DEVELOPING NEW LINKS
What do you enjoy doing? What brings you pleasure? Are there activities in your life that bring you a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction? Find out what you enjoy doing and do more of it. The same goes for your children. Maintain your children’s existing links, hobbies, interests, extra curricular activities. If, however, the ones already in place are not enough, help them to develop new ones.
Here are some suggestions as to how to develop new links and interests in the community:-
- ACTIVITIES & HOBBIES
Activities like exercising i.e yoga, swimming, cycling, walking the dog, going to the gym, gardening, drawing, painting, writing, and reading can help you to relax and feel connected.
- TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Do not be afraid to try something different. This can help build your confidence. There are clubs for walking, singing, playing chess, football, rock climbing. Join a new class at beginner’s level or develop a new interest.
- SOCIALISE
Make the most of social contacts. Contact old friends, become more involved in the children’s school, help out at the church or connect with people through a shared interest.
- CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY
Studies show that those who contribute something to society often say they are happy. If you spend time helping others you may help yourself in the process. Volunteering is a good way of meeting people: reading in school, helping with meals at Help the Aged, dog-walking for the RSPCA.
- JOIN A GROUP
Knowing that you are not alone can often offer a real source of strength.
- EDUCATION
Go back to college and study full-time, part-time or take a night class.
- HOLIDAY
Almost a third of British adults are not in a long term relationship. Travel companies have focused in on this and many are now offering escorted trips for solo travellers.
Learning to live without the support of your former partner and establishing a post separation identity may be the most difficult part of separation. Invest in your children, your friendships and your family. Eventually there will be a growing sense of being a whole person, and a feeling of being in control over your future.
