Mediating Conflict,
Embracing Peace

Healing from divorce with a single word

We frequently write about the difficulties that individuals face while navigating the divorce process and its aftermath. There is no question that divorce can be a uniquely challenging process physically, emotionally and practically. At times, this process can be so overwhelming that it can be difficult to know what one can possibly do to achieve greater peace, optimism and focus. Sometimes, all it takes to realign oneself with positive intention is a single word.

You alone understand which values are important to you and help to define your identity. These values hopefully are helping you to focus your divorce process on the property, relationships and foundations for the future that mean the most to you. Choosing to sum up an important value or priority in a single word and making that word a mental and emotional focusing point can help you to ensure that your present and future are more hopeful and grounded at the same time.

For example, if you are the kind of person who reacts to stress and grief by turning relatively small challenges into difficulties that seem bigger than life, perhaps you may benefit from keeping the word “perspective” at the forefront of your mind. Or, if you resist every aspect of moving forward in the divorce process but understand that you must do so for your wellbeing, perhaps you may benefit from placing the word “momentum” in several prominent places around your home.

A single word itself cannot heal the pain and frustration of divorce. However, allowing a word of your choosing to inspire you can aid you in making the absolute most out of the energy that you have and hope to have in the future.

Source: The Huffington Post, “50 One-Word Resolutions for Life After Divorce,” Heather Sweeney, Feb. 17, 2015

Archives