Divorce can be an extremely hard time for people. The process of divorce is never fun and often hostile between couples. Taking care of your mental health is a priority during this time. Journaling can be one of the best ways to keep your mental health and emotions stable.
Journaling about your feelings and emotions will allow you to control them when talking with your ex-partner about the ins and outs of your divorce. Writing out all your hurt, pain, and frustrations will help you work through those extreme emotions. Take those feelings out in your journal, not those around you.
When I went through my divorce, I constantly made notes of how I was feeling about decisions made about our separation and imminent divorce. Even though my divorce was amicable, I found myself experiencing emotions I was not prepared for. Writing those thoughts and feelings onto paper helped me feel better about what I was going through. It allowed a safe space for me to let out those emotions and have a place to reflect on them.
I also used my journal to remind myself WHY I was going through this hard process. I would eventually get through the divorce and have my life to live afterward. Sometimes it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when we are in the middle of it and it’s dark. But reminding myself why I was getting divorced kept me focused on the positive outcome of the situation when times of regret started to creep into my thoughts.
In addition, use your journal to take notes you want/need to remember and discuss with your partner or lawyer. Sometimes throughout our day, we think of random things about how we will split something or who will get family keepsakes, for example. Write those notes down to remember them later, when you need to discuss them.
Remember to journal about your future as well. What will your life look like after it’s all said and done? Where will you live? What will your home look like? What will your home atmosphere feel like? Where will you travel? What will you do to celebrate? (Yes, you should celebrate.) What are your wildest dreams after divorce? Write them all down—every last thought and idea. Nothing is off-limits. Journaling your future is another way to manifest the life you wish to create after divorce.
While going through a divorce can take an emotional and mental toll on someone, journaling throughout the process can help tremendously. This writing process is a form of self-care and self-love.