Assuming you have gotten a good bankruptcy attorney and have been declared bankrupt and absolved of your obligations on the debts you had going into the proceedings, the next step is to get going again and take one day at a time by doing the following:

(1) work -- no matter what -- work -- do something, anything, to keep your spirits up -- get outside -- walk around the block -- exercise when you can -- don't be self destructive -- use your greatest wisdom to manage your mind and your body to do the right thing -- eat right -- get off addictions.

(2) swallow your pride -- don't demand to be a business owner -- go with the flow of the job market by going after the jobs where the employer at least has shown a little interest in you -- collect unemployment insurance or anything else you can get from the government -- stay on the good side of friends and relatives who have money -- shed what excesses are drawing you down, be they automotive, hobby-related, or the result of sloth.

(3) disregard credit scores -- a low score is a blessing in disguise because credit might have had a lot to do with getting you into this fix in the first place -- look into available free clinics if you absolutely need medical care and can't get insurance due to the cost factor -- smile, even if it feels more like a grimace than a smile, because it's good therapy.

(4) financially, work your numbers -- don't turn your back on what's happening -- live small -- be stoical -- don't expect miracles -- tidy up -- hang onto your savings -- don't buy blue sky -- and count on luck because there really is such a thing.

It's important to remember that people can be bankrupt who make $20,000 a year or $200,000 a year. It's not just the lack of money coming in that can make you financially stressed - It's all about how much is coming in versus how much is going out.

The key to staying financially healthy is to always be aware of that balance. Be in tune with how much is really coming in and how much is really going out. You can be financially healthy and happy with a small amount coming in, if it still surpasses the amount being spent.

So take a good look at both sides of the picture. If too much is going out you may need to do some creative thinking on how you can cut back. If not enough is coming in for basic living expenses, it may be time to look for a different job, or an additional part time job, or perhaps give serious thought to education or training that can put you on the path to a new career.

If you are moving forward after a bankruptcy, remain very aware that balance. You would probably greatly benefit from some good computer software that can help you track your income and expenses.