Moving forward post-divorce

August 22, 2009 7:26 AM

I have picked myself up, dusted myself off, and am ready to move forward post-divorce. Help me find books I can read to help me through that process. More details enclosed.

After 20 years of marriage my husband unexpectedly divorced me. I was bereft for awhile but am now focusing on moving forward with my life. I am looking for advice on uplifting books that will help me to think through who I want to be, what I want to do, and how I want to spend my future. Someone suggested "Eat, Pray, Love" which I read and enjoyed but I am actually looking for something a little deeper. I am goal-oriented and introspective and am seriously thinking of going away fo several days to think about/meditate/journal regarding this new life I want to build for myself. What books should I take with me?

Perhaps unnecessary background info on me: I am 49, mother of one, stepmom of two, grandmother of seven (all of whom live nearby), have a good job I enjoy, so I am not looking to pack up and move away. I am focusing more on the journey of my soul to a new place rather than moving my body across the country to find myself.

Thanks HiveMind.

posted by eleslie to human relations (4 comments total)

Getting the Love you Want

In prep for the next relationship you might want to have. Even to possibly help understand where things might not have been right in your marriage.
posted by teg4rvn at 8:12 AM on August 22

In general terms, pretty much anything by Maya Angelou for writing and Nina Simone for music.

Not that you asked for suggestions on the going away part, but I wanted to share that I had a friend in a similar situation (finding the soul, making decisions about the future, etc.) and they went to Thailand, renting a place on the beach for a few days. They were completely "unplugged" and said it was a better experience than they could have imagined.

Good luck to you.
posted by cyniczny at 10:43 AM on August 22

I was only married for 5 years but The Road Less Traveled helped me with all the things you mention.
posted by sadtomato at 7:50 PM on August 22

Books by Pema Chodron and David Richo were especially helpful after my divorce.
posted by chicainthecity at 11:50 AM on August 23