Tips to plan for the new year as your marriage ends

Not all marriages last, and yours is ending in divorce. The new year is coming up, and it feels like the ideal time to start planning for what your new life is going to be like. Who do you want to be in 2019? What do you want your life to look like? Remember, you have complete control over the course your life takes from here on out.

First of all, it may be a good idea to focus on building some new traditions, especially if you have children. The old ones just don’t fit your schedule or your life now that you and your ex are co-parenting, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit around thinking about what used to be. Take this time to build new traditions that you can love and embrace for the future.

Another important tip is to take an active role in what your life looks like, rather than a passive one. Sit down, decide what you want and then determine exactly how you’ll get it. Maybe you want to make the most of your time with the kids; how can you arrange your work schedule and custody schedule to make it possible? Be intentional and create the life you want.

Above all else, make sure you stayed focused on the future and all of the possibilities it brings. Look for ways to improve yourself and your relationships moving forward. Make positive changes that you’re excited about.

As you do all of this, consider your parental rights and how the outcome of your divorce can impact your life in 2019 and beyond.