I don't know how to take a "leap" into my new life.
I've been wrestling with what these next steps might look like myself even though I'm currently still married. I think the path forward starts with meeting new people and starting to create a wider net of friendly relationships. This can be tough on dating sites because there are all kinds of expectations about the path forward.
Personally, I've found www . meetup . com to be an excellent resource for taking that first step forward. There are meetups to do about everything (go shopping, see a movie, go for a bike ride, etc.), and those meetings don't come loaded with expectations -- it's just show up and meet people doing something you enjoy. I did recently join a meetup for people "starting over after divorce" -- it's a group of people in the same situation wrestling with the same issues, you immediately have something in common. Get friendly with them, meet their friends, and build it from there. There are also meetups for single parents that include activities that involve the kids.
You can also start your own meetup, or look for volunteer opportunities. I think the "next step" all starts with getting out there and meeting people. That's never comfortable or easy, and it doesn't happen without effort, you have to take some chances.
Accuray
Married 18, Together 20, Now Divorced M: 48, W: 50, D: 18, S: 16, D: 12 Bomb Dropped (EA, D): 7/13/11 Start Reconcile: 8/15/11 Bomb Dropped (EA, D): 5/1/2014 (Divorced) In a New Relationship: 3/2015
