Is There Life After Divorce?

When I ask women going through a divorce what is the good news, I’m usually met with blank stares and silence. But, after some thought, I usually see a gleam in their eye when they say in one form or another, “I’ll get ME back.”

Right on! It’s this sense of self that many people find after they evolve out of their marriage. Notice, I chose the word “evolve.” Because, when you go on with life and grow, all sorts of possibilities pop up. Sure, along with all that also comes some challenges. But you can’t grow and Bloom if you don’t confront challenges head on, maneuver through them, and keep reaching for your full potential! Read more

After Divorce: Saying Thank You

There’s some good that comes out of every divorce. No, really there is.

And it’s usually about freedom. Whether it was your idea to divorce or your ex-partner’s, you can develop your autonomy now if you want to. So why not have a little fun with it and be grateful for the independence that some only dream of. Read more

Better Communications as You Co-Parent

If you’re like me, most communication between your ex-spouse is centered around the kids. Whether you’re on the phone, online, or in person, effective communication between co-parents is essential for good family connections. Combine good communication skills with consistent rules between households, and you have a great formula for co-parenting success.

Hey, we’re not all perfect nor have we always handled things well with our ex; and I’ll be the the first to admit it. Here are a few tips on how to go forward and maintain better contact: Read more

Don’t Let Co-Parenting Zap Your Energy

If you have kids, you know that your ex-spouse will be a part of your life for a long time. There are calendars to coordinate, transportation between households and celebration details to iron out. And all that co-parenting interaction could wear you out.

Even in the best of marriages, couples can disagree at times when it comes to the kids. Throw in two divorced parents with two households and lots going on like mine, and there’s bound to be some friction.

To avoid energy depletion from interacting with your ex, I try and follow these guidelines:

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When Your Ex Has Moved On (Don’t Boil Over …Get Cookin’)

The divorce is behind you and everything is settling in your life … or not.

And then it happens. He gets a girlfriend, his business soars, he’s more successful than ever, he buys a fabulous home, he elopes out-of-the-blue or quite simply, he’s really happy. You may be happy too, except you feel your life hasn’t moved to a new level or at the same pace as his. You keep comparing. And dare I say, even feel a bit jealous.

Instead of boiling over with anger, resentment and envy, start building your life in the direction you want it to go. Why? Because you want to or else you wouldn’t keep peeking into your ex’s life to see what’s going on. Read more

Women in Transition: Time for Your Well Being

You find yourself a woman in transition.  You are either children- free on the weekends, a primary parent, live alone, have an empty nest, your relationship just ended, you’ve lost your spouse or are caregiver to an elderly parent.  How do you make  quality time count?

Think back. You don’t even have to reach into your memory too far. What was that thing you always wanted to do or keep putting off? Remember when you recited regularly, “I’m so crazed. If only I had time to ________.” Read more

Getting in Shape for Dating

When I realized I was back in the dating game after 13 years of marriage, I panicked.

Was I datable in my 40’s?
Running to the mirror, I critiqued every part of my body. Did I need to get highlights, manicured nails, tighter abs? How could I look younger, sexier, thinner? And, what about those little lines on my face that I never had when I was younger. Not to mention stretch marks from two kids and a few gray hairs on my head.

Get Back to Reality
I envisioned a Romeo, Prince Charming, or Don Juan riding up on, you know what, his white horse and then looking at my imperfections and turning back around. My mind swirled with thoughts about improving my appearance…quickly. Should I botox, whiten my teeth and do stomach crunches for months in preparation for the dating world? After a brighter smile (I admit it), reality did rush back into my racing mind and made me think twice. What I needed to work on first went deeper than what was on the surface.

Here’s how to really get into shape, from the inside out, and get into the dating game: Read more

Celebrations with Kids

Ice Cream for Breakfast
On her 10th birthday, my daughter was awakened by a huge bundle of pink balloons and a hot fudge sundae for breakfast. For breakfast you ask? Yes, vanilla ice cream loaded with luscious fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles and a maraschino cherry at 7:00am in the morning.

Why couldn’t this health conscious mom wait till after a nutritious meal or have picked a better time to load my kids up with sweets? Because, my daughter was miles away in Disney World on vacation with her dad and I wanted to give her something she would cherish for a lifetime. Read more

Moving On After Divorce

When it’s time to move on…it’s time. And everyone’s time is different. But how will you know when the time is right to move from the home or apartment you shared with your ex?

Your decision may be especially difficult if you’ve lived there a long time, raised your children in this home and have friends and family close by. Moving to a new place might also mean changing schools, downsizing and moving farther from your job, loved ones, favorite cleaners and doctor you’ve come to trust. Read more

Moving from Your Home

You are about to move. If you are like many other people, you are and have been a nester. Over the years you likely have made your home into a sanctuary for yourself and your family, and as you anticipate a move, you may have a desire to cling to what is familiar, safe and loved.

So, how do you move from a place you’ve loved for so many years? A place that has been your haven… your comfort through difficult times … a place you and your loved ones have filled with so many memories? The house is, in reality, nothing more then a building, but the memories you leave behind become the fabric of the home. Read more

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