DEAR SINCERELY, DIVORCED:
I feel like love is completely gone from my life since I don’t have a spouse or partner anymore. Is this even possible? —MISSING THE LOVE BOAT
DEAR MISSING THE LOVE BOAT:
While we may perceive romantic love as the ultimate prize in life, there are many other equally meaningful alternatives to romantic love that we can experience in our lifetime.
While divorce can alter our beliefs and feelings about romantic love, it creates the perfect opportunity to pour love into other worthy areas of our lives. Keep reading for 5 alternative and worthy forms of love that are worthy of our attention:
- Bestie Love: a favorite person, someone who makes good times better and hard times easier, a ride or die, a person who protects your heart and that you trust with anything.
- Hobby Love: This is the wonderful way we use our free time. Note: Research shows we need three hobbies for optimal well-being: one for staying in shape, one for your brain, and one for creativity. ♥
- Nature Love: Spending time in nature promotes calmness, joy & creativity and can facilitate concentration. Hike, walk, sit under a canopy of trees, or appreciate the landscape around you. You can also appreciate nature by building and tending a garden. Plant flowers and grow vegetables.
- Gone but not Forgotten Love: Grief is a reminder of a love that is still treasured and always missed. ♥ The memories we have ensure that this love lives on. See your tears as a way of hugging the people you miss.
- Pet Love: Pets give unconditional love and joy, ease isolation and provide companionship. They make us laugh and smile, which can lift our mood & manage stress. They comfort us during hard times and celebrate with us during good times. Hug your furry (or scaly) friends today.
All our love,
Bethany & Hillary
Founders | Sincerely, Divorced
Dear Sincerely, Divorced is written by Hillary Livingston, M.S. and Bethany Pace, M.Ed., co-founders of an in-person and online support group for people navigating major life transitions involving loss, parenting, and starting over again. Learn more at www.sincerelydivorced.com and send your questions for us to answer to [email protected].
