Man Sells Life on eBay After Divorce

What would you do if you went through a divorce, and everything around you reminded you of your ex-spouse? 44-year-old Ian Usher has taken his divorce to a new level; he has decided to sell his life on eBay and start over. From his toys to his toilet paper, he says it all has to go. According to ABC News, "Usher decided the best way to patch up his broken heart was to pitch all his stuff and start over. In June, he's auctioning everything off on eBay."

As strange as this might sound, it just goes to show how strongly people react to divorce. As someone who has been through a divorce myself, I can tell you first-hand that it isn't easy. The items you have in your possession do tend to remind you of your ex, and at times that can be a huge stumbling block when trying to move forward with your life. I don't believe you need to "sell your life" on eBay in order to heal, though. If you are going through a divorce, try one or more of the following suggestions first.

Surround yourself with family and friends.

Sounds simple enough, but in all reality, this can be tough. During a divorce there are times that you may feel awkward or out of place when visiting with your family and friends. They may not know what to say, or how to treat you. Be up front and honest, and simply tell them that you are having a rough time but you appreciate them being there for you. This support and friendship is critical to making it through those highly charged emotional times that you are bound to experience.

Take strength in your faith.

If you aren't already involved with a church family, now is a great time to find one! Look in your phone book and call some local churches to ask if they have a Christian support group for those going through divorce. While divorce is taboo to many, you will find that there are also a lot of people in the Christian community who are willing to share their hearts and their faith with you during this time of trial. Knowing you are not alone is the key point to beginning the healing process.

Take a vacation.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is escape. Pick a place to go where you have experienced peace and rest in the past, and allow yourself to take a week for yourself. Use this time to think, cry, pray, and work through all the inner turmoil that you may be experiencing. If you don't want to go alone, take someone close to you that is going to understand your need for this time to grieve and work out your anxieties.

Involve yourself in community work.

Even though it may sound a bit off the wall, involving yourself in community work during your own season of tribulation can be a great healing tool. By working with others whose needs are greater than yours, it tends to make you realize how many blessings you still have in your life. You will also find comfort, and a greater sense of thankfulness for your life. To top it all off, you might even be surprised at what you can learn from those you are trying to help.

Move to a new city.

Last but not least, if you really feel you can't remain in the same area, put your home up for sale and move to an area where you are comfortable. Do you have family or friends in another city? If so, start looking in that area. You don't want to totally remove yourself from everyone you know at this emotional time in your life. You need their support, so if you feel you must move, at least look in areas where you know you will have someone you love close by.

Divorce isn't easy, by any stretch of the imagination. You will go through many stages, and it will take you quite some time to realize that life as you knew it will never be the same. However, this doesn't mean that you have to take drastic measures in order to start over. You don't have to sell your life on eBay and leave behind everything and everyone that you care about. Instead, take some time to make a game plan. List the things you know you are going to struggle with, and prepare yourself for how you are going to handle it.

Life does move on, and you will make it through. Trust me. I've been there.