The Art of Putting Things Back Where You Found Them: From Kindergarten to Navigating Divorce

As we continue looking at the application of Robert Fulghum's book "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," we will discuss putting things back where you found them. At first glance, these two may seem unrelated. However, let's delve deeper to uncover potential connections and insights.

Divorce ranks as one of life's most significant stressors, second only to the loss of a loved one. For many of us, it often coincides with other major life changes, such as moving, changing or losing a job, or facing illness or injury. It's not uncommon to grapple with multiple stressors simultaneously. Life doesn't hit pause just because we're navigating a divorce.

Get curious as we implement this Kindergarten lesson into navigating divorce and other significant life transitions.

Get and Stay Organized

Putting things back where you found them is essentially an organizational principle. In divorce, organization becomes crucial to create ease as you must access different papers and emails throughout the process. 

How do you stay organized in other areas of your life? This is likely the most beneficial choice for you when organizing your divorce. Build on success with organization you have elsewhere in your life for this experience too.

What is the best way to stay organized? The answer is what has worked for you in the past and is most appealing for you in the present and future. Some people like to use more tech devices and strategies to keep everything organized. Other people like binders, others enjoy using filing cabinets. If you enjoy color and art, making your documents organized and appealing by color may also ease the stress of this process. And we must remember the fun of sticky notes and how this can be an excellent strategy for some of us, too!

Return to Emotional Balance 

Marriage and divorce can leave emotional wounds that seem never-ending, but there are ways to heal. These strategies can help not just after the divorce, perhaps more importantly- also during it!

Consider pausing the emotional roller coaster you've been on for years. Strategies like mental well-being, staying connected with loved ones, and taking care of your sleep and nutrition can bring emotional balance and physical benefits.

I have often heard that healing begins after divorce. The truth is there is so much you can do that not only helps you prepare, you are also doing the work of healing. This helps you stay grounded and be more present, getting closer to your next chapter.

By reorganizing your emotions, even during the process, you may surprise yourself. Each day, you can feel lighter and closer to your next phase.

Co-Parenting and Communication

For couples with children, divorce doesn't mean the end of their relationship; it transforms into a co-parenting partnership. The top priority here is putting things back into focus where the health and development of your children are top of mind.

Putting things back is referencing getting back to clear communication boundaries and prioritizing the health and safety of your children. Maybe you are coming from a marriage where you did not have these things at all. This is an opportunity to create a new strategy of communication, boundaries, and prioritizing your children.

Control Alt Delete

What awaits you in this next phase of your life? The opportunities are limitless. Broadly, we can perceive this as a positive or a negative opportunity. What do you believe? 

According to the work of Shirzad Chamine, author of "Positive Intelligence," the answer is…"whichever you believe becomes true.” 

This is so empowering to know that you already harness the ability to create your next great chapter! 

It is time to delete the shame, fear, and regret. And open yourself up to new ideas, people, and adventures. 

Divorce is not fun! 

This concept of putting things back where you found them can provide insight and guidance. You can navigate divorce more effectively by embracing organization in your physical and emotional preparation, strategically and intentionally co-parenting, and doing a self-reset. 

This sets the stage for a brighter future. Ultimately, it's about finding balance, closure, and a sense of control amid chaos.

And all of this is already within you, waiting to be released.

** This blog serves as an informative resource and does not constitute an endorsement of any specific options mentioned. It should not be considered a substitute for seeking medical or mental health assistance. If you require guidance for your particular situation, please contact your healthcare or mental healthcare provider. In case of emergencies or if you do not have a healthcare provider, please dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency room to ensure your safety and well-being.