Thriving After Divorce: Support and Guidance from Relationship Specialist Iryna Wood

Today, March 25th, 2024, kicks off a cosmic spectacle with a lunar eclipse, marking the start of what we astrologers call a corridor of eclipses. Hold onto your hats, folks, because these next two weeks might just see a surge in relationship breakups. Think of a lunar eclipse as a supercharged full moon, stirring up emotions like a cosmic cocktail mixer. Just as the moon pulls the tides, it also tugs at our heartstrings, with our bodies – 70% water, remember – feeling the celestial vibes. So, get ready for some intense conversations and maybe a few ultimatums. For those keen on keeping the peace, my advice? Invest in some noise-canceling headphones and a stash of herbal tea.

Now, let’s talk numbers. According to our pals at the CDC and APA, divorce rates in the US have been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride over the past decade. From peak divorces in the ’80s and ’90s to a more mellow vibe lately, it’s been quite the journey. But here’s the kicker – it’s not just divorce rates that are playing musical chairs. Seems like fewer folks are hearing wedding bells these days. Maybe our brains have evolved to see marriage as an outdated software update. Who knows?

So, why the reluctance to say “I do”? Let’s dive into the top reasons for divorce and what’s happening in the singles market.

Communication issues: Gen-Zers are all about that self-love and drama-free life. Who needs relationship meltdowns when you can have peace and quiet?
Infidelity or lack of intimacy: People are diversifying their emotional portfolios. Need a heart-to-heart? Call a therapist. Want some adventure? Swipe right. It’s all about variety, baby.
Financial problems: Welcome to the Era of Acquires, where everyone’s building their own brand and living their best internet life. Who needs a partner when you can make bank on your own terms?
Abuse: Whether it’s physical or emotional, nobody’s got time for toxic vibes. And if you’re scared of love? Well, that’s a whole other story of self-sabotage.
Unrealistic expectations: Disney set the bar pretty high, didn’t they? Turns out, not every love story comes with a fairy godmother and a magic pumpkin carriage.
Lack of commitment: Commitment-phobes need not apply. It’s all about keeping your options open in this swipe-right world.
Cultural or religious differences: Who knew cultural clashes could put a damper on romance? Turns out, not everyone’s down for a meet-the-parents sitcom.

Now, let’s talk post-divorce survival guide. Whether you’re drowning in guilt or enjoying newfound freedom, here are some tips to navigate the choppy waters:

Acknowledge Your Emotions: Let those feelings flow, from guilt to anger to sorrow. It’s all part of the emotional rollercoaster.
Rediscover Yourself: Time to unleash your inner wild child. Always wanted to be a salsa-dancing, art-collecting, globe-trotting adventurer? Now’s your chance.
Heal from Past Wounds: Grab a pen and start journaling. Write letters of forgiveness until you’ve exorcised all those destructive emotions. Go for “EAT, PRAY, LOVE” trip. This book is exactly about it.
Set Healthy Boundaries: Surround yourself with cheerleaders, not naysayers. And if that means ghosting your ex’s cousin’s best friend, so be it.
Focus on Self-Care: Treat yourself! Whether it’s a spa day, a Netflix binge, or a gourmet meal for one, indulge in whatever makes your heart sing.
Embrace Your Journey: Life’s a wild ride, so buckle up and enjoy every twist and turn. Trust that the universe has a plan, even if it’s not the one you had in mind.

Life is a change of black and white stripes, one of those could become the runway to new beginning!