New Year Resolutions for the Single, Separated and Divorced

Rachael Scharrer, relationship expert, coach and founder of LifeAnswered.com.au reflects on New Year Resolutions for uncoupled people.

Have you made your new year resolution yet? Is it a good one? Now that the New Year weekend has passed, perhaps it’s time to think of something a little different than the usual “giving up” or exercise more. One of the biggest contributing factors that resolutions fail is because they aren’t achievable. Below are a few examples of achievable resolutions for people separated, divorce or alone.

1. Choose to be happy. Choose not to let the past affect your present or someone else’s poor attitude to affect your day, week, month and year.
2. Insight abundance. Everyone wants abundance, not just wealth of money but loads of love, contentment, success and joy.
3. Make healthy choices. Make better choices with the food that you eat and the people you choose to associate with. Get rid of the things that drain you, your mood and metabolism and enjoy the feeling of being lighter – emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.
4. Declutter. A clear space allows for a clearer mind. Clean out the bookshelves, wardrobe and bathroom/kitchen cupboards (of old food and kitchen gadgets that no longer serve a purpose to you). Organise your desk and inside all storage cupboards. You will be amazed at how a great declutter can offer headspace for more clarity.
5. Ask for assistance. You don’t have to live life on your own. If and when you need help ask a friend to be there for and with you. Just knowing that you are emotionally supported
6. Love your life. If you aren’t happy at your work, seek alternative employment or choose to study again. If you don’t like where you live, make in-roads to move. Find what makes you passionate and make sure it is an important part of your world. Life is more fun when you ignite your passion for life.
7. Exercise gratitude. This isn’t a reference to sending thank you gifts or cards wherever you go. Instead it refers to appreciation and giving thanks for the small wonders around you. Smile at others that you pass in the street, be thankful for your home and the food you eat, welcome your friends into your company and be glad for times of solitude. It can be as simple as taking time to sit in nature and watch the roll of the ocean, the flutter of a butterfly, movement in the trees and marvel at how amazing our world is.
8. Disconnect and be present. In the rise of the digital age, we are forever reviewing and adding to social media, checking emails and not giving our full attention to those that are with us - our friends, family and children. Today, many forget the basic manners to put mobile phones aside, look into the other person’s eyes, without distraction and have a meaningful conversation.

No one would ever expect you to resolve and take on board all 8 resolutions. Pick one to wholeheartedly embrace and champion that resolution. Wishing you a wonderful New Year and a year of successful resolutions!