Divorce is a significant life transition that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. While it can be a challenging and emotional time, it also presents an opportunity to envision and create a new, fulfilling life. Setting intentions is a powerful way to focus your energy, clarify your desires, and work towards a positive future. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to set meaningful intentions and create a vision for the life you want to (and can!) build post-divorce.
1. Understanding Intentions vs. Goals
Before diving into the process, it’s important to distinguish between intentions and goals. While goals are specific, measurable outcomes you aim to achieve, intentions are broader statements about how you want to live and feel. Intentions are rooted in the present moment and reflect your values and aspirations. They guide your actions and decisions, creating a foundation for setting and achieving specific goals.
For example, an intention might be, “I intend to prioritise my well-being and happiness,” while a related goal could be, “I will practice self-care daily”.
2. Reflect on Your Values and Desires
To set meaningful intentions, start by reflecting on your core values and desires. Consider the following questions:
- What are the most important values that guide my life (e.g., kindness, growth, freedom)?
- What aspects of my life do I want to focus on (e.g., career, relationships, personal growth)?
- How do I want to feel in this new chapter (e.g., empowered, peaceful, joyful)?
- What are my passions and interests, and how can I incorporate them into my life?
Taking time to reflect on these questions can help you gain clarity on what truly matters to you and what you want to prioritise in your post-divorce life.
3. Envision Your Ideal Future
Once you’ve identified your values and desires, it’s time to envision your ideal future. Close your eyes and imagine your life – a year, five years, or even ten years from now. Picture yourself living a life that aligns with your values and brings you joy. Consider the following:
- Where are you living, and what does your home environment look like?
- What are you doing for work, and how does it make you feel?
- What kind of relationships do you have, and how do they support and uplift you?
- How do you spend your free time, and what activities bring you fulfilment?
As you envision your future, focus on the positive aspects and the emotions you want to experience. This exercise helps you create a vivid picture of the life you want to build and serves as a guide for setting intentions.
4. Set Clear and Positive Intentions
Now that you have a vision for your future, it’s time to set clear and positive intentions. Write down your intentions in the present tense, as if they are already happening. This helps reinforce the mindset that you are actively creating the life you want. Here are some examples:
- “I am creating a balanced and fulfilling life by prioritising self-care and meaningful connections.”
- “I am open to new opportunities and experiences that align with my passions and values.”
- “I am nurturing positive and supportive relationships that contribute to my happiness and growth.”
- “I am confident and resilient, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.”
Your intentions should reflect your unique desires and values, so take time to craft statements that resonate with you.
5. Take Inspired Action
Setting intentions is the first step, but taking action is essential to bring them to life. Break down each intention into actionable steps. For example, if your intention is to prioritise self-care, your action steps might include:
- “I will dedicate 30 minutes each day to exercise or meditation.”
- “I will explore new hobbies, such as painting or gardening, to nurture my creativity.”
- “I will schedule regular catch-ups with friends who uplift and support me.”
Taking inspired action means aligning your daily choices and behaviours with your intentions. It’s about being intentional in your actions and making decisions that move you closer to your vision.
6. Stay Flexible and Adapt
Life is unpredictable, and your intentions may evolve as you grow and change. It’s important to stay flexible and adapt as needed. Revisit your intentions regularly, and adjust them to reflect your current desires and circumstances. Remember that the journey is just as important as the destination, and every step you take brings you closer to your ideal life.
7. Celebrate Your Progress
As you work towards your intentions, take time to celebrate your progress. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small, and appreciate the effort you’ve put in. Celebrating your successes reinforces positive behaviour and motivates you to keep moving forward.
8. Surround Yourself with Support
Building a positive future is easier when you have a supportive network. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Whether it’s friends, family, or a supportive community, having a network of positive influences can provide motivation and accountability.
Setting intentions is a powerful way to create a positive vision for your future and guide your actions towards a fulfilling life. By reflecting on your values, envisioning your ideal future, setting clear intentions, taking inspired action, staying flexible, celebrating your progress, and surrounding yourself with support, you can build a life that aligns with your desires and brings you joy.
Remember, the journey of self-discovery and growth is a continuous process. Be patient with yourself, stay true to your values, and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. Your post-divorce life is a blank canvas, and with intentionality and purpose, you can create a beautiful and empowering new chapter.
P.S. DID YOU KNOW?
Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again very soon! Join the waitlist here.
PLUS You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!
- Do you need clarity on whether you should leave your partner or not?
- Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
- Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?
Click HERE to read about coaching and to hear from some others who have gone through coaching programs with Julia, and book in here for your 30-minute complimentary Clarity Call.
The purpose of the Clarity Call is:
- For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
- For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
- To see if we are both comfortable working together.
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