Completing The Past: The Seven Stages Of Letting Go

In time for my friend's need, here is what they say...

Stage One: OVERCOME DENIAL

Admit that the relationship is or was bad. You'll need to be honest with yourself before you do anything else.

Stage Two: TURN LONELINESS INTO ALONENESS

Being alone does not mean that you have to be lonely. If you're feeling lonely, it could be that you're closing yourself up. Instead, look outward; look around you. There's beauty everywhere - in the patterns of sunlight and shadow playing on the ground, the feeling of sun against your body. Let new experiences in and learn ways to enjoy your time with yourself.

Stage Three: GRIEF (Big Boys And Girls Do Cry!)

Write a goodbye letter in which you say goodbye to the hopes and future pictures you held of that relationship. This will be a sad process. When you've finished saying goodbye to what might have been, write a P.S. about all the negatives you'll be avoiding by letting go of the relationship.

Stage Four: ANGER (Time To Get Some Distance)

Write a letter that really lets them have it! Get all of your anger out. Rage about the unfairness, vent the bitterness you feel. You deserve better.

Stage Five: RE-ENTRY, REBUILDING

Re-enter the world by rebuilding a friendship or developing a support system of friendship. Let your friend be the tree you lean on when you're tired.

Stage Six: HOUSE CLEANING

Now turn your attention to the future. See your vision of the kind of relationship you want to have. Get as clear and firm a picture in your mind as possible - the clearer you are on what you want, the more likely you'll find it. Why? Because you will draw to you that which you most persistently think about.

Stage Seven: PREPARATION

Learn about ways to increase your self-esteem and feel good about yourself. You can't love another person more than you love yourself, so if you want a loving relationship, believe in yourself, and that you're worthy and deserving of a happy, loving relationship.

source:http://www.computerbob.com/dv/seven_stages_of_letting_go.php