to adjust to the Christmas changes and give them a scenario they can look forward to.
  • Treat yourself: many parents hanker for a break from the children after a few days confined with them. As such, make the most of the time you’re apart; treat yourself or do something you couldn’t if they were there – and be sure not to neglect your health and wellbeing.

Simple planning and communication can help the whole family feel better about Christmas following a breakup – and could be key to more harmonious relationships in the years ahead as everyone moves on.

About Kate

Kate, Head of the Children Department at Leeds and London based Jones Myers, is highly skilled in cases relating to children including contact and residence disputes. She specialises in child protection law and is a Member of the Child Care Panel with experience representing parents, guardians, Local Authorities and children.

As well as working regionally and nationally, Kate has considerable expertise in international child abduction cases and is a Member of the International Child Abduction and Custody Unit.

Kate has “Higher Court Rights,” something fewer than 2,500 solicitors have in England and Wales, which enables her to offer clients an all-round litigation service.

 

life after divorce
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New Trend in Life after Divorce

Women and Divorce
Wendi Schuller
Author of
The Global Guide to Divorce

There is a new trend after divorce when getting remarried, which is each person keeps their own home.

Some divorced folks whose subsequent marriages are in their second decade or so, claim living apart is their secret to marital satisfaction.

Keep in mind, these are people who do not have a child together who would be shuttled back and forth between two places. These couples are childless or have offspring who have flown the nest.

Why is this occurring?

In one case, a couple could not decide which location to live in. Although neither had nine-to-five jobs, they had work commitments tied to their residences.

He freelanced in London and she was an artist near Cornwall who painted exquisite landscapes. They felt that they had loads of time to decide where to live which turned out to be the key to making this work.

He spends long weekends enjoying the bucolic countryside around her cottage and she likes the excitement of a few days in London. They use their time apart for some solitude or getting together with local friends.

What surprised these two was that they had already hit upon the solution – to continue their current lifestyle permanently . When together, they are very focused on each other.

How does living in separate households work?

  • Are you both independent types who crave alone time or do not want someone around 24/7, no matter how much you are in love? One couple who each have been divorced, are both in education. He is on the faculty of a college and she is a therapist in a primary school. They live nearby in their own houses and have been together for nine years. She states that they would “Drive each other crazy” if they ever lived under the same roof.
  • Logistically is it better to have your separate places? This may be due to having to be near elderly parents or a family member with a terminal condition. Another example is when job commitments are in different places and each wants to keep their house.
  • life after divorceIt may be temporary, such as when someone has a job contract that will be finished in several months. A divorced woman with a beloved elderly cat married a divorced man who has a severe allergy to them. The cat was not going to be around much longer. She was at her condo every day to feed and be with the cat, sometimes spending the night, particularly at the end. Her husband told me that he has such respect for his wife. They knew this was a temporary set-up and the cat died six months after their marriage. This woman has no regrets since her eighteen-year-old companion lived out his final days in a familiar place.
  • Maybe one is a big city person and the other loves farm life or living in the countryside. This does not have to be an either-or situation. Living separately part-time and commuting to be with each is doable. It helps when the couple’s places are an easy drive or linked by good public transportation.
  • Two opposites may attract, yet not be able to live day-to-day with each other. A divorced woman wed a military man who was a widower. He had been married for fifty years and was used to things being done in a certain way, plus has quirks from his time in the military (extreme neatness). She is a creative artist who is oblivious to a mess and is attached to her tiny home. He bought a condo a block away and so far, this situation is working out for them.
  • Families may not mix well. I asked my divorced friend what was the happiness secret for her subsequent marriage which lasted twenty years. She replied “Because we each had our separate houses.” Bill lived forty-five minutes away near where he worked. He was active in their mutual church which was near Ellen’s house. Living part-time with Bill mostly avoided the touchy issue that his adult daughters intensely loathed Ellen. Bill doted on his daughters and could spend time with them, while sparing Ellen of this ordeal. These women were vindictive after his death so Ellen was glad to have had only a few sporadic interactions with them while married.

The majority of people want to live together when married.

For others in different situations, be creative and think outside of the box. A life coach can help devise a plan for how to be together when there are some constraints for residing in one location.

Situations change and living apart may end up be temporary.

ABOUT WENDI

Wendi Schuller is a nurse, hypnotherapist and is certified in Neuro-linguistic Programing (NLP).

Her most recent book is The Global Guide to Divorce and she has over 200 published articles.

She is a guest on radio programs in the US and UK. Her website is globalguidetodivorce.com.

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Moving Home after Divorce? Consider Hiring a Self-Hire Vehicle Instead Of A Moving Company

Steve Marshall
Steve Marshall
Founder Self-Move

Moving home is an exciting yet challenging time for many people. The prospect of moving, for some, opens new doors to new career and life opportunities but moving all your items to the new home isn’t so much.

While many tend to hire a moving company to complete the task, this can run into a large expense which you may not have the money for.

The other option you have is moving the items yourself. For those who are about to move home, here’s the advantages of hiring a self-hire moving vehicle to complete the move yourself.

Benefits Of Moving Your Own Items

Saves You Money

One of the biggest advantages of moving your own items in a hired vehicle is you can save a lot of money. Unfortunately moving companies tend to charge exorbitant amounts depending on how far you’re moving. Self-hire moving vehicles, on the other hand, can be hired out at a cheaper rate which won’t break the budget. This enables for you to have more money to spend on other areas of the move.

You Can Take Your Time

Moving your own items allows you to take your time. There’s no rush, stress, or time reframes to complete the move in like you would have with a moving company. If you want to take two days to complete the move, you can. Hiring a self-hire vehicle allows you to work on your time and not anyone else’s.

You Don’t Have To Worry About Things Getting Lost Or Stolen

In some cases, items can go missing or get stolen when hiring a moving company which isn’t as professional as you’d like them to be. Moving the items yourself, allows for you to monitor your possessions without the risk of them going missing or getting stolen. You know where your items are at all times during the move.

More Vehicle Options To Choose From

Self-hire vehicles offer multiple vehicle options to choose from which can give you additional room to pack your items. Moving vans allow for many items to be packed in a confined space, reducing the risk of items falling out.

Utes on the other hand are great for packing furniture which may be oddly shaped or larger than expected. Either way you get to choose the vehicle you want and that suits your needs.

You Pay For However Long You Have The Vehicle For

Unlike moving companies, self-hire vehicles allow you to pay only for the time you have hired them for. If you get the move completed early, you can return the vehicle and save on money. This is great for those who won’t be taking long to move house.

Conclusion

Moving home is something that many people are about to embark on worldwide. Whether you’re moving across town or to another city, the option of a self-hire vehicle is something that you can consider. As you can see self-hire vehicles provide people with many advantages during their move. So are you going to hire a self-moving vehicle?

About Steve Marshall

Steve is businessman, author, adventurer, Land Rover enthusiast, educator and public speaker.

Steve earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New South Wales while training as a Maritime Officer in the Royal Australian Navy. Following on from his naval career, Steve was the physics teacher at The Scots School in Bathurst for 14 years. He was also a House Master, the Promotion and Development Officer, President of the Old Boys Association, plus a teacher of Maths, Science and Geography.

His passion for Land Rovers saw him buy a business that would help fund his Land Rover passion and give him the opportunity to travel while being his own boss. He chose Self Move which, in 1996, consisted of just two utes and 38 trailers available for hire at petrol stations.

Today Self Move Hire is a leading ute and van hire company spanning the nation. 

13 of the Best Paid (Realistic) Careers that Don’t Require a Degree

Joe Thomas
Joe Thomas

Even today, many people still consider university the best or only way to attain a well-paying job.

Whilst this assumption still holds value, there are now a plethora of professions around that do not require a degree to get into, and which allow you to achieve an above average to highly lucrative salary.

What we are providing in the list below, is 15 completely different and varied professions in which you do not formally need a degree to get into.

Of course, having a degree will help, however these careers look at more than just the ability to study and do well in exams.

For those perhaps with a less than perfect background – criminal records, health and educational issues, for example, we have also included a couple of professions where you can still earn above average salaries with a bit of hard work.

Truck Driver

Whilst hardly a glamorous job, becoming a Truck Driver means you get to travel all over the country, listen to your own music on the stereo and eat whenever you like.

All you need for this is a full driving license and to pass an LGV and/or a HGV test and you could be earning a salary of up to £35,000. Much higher than the UK average of £26,500.

Truck drivers are currently in short supply in the UK, so salaries could rise further, making this an ideal job for someone who may be struggling to reach the UK average otherwise.

Recruitment Consultant

The recruitment sector is a highly lucrative market, worth over £30 billion in the UK. You will need strong sales abilities, a good customer service attitude and sharp problem solving skills to flourish in this business.

Intricate knowledge of a particular career sector is a bonus for top quality recruitment, with top earners taking in excess of £38,000 before (hefty) commission.

Journalist

A career as a journalist can be as varied as any two people, it really depends on what you’re interested in. You could work in sports, politics, art, lifestyle or travel to name just a few. The main things you need to get started are good writing skills under deadline pressure, strong self-confidence and lots of enthusiasm.

A journalist at the top of their field can expect to earn a minimum salary of £35,000, depending on what kind of publication you’re going for. You can do degrees in journalism, as with almost every industry nowadays, but it is far from a necessity.

Stone Mason

Stone Masonry is one the oldest crafts in the world, used to create iconic buildings such as the Egyptian Pyramids, Stonehenge, the Temples of Angkor and our beloved Houses of Parliament.

No formal education is required, simply find a local college that is offering courses in Stone Masonry or Construction to learn the basics. Once you’ve worked your way up you could be on £40,000 a year.

Security

Working as a security officer is another job that requires nothing more than a good character and a relatively fit physique.

You will need to be patient, polite, sensible, and be able work well under stress. Small jobs aren’t particularly lucrative in terms of salary, but higher security jobs can earn you £40,000+.

Digital Marketing

SEO and PPC combine to make up what most people perceive to be digital marketing, with roles such as email and affiliate marketing also coming under the same banner.

digital marketingEach niche is different, with SEO’s aim being to help a website rank organically on a search engine results page, and PPC’s to give websites visibility online at a specific time and place (and cost).

Whilst degrees in related fields – business and marketing, for example – can help, they are not always required as much can be learnt on the job. Salaries start at junior levels, however you can quickly rise to the mid thirty thousands within a few years, depending on location and how hard you work.

Police Constable

As a Police Officer you will learn more about people’s behaviour and what it is to be part of a community than you possibly could in any other job.

You will need a clear head, a friendly attitude, good leadership skills, amongst many other attributes, but with those, you could be earning upwards of £41,000 a year.

Fire Fighter

Fire Fighters do everything from saving lives to educating and supporting local communities; the job is continually evolving and you will never be left uninspired.

Good character and physical build are the most important attributes, for you’ll find these the most valuable tools for dealing with the situations that arise.

A fully trained Fire Fighter can earn a minimum of £28,700, with that rising to £55,000 for Area Managers. The dangers of the job are self-explanatory.

Air Traffic Controller

Whilst you don’t need a degree to become an Air Traffic Controller, you will need some specific qualifications that will train you for the very particular job at hand.

Don’t worry though, just enter with some decent maths skills and some stolid reflexes and you should be set. The average wage for this highly valuable job is around £80,000.

Marketing and Sales Manager

For these kind of roles you need to be very self-motivated and have the ability to motivate and inspire others.

There will be plenty of on-the-job management training, but to get here make sure you’re learning everything there is to know about your industry and taking any opportunity for development you can get. For Senior Management roles you could earn over £50,000 a year.

Fashion Designer

Whilst the competition in the fashion world is fierce, experience and talent are more important than qualifications.

Alexander McQueen, for instance, left formal education at the age of 16 with one O-level. Build up a good portfolio, market yourself well and plague fashion houses and companies with your enthusiasm, and, the world really could be your oyster.

Public Relations

To work in Public Relations you need to have excellent communication skills and the ability to influence using a variety of media.

The most powerful tools you can have are a shrewd character, strong communication skills, creativity, and a good knowledge of all kinds of media. This job pays for what it brings, so if you are at the top of your game, earning your company good reputation, you could earn £100,000+.

About Joe

Joe Thomas is a writer who enjoys creating articles in the careers sector.

He is particularly interested in helping those that may be at a disadvantage, and aims to  provide good and easy to follow information to help these individuals obtain the career they want.

Joe is a big believer in going after what you want to achieve; the sky’s the limit!

Contact –  joe@allgreenpr.com

 

My Lights went Out

Life after Divorce – My Only Business: Focus On The North Star

Carly Israel
Carly Israel

Since writing my first piece, My Light Went Out I have had a ton of messages and tweets and feedback.

The messages thanking me for my words, the tweets casting judgement and blame and the angry, name-calling comments about my selfish choices as a mother.

Putting myself, my soul and my words out to the universe comes with the opportunity for all of this. And all of it is a gift. I am beyond grateful for the platform to use my voice and possibly be able to help others find the courage to live their truth, whatever that truth might be.

If I measured my worth by other people’s opinions of me I would be hiding under a rock. But I’m not, because it isn’t my business.

What others think about me or say about me is not my business. And I certainly can’t take it personally. One of the lessons I have learned along the way is that everybody has a story. Who am I to judge?

My friend, Sarah Marcus-Donnelly , often reminds me that my only business is to behave. Behave and take care of my boys. Be kind and walk with dignity. And so I walk. Along this uncertain, uneven path. I walk. The only way out is through. And in the darkness there are gifts and there is light.

Early on in this process I was sitting with my friend, Scott Simon -one of my lighthouses, he gave me one of my greatest gifts. The North Star.

Focus on the North Star
Focus on the North Star – I loved it so much it became a tattoo on my inner forearm to remind me.

He told me that my boys need to be the North Star for me and their father. That we will get lost as we attempt to sail these rocky, unpredictable waters of divorce and without our North Star we could get very far off course.

I loved it so much it became a tattoo on my inner forearm to remind me.

This concept was how we told our boys about the divorce. We explained that when sailors get lost and they don’t know where they’re going, they can only focus on the constant, the only tool that can guide them in the dark. We told them that they were our North Star.

This has brought us back again and again when we want to stand our ground and dig our feet in. It has brought us back to the moment. Back to our focus.

The North Star. Three little boys who look to us for guidance. Three boys whose story of “divorce” will not be written by the tweets and comments made by those who are angry and stuck as victims. The story of divorce will be written by their mom and their dad and we choose to put aside our resentments and hurt and write a new story.

It isn’t easy. There are times when we want to sail head first into the waves, but then the question tugs at my heart. “What do I want to teach them about love? About forgiveness? About patience?”

Many asked why I was so vague with my reasons for my light going out, for my reasons to leave if I had no black eye. Those details remain locked and sacred as I focus on the North Star. They are not anyone’s business.

I am writing a new story for my children and the only response I have about my role as a mother is this one: I mess up, I lose my temper, I forget things, I have been known to swear, I am silly and a bit like Dory, but one thing I know for certain is I can answer the question every parent asks themselves.

“Am I a good mother/father?”

The answer is a solid, unequivocal, “yes.”

ABOUT CARLY

Carly Israel: single mother of 3 growing boys, sober warrior, forever student of life and a beautiful mess doing her best to spread the light in this world.
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