RELATED VIDEO: Divorce Grief v Death Grief: Is grief the same or different? Divorce and the death of a spouse share a painful commonality: they are both profound losses. Yet, the grief stemming from each is distinct, shaped by the circumstances and emotions surrounding them. While losing a spouse through death is final and often met with communal support, divorce brings a unique set of challenges and complexities that can make the healing process more isolating and prolonged. In this post, we’ll explore how the grief of divorce differs from losing a spouse to death and practical steps you can take to regain your footing after a divorce. How Divorce Grief Differs From Losing a Spouse Ambiguous Loss vs. Finality Death is a clear and finite loss; there’s no chance for reconciliation. With divorce, however, your former spouse is still alive, which can lead to a sense of ambiguous loss. The person you shared your life with is gone emotionally but not physically, complicating the grieving process. Social Stigma vs. Empathy Death is often met with sympathy, support, and rituals to help the grieving process. Divorce, on the other hand, can carry a social stigma. Friends and family may take sides or offer less understanding, leaving you feeling isolated. Emotional Complexity Divorce often comes with a mix of emotions: anger, resentment, betrayal, and relief. With death, grief is usually centered on sadness and longing. Divorce forces you to confront not only the end of the relationship but also its unresolved issues. Shared Responsibilities Unlike death, divorce often requires ongoing interaction with your former spouse, especially if children or shared assets are involved. This continuous connection can delay healing and create additional stress. Self-Identity Losing a spouse to death prompts you to mourn the person who has passed and your shared dreams. In divorce, you not only grieve the relationship but also the version of yourself that existed within it. You must rediscover who you are outside of that partnership. Steps to Rebuild Your Life After Divorce Reclaiming your life after divorce requires intentional effort and support. Here are steps to help you move forward: 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions—anger, sadness, relief, and even joy. Journaling or talking with a therapist can help you process these emotions in a healthy way. 2. Seek Support Lean on trusted friends, family, or a divorce support group. Sharing your experience with others who understand can reduce feelings of isolation. 3. Take Care of Your Finances Divorce can be financially disruptive. Work with a financial advisor to create a budget, manage assets, and plan for your future. 4. Set Boundaries If you must maintain contact with your ex, set clear boundaries to minimize conflict and protect your emotional health. 5. Rediscover Yourself Focus on activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. This could be pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, or traveling. Reconnecting with yourself is a powerful way to move forward. 6. Prioritize Your Health Divorce can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and consider mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation. 7. Seek Professional Guidance A therapist or counselor specializing in divorce can help you navigate this emotional transition. Similarly, if selling your home or dividing assets, work with professionals who understand the complexities of divorce-related transactions. 8. Focus on Your Future Set realistic goals for your personal and professional life. Visualizing a brighter future can give you the motivation to take small, manageable steps toward it. Final Thoughts Divorce is a loss that challenges your emotional, social, and financial stability. While it is a different kind of grief than losing a spouse through death, both experiences require time and self-compassion to heal. By taking intentional steps and seeking support, you can not only recover but also rediscover a sense of purpose and joy in your life. Remember, healing is not a linear process, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way. Whether through therapy, friends, or community resources, you don’t have to face this journey alone.

RELATED VIDEOS SOURCE: VESTAR - DEVELOPER  Verrado Marketplace Rendered Flyover After years of anticipation, the wait is finally over—construction on Verrado Marketplace officially broke ground on Wednesday, November 20. This $275 million investment promises to transform Buckeye, Arizona, with its highly anticipated retail hub. Modeled after the successful Desert Ridge Marketplace and Tempe Marketplace, Verrado Marketplace is designed with the same level of quality and attention to detail that have made those destinations beloved gathering spots. While the excitement is palpable, some residents question if the years of delays have already pushed some to seek other options for their shopping, dining, and entertainment needs. A Look Inside Verrado Marketplace Once completed, Verrado Marketplace will boast over 50 retailers and restaurants in a massive 500,000-square-foot retail center. The first tenants are projected to open in spring 2026, offering a mix of convenience and entertainment unlike anything currently available in the area. Key features include the Harkins Theaters’ ‘Backlot’ concept, a state-of-the-art entertainment venue that’s sure to become a favorite for moviegoers. Beyond entertainment, the Marketplace will provide a diverse selection of shopping and dining options. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the confirmed tenants: Major Retailers: Target, Safeway, Ross, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and ULTA Beauty. Specialty Shops: Famous Footwear, Buckle, Bath & Body Works, and See’s Candies. Dining Highlights: Shake Shack, Salt Tacos + Tequila, Thai Chili, Handel’s Ice Cream, Nekter Juice, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Tropical Smoothie, and Hawaiian Bros. Years of Waiting: Relief or Resentment? Verrado residents have long awaited a project like this. Since the community’s inception, plans for a retail hub have been part of the vision, but delays left many feeling underserved. For years, residents made do with limited local options or drove to neighboring areas like Goodyear or Phoenix for dining and entertainment. Some even relocated to the East Valley, frustrated by the lack of progress. Now, with groundbreaking underway and a completion date in sight, optimism is returning. The design of Verrado Marketplace, inspired by Desert Ridge and Tempe Marketplaces, promises a modern, walkable shopping experience that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. These sister developments are known for their vibrant atmospheres, quality tenants, and inviting public spaces, and Verrado Marketplace aims to replicate that success in Buckeye. A Bright Future for Verrado and Buckeye The Marketplace is more than just a shopping center—it’s a reflection of Buckeye’s growth and potential. By bringing high-quality retail and dining to the area, the development is set to enhance residents’ quality of life and make Verrado even more desirable for families, young professionals, and retirees. But is it arriving too late? For some, the years of delays have already left a sour taste, while others believe the Marketplace will breathe new life into the community. What do you think? Will the quality and offerings of Verrado Marketplace win over residents and visitors, or has the long wait already taken its toll? Let us know in the comments!

RELATED VIDEO: How You Can Buy A New Build Even With 3.5% Down & 2.99% Rates – Save Big! If you've been dreaming of owning a brand-new home, now might be the perfect time to make your move. Many builders are offering unbeatable incentives, such as financing as low as 2.99%, down payments as low as 3.5%, and up to $90,000 in flex spending for upgrades like luxury kitchens, premium flooring, or even that pool you’ve always wanted. But, as incredible as these deals sound, they won’t last forever—and navigating the new-build process without a Realtor could cost you more than you think. Here’s why having a Realtor on your side is crucial when buying a new-build home, even with these enticing offers: 1. Advocate for Your Best Interests The sales agents at the builder's office work for the builder—not for you. Their job is to protect the builder’s bottom line, which means they may not always prioritize your needs. A Realtor, on the other hand, works exclusively for you, ensuring that your interests are protected and that you get the most out of the deal. 2. Navigate Builder Incentives and Fine Print While those financing offers and upgrade allowances are attractive, the details often come with strings attached. A Realtor can help you: Decipher the fine print of financing terms. Compare builder incentives to ensure they truly benefit you. Negotiate additional perks, like closing cost assistance or appliance packages. 3. Expert Negotiation Skills Yes, even with new builds, there’s room for negotiation! Builders are motivated to sell homes quickly, especially at the end of the quarter or year. A skilled Realtor knows how to leverage this timing to negotiate better terms for you—whether that’s securing more upgrades, lowering the price, or reducing additional costs. 4. Guidance Through Inspections and Quality Checks Just because a home is new doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Builders can and do make mistakes. Your Realtor can help you arrange: Pre-drywall inspections. Final walk-throughs to ensure the home meets quality standards. Coordination with independent inspectors to catch issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. 5. It Costs You Nothing Extra Perhaps the best reason to hire a Realtor is that their services typically come at no additional cost to you. Builders factor Realtor commissions into their pricing, whether or not you have representation. Without a Realtor, that commission simply goes back to the builder—leaving you without an advocate in your corner. The Clock is Ticking on These Deals The 2.99% financing, low down payments, and flex spending won’t last forever. Builders offer these deals to move inventory quickly, so if you're considering taking advantage, now is the time to act. Ready to explore your options? Don’t go it alone—partner with a Realtor who can guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you’re truly getting the best deal possible. Let’s Find Your Dream Home Today!Whether you’re ready to explore builder incentives or simply have questions about new-build communities in your area, I’m here to help. Contact me today, and let’s make your dream home a reality while these deals last!