About the Next Chapter Blog

Reena Sommer-s Blog

The NEXT CHAPTER blog was created to provide useful science-based information to men and women experiencing a breakup. Since everyone’s experience is unique, so is the path that is chosen. 


On the other hand, there are several basic principles that will make the journey less painful and drawn out. My posts will highlight these.


It is my sincere hope that readers will benefit from my posts by moving on to a much better and brighter tomorrow.


Balloon Girl mural Banksy, London

Getting Over a Breakup: How to Let Go and Move On

We all know that breakups can be tough. Whether you saw it coming or it hit you out of the blue, letting go of a relationship can be a real struggle. But it doesn’t have to be this way for long. You don’t have to wallow in misery forever. Now, it’s time to find the way to say goodbye and move on with your life.

 

But how do you do that? 


Great question! Well, it starts with figuring out why the relationship ended in the first place, then coming to terms with it, and finally, learning to let go once and for all. After you’ve done that, you can work on living well by focusing on yourself.

 
So grab a few tissues (but not too many), put on your favorite music, sit back, and keep reading to learn how to let go and move on to better times.
 

Why Letting Go is Hard, But Necessary

 
Letting go after a breakup can be one of the hardest things to do. Whether it’s a past love, a friendship that has drifted apart, or a dream that didn’t come to fruition, saying goodbye to something that once held so much meaning can be incredibly painful. But as difficult as it may be, letting go is necessary for everyone’s emotional well-being and growth.
 
When you hold on to a relationship after a breakup, you prevent yourself from moving forward and experiencing new opportunities and growth. It’s important to remember that letting go doesn’t mean forgetting, erasing or downplaying the importance of what once was. It simply means acknowledging that it’s time to let go, free yourself and be open to new beginnings.
 

While letting go may be painful, it is important to give yourself the time and space to heal. This means surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family, seeking therapy or counseling if needed, and practicing self-care and self-compassion. Remember that letting go is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it’s a courageous act of self-love and acceptance. 


moving on after a breakup

 

Tips for Moving On

 
Moving on from a difficult situation can be tough, but it’s important to remember that you have the strength and capacity to overcome whatever challenges that come your way. Here are a few tips to help you move on:
 
  • Give yourself time to grieve and heal: It’s okay to feel sad or upset about your ended relationship but allow yourself the time to process your emotions.
  • Focus on self-care: Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Eat well, get enough sleep, relax and recharge, and remember to find something fun to do.
  • Surround yourself with all that is positive: This means, surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones who support and uplift you. Positive energy can go a long way in helping you move on
  • Set goals and make a plan: Setting goals for yourself can help give you a sense of purpose and direction. Make a plan for how you will achieve these goals and take small steps each day to work towards them. Having a plan can help you stay on track, putting one foot in front of the other as time passes.
  • Practice gratitude: Although it may seem this way, life is not all gloom and doom. Remember to be grateful for the good things in your life. Practicing gratitude can help shift your focus from the negative to the positive, especially when it comes to yourself.
Moving on is a process and it takes a one step at a time approach. Now, let’s expand on a few of these points. 
 

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

 
Having supportive people in your life is essential for your mental and emotional well-being. Isolating yourself while struggling with the fallout of a breakup is a perfect recipe for depression. You don’t want that!
 
Instead, surround yourself with people who uplift, encourage, and believe in you. This type of support can make all the difference during difficult times. This is when you need support the most from those who can offer you a listening ear, understanding and non-judgmental comments,.
 
When people reach out or accept support from others, they not only benefit from their help, but they also have the opportunity to cultivate deeper relationships with them. By allowing yourself to be vulnerable and open to receiving help, you’ll show that you trust and value the person offering their support. Being vulnerable with those you feel comfortable with can lead to greater trust, understanding, and intimacy.
 
Equally important, by accepting the support of others, you’ll show them that you are willing to let them into your life by sharing your struggles as well as successes. These are strong building blocks for friendships because they can create a strong bond and sense of connection beyond the surface level.
 
So take the time to cherish and nurture the relationships with those who support you. And who knows, one day, you might also give back that support to them when they need it.
 

Embrace the Unknown

 
Embracing the unknown can be a bit of a scary prospect, but it is also where real growth and transformation often occur. Stepping outside your comfort zone and facing the unfamiliar head-on can lead to new experiences, opportunities, and perspectives you may never have discovered otherwise.
 
When you embrace the unknown, you are taking a risk by trying something new and different. It may be intimidating to tread into unfamiliar territory, but you will leave yourself open to tapping into your full potential and discover strengths and talents you never knew you had. 

You may discover new interests, learn new skills, and even find new passions that bring joy and fulfillment to your life. For some it may be discovering a talent for public speaking or a passion for writing while for others who are more daring, it might be ski-diving. Who knows? It takes courage to enter the abyss of the unknown, but the rewards can be endless.



don't look back after a breakup

 

Don’t Look Back; That’s Not Where You’re Headed!

 
Life is full of ups and downs. But constantly looking in the rear-view mirror will never change the past. Getting stuck on ruminating about “coulda”, “shoulda”, or “woulda” will only keep you from moving forward. Instead, try focusing on the present and future because that is where your potential lies.
 
The best thing you can do is channel your energy into making positive changes in your life. At the same time, there’s no harm in reflecting from time to time on past experiences. The positive memories you have will bolster you as you heal. As for the downsides of relationships, they can also serve as valuable learning experiences. Both will help you grow and transform.
 

So, don’t look back (well, maybe just a little!)—you’re not going that way anyway! Keep your eyes on the road ahead and embrace the opportunities that come your way. Your future is waiting for you to create; now is your time to have your best life ever.


Goodbye Relationship: It’s Been a Slice!

 

It may feel like reaching this stage is pretty much a pipe dream. Sure, if your breakup is new, it’s hard to imagine a future where life is good. But it’s out there. Although it is said that time is a healer, you still have to do the work. Things won’t get better on their own. 



new beginnings after a breakup

 

Here’s to New Beginnings!

 
Letting go and moving on isn’t easy, but it’s important to remember to be kind to yourself throughout the process. Look forward, not backward, and grasp the opportunities that come your way.
 

Author

  • Reena Sommer

    My curiosity, motivation and interest in most everything is fueled by reading, talking to people and incessant use of "how to" YouTube videos.

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