I have a quick question for you: Do you believe in life after love?

Okay, fine. You got me! I wasn’t the first woman to ask this. The credit goes to none other than pop dynamite, Cher.

In her 1998 dance anthem Believe, she calls upon listeners to hold onto one seemingly elusive thing: hope!

I absolutely adore this song for the way it really captures the tough, painful emotions that come with trying to move on from a relationship that for whatever reason, just didn’t work out. (Not to mention it’s an incredibly easy song to dance to.) 

Think about it. There’s a real silver lining in having the awakening that even though it hurts to say bye bye, life goes on—-there’s still so much potential for happiness and growth.

For you, this might mean finally processing your divorce and facing the hard facts: some things aren’t meant to be.

In these times, you’ve got to dig deep—sometimes, underneath layers of dirt and maybe even magma—in order to see the truth.

The truth being that you’re worth more than staying in a relationship that’s no longer fulfilling. Finding the strength in letting go can totally transform your life.

As Cher teaches us: believe. But if you’re finding that tough, I’m here to help by means of elaboration.

If you’re wondering how you can bounce back from divorce, here are some of the tried-and-tested traits to embrace.

Starting with a major one: the big R.

1) They have the resilience to overcome the challenges of divorce, refusing to be held back by its challenges

I don’t know about you, but I’m sure as heck tired of the very tired trope of the sad divorcee.

You know the one I mean, the woman who has given up on herself, resigning to a sad life of solitary confinement and dinners for one. 

Or how about the man who becomes a little too obsessed with his geeky hobbies.

Yep, you know the stereotypes. Anyway, I think it’s high time we start to embrace a brighter, more optimistic picture of divorce—one that includes resilience.

Trust me, resilience is key. And while this is the case for all setbacks in life, it is especially true in the realm of divorce.

But why, oh why? Because divorce is gut wrenching, my friend.

It’s not just about lawyers, legal paperwork, and divying up assets (though there is an intense amount of that, too), it’s more intangible than that.

It’s about unraveling years of shared memories, navigating intricate, often complex feelings, and reshaping your identity.

It’s enough to overwhelm even the strongest of us. Which is why you’ll need to cultivate some of that good old fashioned resilience.

But what does this look like? Well, for folks who are tackling their confidence with supreme flair and style, they will straight up refuse to be dragged down by the weight of their situation. 

Instead, they confront each obstacle head-on, armed with grit and determination to emerge stronger after it all.

They do not waste precious time and energy dwelling on the negatives. Instead, they focus on what they 100% can control: their attitude, resolve, and actions. 

Best believe that resilience isn’t just about grinning and bearing it. No! It’s about recognizing when you need help. There’s no shame in it.

For real, there is so much strength in vulnerability. So, remember to not be afraid to lean on your support system whenever it’s needed.

2) They have loads of self-awareness, acknowledging their strength and worth

I could not say it better than Cher even if I tried. “Cause I’ve had time to think it through… and maybe I’m too good for you. Oh!” she sings.

Yes, we’re going back to 1998 anthem Believe. And this might not be the last time—mark my words.

There is a certain relief in realizing your worth and knowing when it’s time to walk away.

In fact, it can be one of the biggest determiners in sailing through a divorce with grace.

Of course, at first, you might feel overwhelmed and lost, but remember, this won’t be permanent. I pinky swear it!

Why not use this as a time to dig deep and reflect on what it is that you’re worth and what it is that you really need in your life.

This can look like advocating for your own needs while maintaining a deep respect for all other parties involved. That’s right… it’s about rising above the mess!

That’s where a strong sense of self-awareness can serve you well. 

By recognizing your strength and worth, you can wade through the waters of divorce with your confidence firmly intact.

3) They demonstrate bravery as they tackle the hardships of letting go

Leaping into the great unknown can be a terrifying thing. But hey, it can also be a wild and exhilarating ride.

Finessing a divorce with grace can feel much the same. It’s a bold step into uncharted territory, filled with challenges and triumphs of its own.

As such, courage is essential. I know the C word isn’t one we tend to use in this day and age, but let’s bring it back, I say!

With divorce, you’re essentially bidding ta-ta to a major, major part of your life. That’s where the true courage lies.

It’s about embracing change wholeheartedly, even when it feels like you have nothing left (trust me: you always do!).

Use it as an opportunity to reinvent yourself and pursue a life that truly resonates with you. Not everyone gets their moment to do so.

Bear in mind that courage isn’t just about facing your worst fears, it’s about confronting the unknown with a sense of adventure and a readiness to embrace whatever comes your way. 

4) Their independence is clear as they show that they don’t need their ex to be happy

Independence is a massive calling card for the people who are swanning through their recent divorce.

Rather than letting heartbreak burn down their self esteem, they stand tall.

They work to find happiness within themselves and on their own, rather than seeking validation from the person they used to be with, or the status their marriage might have afforded them.

Basically what it comes down to is an unshakeable sense of self-sufficiency. 

These people are not there waiting for someone else to complete them—they are already whole and thriving on their own terms.

5) They always maintain hope, believing in the potential for a fantastic life beyond divorce

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Cher’s Believe is a song you can blast in the shower, in the car, as you fall asleep, as you tear it up on the dancefloor. You can and you should.

Why? Well the lyrics totally speak to this beautiful, universal, and imperfect journey of finding your own strength and believing in yourself after your heart has been ripped out.

The song shows that you can bounce back and create a life that’s fulfilling and meaningful, at any age or stage in your life.

Sure, I know it’s easy, and very human, to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that come with divorce. I’m talking depression, disappointment, maybe even rage (no judgment here).

But in all of this, you’ve got to believe in something, and that thing is that there’s something wonderful waiting for you on the other side of divorce.

Instead of wallowing in despair (which believe me can be super tempting) these hopeful people chose to focus on all the sensational possibilities that lay ahead. This kind of mindset can make all the difference.

Above all, hope keeps you grounded. Instead of getting swept adrift by negative emotions, hope roots you in the present moment and keeps you focused on what truly matters.

So, hold tight onto that hope like it’s everything. 

Maybe, just maybe, you’ll find that the best is yet to come…