Hello, my dear friend who is facing a crossroads in life.
I have read your message several times, and I believe the only emotional word is "confused." I can only imagine that you must have gone through a difficult process, perhaps even one that was heart-wrenching, before reaching a point of slowly despairing. I can't imagine that you wouldn't consider the option of child-8594.html" target="_blank">divorce unless it was absolutely necessary.
Before answering your question, I would like to offer you a hug and suggest that you choose a safe and suitable time and place alone to let your emotions flow and vent more authentically. This can help us reduce the possibility of our thoughts being controlled by our emotions and make us increasingly aware of what our own needs really are. Perhaps divorce is not the only option.
In response to your three concerns, I would like to offer my thoughts, which may not fully align with your situation, in the hope that they might provide some ideas and a direction for your thinking.
In my opinion, the timing of the discussion may not be as crucial as the way we approach it. Our tone, words, and subsequent actions will greatly influence the impact of our marriage on the child. Regardless of the child's age, I believe that separation can be a challenging experience for them. Similarly, if the mother is unhappy in the marriage, it can also be a difficult situation for the child. They may even start to blame themselves for it.
If you are considering or have decided to get a divorce, I would suggest that you tell your child the truth. Children are very sensitive and can sense that they will learn about our thoughts earlier than we ourselves realize. You may choose an appropriate time and place to tell your child about your considerations, which could include how you and your partner met, the process of getting together, how you gradually reached the current situation, and your plans.
It is important to be objective and fair when discussing this process with your child. It is natural to feel frustrated with your husband, but it is essential to remember that he is still the father of your child. It is also important to explain to your child that you are separating from his father because you feel it is no longer the best environment for you to live together. However, you will continue to share the responsibility of raising him together because he is the result of your love for each other.
It is important to let your child know that the divorce is not a reflection of your love for them and that they will continue to be loved just as much as they always have been.
It is also important to consider your own state of mind. Children will be aware of your emotional state, including your life circumstances, emotions, and interpersonal relationships. It is essential to demonstrate to your child that the divorce is for the sake of a better happiness. This will help your child gradually accept the divorce, which may initially be a source of sadness. However, if you continue to dwell on sadness, depression, and complaining, it may intensify the impact and harm caused by the divorce.
I'm not sure what your life goals and aspirations are, but I do know that they are not necessarily tied to age. They are unique to you and your journey. Psychologists often say that "value" is the deepest desire in our hearts to interact with the world, other people, and ourselves.
In essence, it is about who we aspire to be and what we wish to uphold. Our deeply held values will always serve as a guiding force, prompting us to continue acting in a certain direction and keep moving forward.
A value can serve as a guiding light, pointing us in the right direction. It can be seen as a North Star.
When traveling, we can find guidance from the North Star, even when we feel temporarily lost or stressed.
Often, we are aware of what we do not want. For example, we may not desire obsessive thoughts, painful emotions, or difficult challenges.
However, we may sometimes find it challenging to discern our true desires. By elucidating our values, we can gain insight into the kind of person we aspire to be, the type of relationship we seek with others, and the ways we can enrich our lives and make them more meaningful.
If I might suggest, there are five concrete steps for setting goals:
If I might suggest, the first step is to choose the value you would like to practice. For example, you might choose to focus on staying physically healthy and in good shape.
If I might suggest, the second step is to set a goal for the day. Perhaps you could ask yourself, "What is something I can do in the next 24 hours?"
For instance, you might consider doing 30 push-ups when you get home. This is an achievable goal that can help to boost your motivation and confidence.
Step 3: Consider setting some short-term goals. You might ask yourself, "What can I do for my health in the next week?"
For instance, I have set myself the task of doing 30 push-ups at home every weekday evening at 9 o'clock for the next week.
Step 4: Consider setting medium-term goals. You might ask yourself, "What can I do for my health in the next month?"
For instance, you might consider making it a habit to do push-ups every day. You may also wish to try four days a week of cooking nutritious meals yourself.
You might consider taking a posture correction course before the end of the month.
Step 5: Consider what your physical condition and posture might be like a year from now.
It is possible that your test results will be normal, and that your hunched shoulders will have eased up a bit. This could be a long-term goal for you.
It would be beneficial to set short-term and medium-term goals in these five steps.
It is important to remember that practicing values is not something that has to be done or completed. Rather, it is a choice that can be made in order to experience a richer and more meaningful life.
It is important to remember that there is no need to be discouraged if you do not succeed. As long as you want to, you have the right to love yourself and take care of yourself in every moment.
It is also worth noting that public opinion can sometimes be a challenging aspect to navigate. Different individuals may have varying perceptions of what constitutes a "perfect" person, and it is possible that some aspects of your personal journey may not align with these expectations. Rather than focusing on external validation, it can be beneficial to turn your attention inward and reflect on your own thoughts and feelings about your divorce.
I wonder if I might ask whether a divorced woman is perceived as bad or worthless.
Perhaps it would be helpful to remember that we are the only ones who can truly influence ourselves. If we are strong enough, people outside will eventually stop talking, and time is often the best way to deal with things.
Could it be said that if you are happy and smiling, that is perhaps the most important thing of all?
I would like to suggest the following books for your consideration: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon; The Happiness Trap by Ross Harris; and Real Happiness by Martin Seligman. I hope that reading these books will help you to understand yourself better and to identify what you truly want.
I would like to suggest that we view divorce as an opportunity for a fresh start, rather than as a definitive end.
Comments
I understand your concerns about minimizing the impact on your child by waiting until they're in their third year of high school before proceeding with the divorce. It's a thoughtful approach to protect them during critical developmental stages. In terms of what comes next for you, consider exploring personal interests or education that can enrich your life and open new opportunities. Remember, it's okay to seek happiness and fulfillment at any age.
Facing public opinion can be tough, but ultimately, you need to do what's best for your own wellbeing and that of your child. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your situation. Their encouragement can help shield you from negative outside opinions. Also, focusing on selfgrowth can show others that you're moving forward positively.
The timing of a divorce is such a delicate matter, especially when considering the effects on children. Waiting might provide stability for now, but also think about what's sustainable for you longterm. As for future goals, maybe start by setting small, achievable ones that gradually lead to larger aspirations. This can build confidence and direction as you transition into this new phase of life.
It's natural to worry about how people will react, but remember that not everyone's opinion matters. Focus on those whose views you value and trust. For your next chapter, consider what has always intrigued you or what skills you've wanted to develop. There's no rule saying you can't pursue dreams later in life; sometimes, it's just the right time for a fresh start.
Divorce is a significant decision, and it's commendable that you're thinking about your child's wellbeing. Waiting until after high school could offer some protection, but also evaluate if staying together without affection serves your child better. Regarding your future, it might be helpful to talk to a career counselor or therapist to explore possibilities and set meaningful goals that align with your values.