Divorce A to Z: A Quick Look at the First Year

Whether you're just contemplating the possibility of divorce or are actively going through the process, this is probably an incredibly difficult time in your life and you may be feeling scared or lost. This is not a full length self-help book, but something you can read through during a coffee break to gain some hope and clarity for moving forward. The intent is to provide you with solidarity and advice for situations and feelings you are likely to face in the first year or so after divorce. Some portions are about just sitting with you during the hard times, others offer humor or coping mechanisms to relieve the stress. The author wrote this through the lens of her personal experience and understands that every situation is unique and although some of this may not apply to you individually, hopefully much can be translated to your unique story as you move into this new phase of life. Your feelings are valid. You are valid. It will only take a few minutes to read but hopefully provide a valuable blueprint for healing.

Reader reviews:
"I think you did a wonderful job writing this. In the midst of divorce hell sometimes it's these little reminders needed to bring us back to the real world. I support anything provided that helps in healing and aids in keeping your sanity while doing so. Thank you!"

"Had a particularly difficult day dealing with my divorce. This totally made my day! Thank you for putting a smile on my face!!"

"Hugs for you internet stranger...I'm in the depths of my heartbreak. Trying to implement these things in my life so I don't feel the gaping wound throbbing in my heart. Thank you for sharing ❤️"

"This was really comforting to read, thank you for the validation."

Author Information:
Sarah Flake is a professional health coach and hobbyist writer living in Las Vegas, Nevada. She wrote this essay based on her experiences coming out of a 17 year marriage and hopes to encourage others to talk about and empathize with others about this transition period. You can reach her with questions or feedback at sarahflake@gmail.com.

Illustrator Information: Annie Poon is a multimedia artist living in Manhattan and the authors big sister. She makes everything from music to animation. She studied painting at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan but found that childlike wonder and doodly explorations were more her thing. One of her animations, inspired by her childhood, is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. You can find more of her work at www.anniepoon.com.

A realistic guide to help people going through a very traumatic period in their lives. It offers the advice I usually offer my clients in therapy; be kind to yourself, know that your emotions are valid, and to lean on your family and friends.  Kristen A. Seber, MSW, LCSW

Sarah lets the reader know, through laughter and tears, that it is okay to feel, regardless what the feeling may be ... and that even though this may be a tough period in life, you will get through it. Judith B. Miller - Adult/Teen Life Crisis and Addiction Coach

Heart-warming, witty, and raw/real depiction of the aftermath of a divorce. I loved that it had a positive spin, as divorce doesn't always have to mean doom and gloom; it can be a time to reinvent one self!  Michelle Ramey, MSW

Reader Reviews:

Reader reviews:
"I think you did a wonderful job writing this. In the midst of divorce hell sometimes it’s these little reminders needed to bring us back to the real world. I support anything provided that helps in healing and aids in keeping your sanity while doing so. Thank you!"

"Had a particularly difficult day dealing with my divorce. This totally made my day! Thank you for putting a smile on my face!!"

"Hugs for you internet stranger...I’m in the depths of my heartbreak. Trying to implement these things in my life so I don’t feel the gaping wound throbbing in my heart. Thank you for sharing ❤️"

"This was really comforting to read, thank you for the validation."

"This is a quick uplifting read that everyone should devour. I’m happily married for 20 years and found it insightful and helpful. Do yourself a favor and dive into this little gem, you’ll be so glad you did!"

"It's good to know you're normal....the things you're going through are human... I loved the reminder that our beliefs about reality are often like Dumbo's Magic Feather... We are so much more than our circumstances and relationships."

"Wish I had this when I went through a divorce. Would have put more smiles on my face."