Staying positive while your marriage is ending can seem like an impossible task. You have to deal with so many challenges at once, from deciding where you will live and how to handle shared parenting of your children, to coping with all of the emotional struggles that accompany divorce. But research has shown that there is a way to find joy and optimism, even during divorce. The key is learning to practice gratitude.
Numerous studies reveal the enormous capacity of gratitude to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. People who practice gratitude generally report higher levels of joy, enthusiasm and satisfaction with their life. They are also more likely to reach out to others and more willing to offer support than those who do not incorporate gratitude into their daily life. This creates an opportunity to form stronger bonds with others, helping to make life’s transitions easier for everyone involved.
That being said, gratitude is not an easy or an automatic response to life’s challenges. Anger, resentment and self-pity seem to come more naturally during difficult times like divorce. These feelings can make it hard to recognize the positive contributions of others, creating a cycle of negativity that can affect every aspect of your life, including your overall mood, your relationships with others and even your health.
Experts suggest that keeping a gratitude journal can be a simple and yet powerful way to help you recognize the good things in life that you might otherwise take for granted. By redirecting your energy to focus on the positive, you can break the cycle of self-pity and regret and work towards becoming a happier and more empowered person. Practicing gratitude is like practicing an instrument – it becomes easier and more natural with time. But unlike learning to play the piano, you can master the art of gratitude in as little as a few weeks. Creating a gratitude journal is the first step. Below are some tips for reaping the most benefits.
- Start simple – Writing in your journal does not have to take a lot of time. In fact, studies show that journaling just once a week produces greater benefits than daily journaling. Start by jotting down five things that you have experienced in the past week for which you are grateful. Limit your writing to one or two sentences for each item. Though it may feel forced in the beginning, it will become easier each time.
- Be conscious in your writing – Rather than listing a great number of superficial things, focus in detail about a particular thing that you are grateful for. Becoming more conscious of what makes you happy can motivate you to experience those things more often, leading to greater fulfillment.
- Savor the unexpected – Try to record events that surprised you, as these tend to illicit greater feelings of gratitude.
- Make it personal – Focusing on people to whom you are grateful has a bigger impact than focusing on things. As you become more accustomed to thanking others in your personal writing, that task will naturally translate into your daily life, making it easier to recognize the good in others and form deeper and more meaningful bonds.
Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles Offer Exceptional Legal Services in a Caring and Supportive Environment
At Huesman, Jones & Miles, we understand that divorce can be emotionally challenging. Our goal is to protect and support families through all of life’s transitions. We offer high quality legal services in a safe and compassionate environment. To schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated Towson divorce lawyers, contact us online or call 443-589-0150 today. We help you sleep at night.
