Most people think of the divorce process as being contentious and emotionally draining. In many situations, it is. However, if you are intentional about your actions, it doesn't need to be.

Rather than viewing the end of your marriage as a failure, view it as a transition period. You can use this time of change as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Moreover, regardless of how your soon-to-be ex-spouse approaches the divorce process, following the suggestions below can help you work through your divorce peacefully.

First, it is important that you take responsibility for your actions. It can be easy to point fingers and blame your spouse for the problems in your marriage. However, when you accept and understand how your actions contributed to your marital problems, you will be able to change and move one.

It is also critical to let go of the relationship you used to have. There may have been a time when you couldn't find a single thing wrong with your ex and when you were certain that your marriage was fool-proof. Stop reminiscing and start accepting your relationship for how it is now. It will be easier to move on when you have a realistic view of your current situation.

Finally, even though your marriage is ending, your family is not. If you have kids, you will continue to see your soon-to-be ex-spouse at sporting events, school activities and religious celebrations. Although it may be difficult, acting with integrity and a sense of inner peace can help establish a platform for similar interactions in the future.

We're not claiming that divorce is easy, but there are steps you can take to help give you a sense of peace throughout the process. Focusing on that can help make the process more manageable for you and your kids.

Source: Huffington Post, "6 Steps to a Peaceful Divorce," Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW, Jan. 25, 2012