“Our job is not to deny the story, but to defy the ending – to rise strong, recognize our story, and rumble with the truth until we get to a place where we think, Yes. This is what happened. And I will choose how the story ends.” – Brené Brown
For your boss who is just trying to keep it together. Reckoning with your own divorce is super stressful – a dreadful combo of grief, anxiety, anger, and fear. With a mind preoccupied by all that stress, it’s easy to forget things… like where you left your keys. Here’s a super practical affordable gift that can help.
For your big brother who isn’t into aphorisms and cute sayings. It’s the Pacific Northwest. What do we love? Micro-brew and coffee… Head on over to your favorite brewery or your favorite local coffee shop and get him a gift card. And, don’t underestimate the power of a home-cooked meal like simple pesto and paleo pasta. Finally, even skeptics can’t deny the power of switching up the senses – consider gifting him a new cologne to mix things up.
For your best friend who just moved into a small apartment. You were the shoulder to cry on for … waaaay too long. They’ve finally split and the universe isn’t crashing. The big items have been separated and moved, but there are so many little ones that your best friend is sure to have forgotten. Make a kitchen gift box with these indispensable, but so easily forgotten items: can opener, cork screw, box cutter, pot holders, and a spatula. If you’re feeling really on top of things, consider a personalized pizza cutter.
For your co-worker who is trying to cope with being away from kids. The dirty little secret of getting divorced is that you can actually start getting time to yourself – a terrifying thought for parents who have devoted their every thought to the betterment of their family. The best antidote? Exercise for the win! Invite them to your favorite workout class or to join a hot new gym, like this.
For your old college roommate who has little ones at home. When you’re stuck at home with sleeping kids, a little organization can go a long way. Marie Kondo has a point about sparking joy, and also worth considering is the practical gift of fragrant cleaning supplies. Talk about a stress relief! And, if it’s hard for her to get out of the house, remind her that she’s a lifelong learner with the gift of an online class to get her out of her own head.
Whoever is on your mind, a small gift can help them remember the hardest part of divorce is taking the first step to accepting that it’s time for a new normal and it’s going to be okay.
Monica Cary is a Seattle family law attorney with over 17 years of experience representing men and women getting divorced. She is a former King County Family Law Pro Tem Commissioner. DuBois Cary Law Group, PLLC is a full-service woman-owned family law firm providing compassionate legal representation for Northwest Families with over 30 years of combined experience. Call us today.