Breaking up is hard. It can be long and painful and arduous deciding on issues like whose fault everything is and who will get custody – of the kids, the dog, that ugly vase Aunty Mabel gave you for a wedding present…
But when the divorce comes through, that’s a time that marks a new chapter in your life, and it’s something that should be celebrated. When my divorce came through, I was still child and responsibility-free so I hotfooted it over to Edinburgh for a year. (Which I absolutely recommend if you’re considering it.)
But if you don’t want to move to the other side of the world, here are some other ideas that can help you draw a big line under that chapter in your life and get ready to move forward.
- Go on retreat
Spend a week or two having massages and facials, doing yoga, and generally getting in touch with who you are as a single woman again. Some great options include Bliss Sanctuary for Women in Bali, Gaia Retreat and Spa near Byron Bay, and Samadhi Retreat in Daylesford.
- Get a tattoo
‘All men are bastards’ is probably not something you should be putting permanently anywhere right now, but if you are a fan of the ink, maybe something that symbolises renewal, strength or rebirth might be relevant.
- Have a party
Throw an emancipation party, invite all your friends, dance on the tables and have a ball. Just be sure to keep the language on your invitations positive and focused on your new life. No guests want to come and hear you talk about how glad you are to be rid of that creep – especially if they’re still friends with him. Keep the focus on freedom and fun, and party hard.
- Have a makeover
If you’ve ever watched a romantic comedy, you’ll know it’s a woman’s job to get a makeover after a break-up. There’s a reason for this though: it will help you to feel fresh, attractive and fun again – ready to get out there, mingling with confidence. Whether you’re on the market for a new partner, or you just want to feel fantastic about yourself, a new hairdo, some new clothes and a bold lip will work wonders.
- Redecorate or move
Move into a new home and decorate it exactly the way you like. There isn’t any need to consider anyone else’s feelings any more. And if you’re staying put, ditch that wallpaper in the bedroom you always hated and finally get around to installing a dishwasher. This is your time to get what you want, where you want it.
- Do a ‘first’
Choose an activity that you’ve been wanting to try for ages, such as training for a marathon or learning to play the ukulele. Or do something a bit nuts that will let you know you’re alive, like jumping out of a plane or trying abseiling.
Now’s the time to forget about who you were and move boldly into who you want to be in your new life.
Make it fulfilling and exhilarating and kiss that old life goodbye with no regrets.
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