That Holiday Feeling After Divorce

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my free weekendsI could not have negotiated a free weekend while I was married. I mean, I could’ve, but it would’ve been a real stretch for both of us. Today… Well, divorced, that’s what you get, every other weekend, depending on your parenting plan.

Now, I have to tell you, the exhilaration wears off pretty quickly when you realise all the work that comes with this new freedom. And in my case, as I struggled with depression about the loss of my kids and the loss of my primary relationship, I did not look forward to the OFF weekends.

Even today, I really do celebrate the weekends that I have my kids. But I also, relax, nap, breathe a bit easier on the weekends, like this one, that I don’t have a single other person relying on me for anything. (Okay the dog and two cats are pretty attentive every time I get near the kitchen, but that’s a different thing.)

So things like chores and obligations evaporate for the most part, or at least I am in charge of the when and how of getting them done.

And once I got my sadness worked out… Let’s just say that today, when I woke up I was so happy, and alone. I had a small breakfast and went for a long walk, left the clothes on the floor while I took a shower… I’ve even had a bowl of popcorn and a nap. And it’s only mid-day.

There are wonderful things about being single again. And on good days you can and should celebrate every one of them. On bad days you can complain (to yourself) and do the chores you need to do, even if you don’t feel like it.

Getting over divorce and on with the next chapter of your life is mostly up to you. My mental attitude frames a lot of my days. And when I’m on top of my game, I’m motivated to workout, to go out and meet people, and be a bit more gregarious. When I’m not all that enthusiastic, or if I’m exhausted by the work of the week, I have these OFF weekends to just chill.

It would’ve been hard to negotiate that while I was still married.

Always Love,

John McElhenney
@wholeparent

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This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. step with care

    I needed to read this today. I just wrote a post myself about the letdown I feel when my step daughter goes to her mom’s house… I love your positive outlook on this subject!

    1. jmacofearth

      Thanks for your kind words. Positive is the only way to grow ourselves.

  2. Lisa Twaronite

    Some of us, who have our kids 24/7, look at divorced parents’ OFF weekends with unabashed envy. Honestly, it’s something I wish were logistically possible.

    1. jmacofearth

      Wow, Lisa. I get it. I can’t imagine a single parent without help. But maybe you are not a single parent. As a married person the negotiations were often difficult to arrange “time off” but it could and should be done. As a divorced dad, the time off is enforced. But I wake up every solo morning wishing I could be waking and kissing my kids.

      Thanks for your comment.

      1. Lisa Twaronite

        Nope, it can’t be arranged, because even though we’re still married, his job transferred him thousands of miles away. He misses the kids, I miss my freedom, and it’s no fun for anyone — I have most of the downsides of being a single parent, and none of the benefits.
        But that’s life. We’re employed & healthy, so we shouldn’t complain too much!

        1. jmacofearth

          Ah, that sounds tough. I hope the future provides you to be together again, and more. Then you can negotiate, perhaps. It’s all a negotiation, isn’t it?

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