Divorce: 12 Ways to Help Suffering Parents Choose HappinessFinding Joy After Divorce: 12 Helpful Steps

By Jean Tracy, MSS

Divorce can be devastating. Many parents suffer long after it is over. Today, find out 12 steps you can take to take charge of your thoughts and your life.

How Divorcing Parents Can Choose Goals to Find Happiness:

Set one positive goal at a time and stick with it for 21 days. This builds your "True Grit."
Create new memories by joining a social group that's uplifting and fun.
Develop a positive lifestyle that becomes your legacy.
Find enjoyable ways to help others.
Develop a smile from the heart. Give it to others with a wish for their well-being. Do this at least 3 times a day.
Make a gratitude list. Each evening or morning write down 3 things you're thankful for from the events of the past day.
Compose a hopeful list. Each morning write down 3 events you are looking forward to that day.
Avoid negative thinkers and make friends with positive people.
Clear out mind polluting thoughts. Replace them with the strong positive images, feelings, and ideas you want.
Take simple risks that help you grow.
Talk with someone you trust. Counselors with cognitive behavioral skills can be helpful.
Strive to live a life of love and compassion for yourself and others.

You acknowledged how hard divorce is and how it affects you and your child. You walked through twelve steps you can take: let yourself grieve, build new routines, find good support, model moving forward, and more. You saw how your healing matters for your child’s well‑being. With this guide, you now have tools to choose hope, create a fresh start, and show your child that happiness is possible again.