Let's have everyone's tips for a new life of fabulousness

[Twoddle]

Crikey, this lone parenting business can seem pretty depressing at times.

So what are everyone's best ideas for healing and moving on into new realms of happiness?

Ta.

i need the tips, please someone reply.

Do something that you know you are dog's bollocks at, and do it in public. (NOT sex lol). I've always been into learning, so I took an Access course at the local tech and got into university to study English. Even though I was mental as anything, this took my mind off my problems and I was often top of the class, which really makes you feel fabulous when everyone tells you how clever you are. Okay, at home I felt crap cos xh had left me, but I had something else to balance it out that told me I clearly was not TOTAL crap.

This also had a forward-looking effect. I was moving into a different future. Not one I would have chosen under different circumstances perhaps, but one I had control over and that let me know another future was possible. My 'future' was not lost when my marriage broke down.

Anything you know that you are good at and which gives you pleasure and confidence, maximise its potential for you and see where it can take you, now you have a new future to build.

totally agree with you littlewoman.

i know college is not for everyone. but it has been my saving grace. i feel like i'm moving on. i'm doing something i'm good at. i'm working hard and building towards myself and dd's future.

my confidence has skyrocketed because of it. i only have one dc (i think you have 6 lw?) so it's easier for me to say. but i know i'll do everything i wanted to do as a young single childless person, with a child.

anger can be a great motivtor and success is the sweetest form of revenge. and the most positive and healthy.

How about taking up a musical instrument? I took up piano again after a break of 30 years and absolutely love it even if I'm not very good! Also, charitable or campaigning work is a good way of meeting new people and 'putting something back'. It is also good for the children imo to see mum getting involved with the wider world.

Helpful tips. Thanks.

I have a bit of a grand idea for how to keep DS and I in the family home - convert it to three cottages! - and that excites me and distracts me from the pain of my separation, with sketching and proposals and planning meetings. Sometimes, though, I think, "What am I thinking? I can't do something like this!" When actually, just possibly, I could. My self-confidence is on the floor, and sometimes this situation feels like a crossroads; make-or-break time: stay feeling like nothing or really turn my life around.

Scary, yet exciting, stuff ...

I agree with all the above! I'm in the process of finishing the degree I started before I became a parent!

And I think it's important to look to the future positively (difficult, believe me I know) I mean, look back 5 years, did you have any ideas you'd be where you are now?

I also agree with all of the above im starting a college course this september.

twoddle your big idea sounds fab! you are so right...maybe it'll be difficult, maybe you dont know anyone who's done it before, but just maybe you will do it and succeed! you sound like you are well on your way...

bluebell good luck with college. you must be so excited and nervous! it flies. i'm in third year already and can't believe how fast the last three years have gone.