Platinum Advertisement Magazine October volume 6 | Page 33

Out with the old and in with the new.

Pay attention to triggers in your environment that remind you of your former spouse. Music, pictures, items purchased together, gifts and so on are better off being set aside at least for a period of time. You don't need to make a decision to get rid of it entirely, just set them aside in a box and stash it away for a bit.

Conversely, inject some new, fresh ideas into your environment and your life. Paint a room or wall a new color, rearrange the furniture, get new bedding, explore new hair styles, or indulge in a new pair of strappy, colorful heels that make you feel alive, youthful, and sexy again. Go for things that you might not have chosen before, just for fun!

Have a ceremony and let go of the story.

One of the things that keep us locked on "what was" is telling the story over and over again. Bring out your journal and write the story of your relationship (or record it in your voice). Go ahead and detail all the great times and dark times. This may be hard, so if it seems overwhelming, you can use a poster board and cut out pictures from magazines instead.

It doesn't need to make sense to anyone but you, so don't get hung up on perfection. Get the story out and end it by blessing it, knowing that it served its purpose when you were in it, and now it's time to open a new door.

If you gathered a few items that you would rather get rid of, bring those together and have a closing ceremony. You can burn the items (along with your written or picture story board if you choose) and spread the ashes at sea, on a cliff, or at the base of a tree. Fire is very cleansing and it always brings forth new life. Know that this is true in your life and your relationships just as much as it is true of nature.

Above all, be patient with yourself as you work through the various ways to get over your ex. Love yourself through the process of healing and rebuilding your life. Divorce support comes in so many forms. Take advantage of them all, and you'll find you are very capable of moving forward more easily than you might have imagined.