“You cannot save people, you can only love them.”

— Anais Nin

One of the most challenging yet liberating experiences in life is letting go of an ex. I included a chapter dedicated to letting go of an ex in my latest book, "Before You Say I Do: Transform Your Love Life From Within."

Excerpt from Chapter 19: Cutting Cords With Your Ex

"A relationship is something you create with someone else. As long as you are both in it together, nourishing and nurturing it and each other, it thrives and grows. Unfortunately, some relationships simply die a slow death because either one or both partners neglect it.

A breakup is the aftermath of the death of a relationship. Something that was once so beautiful and alive is now gone forever. We are once again alone on our journey. At one time, we loved this other person so much, and they loved us, and we created this relationship together. How can we now go back to being strangers after being so intimate and entwined in each other's lives? It feels so cold, so dark, so hopeless in contrast to the light of love. This is why we often keep our relationship on a deathbed for years, hooked up to life support, afraid to let it go. We cannot imagine life without this person in it.

It can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to accept that something that was once so wonderful no longer exists. If we are to move on, we must grieve and accept the ending of the relationship. Healing isn't linear. Healing is a spiral. You will feel ups and downs emotionally. You may love them one day and feel angry the next for how they betrayed you, abandoned you, and stomped all over your heart. No matter how many times you are told the ending of the relationship isn't your fault, you cannot help but wonder why you failed and if you could have been a better partner or done something different.

Nothing hurts worse than recognizing how you abandoned your own heart because of your desire to be loved. You will swear up and down you will never abandon yourself again. The truth is if you don't do your inner work and heal after your relationship ends, chances are you will jump back on the fantasy love spiral and break your own heart again and again in exchange for a romantic love that doesn't really exist.

Understanding the Emotional Journey

Healing from a breakup is not a linear path; it's a journey with many twists and turns. You may experience a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to relief and hope. It's important to honor each of these feelings as they arise and allow yourself the time and space to process them. Remember, healing is a spiral—you may revisit some emotions, but each time you do, you're one step closer to full recovery.

Letting Go of Past Relationships

Letting go of past relationships is crucial because it allows you to approach a new relationship with a clean slate, free from the shadows of unresolved emotions and attachments. Holding on to past relationships can cloud your judgment, affect your behavior, and prevent you from fully committing to and appreciating a new partner. It’s about giving both yourself and your new relationship the best chance to flourish without the baggage of the past.

Techniques for Emotionally and Energetically Releasing an Ex

→  Writing letters (that you don’t send) to express all your feelings

→  Practicing mindfulness meditations focused on letting go

→  Physically decluttering items that remind you of your ex can be very effective

→  Engaging in physical activities like yoga or exercise can also help release pent-up emotions, promoting a sense of closure and emotional freedom.

Identifying If You Are Still Holding on to Past Relationships

Signs that you might still be holding on include frequently checking your ex’s social media, idealizing past memories, or talking about them constantly in conversations. Emotional reactions to reminders of the ex can also indicate unresolved feelings. If thoughts of your ex are preventing you from experiencing joy or considering new romantic possibilities, it's likely you're still holding on."

If you're struggling to let go, know that you don't have to do it alone. My coaching services are designed to help you navigate the complex emotions of a breakup and emerge stronger and more open to new love.

Book a Consultation Call with Catherine

xoxo love, Catherine

The Love Priestess

 Purchase "Before You Say I Do: Transform Your Love Life From Within" by Catherine Josephine

Whether you are single, dating, or preparing for marriage, "Before You Say I Do" is the essential guide to healing the deepest parts of your subconscious that sabotage your relationships and block you from the love life you desire.

In this transformative book, Catherine Josephine, a Trauma-Informed Certified Love and Intimacy Coach, helps men and women liberate themselves from shame and false programming and upgrade their nervous systems so that they can magnetize true love and deep intimacy.

Discover how to:

• Identify and heal past wounds and unhealthy programming

• Prepare your heart and mind for lasting commitment

• Recognize and attract a partner who aligns with your values and desires

• Understand the four relationship attachment styles and how they influence your behavior

• Set healthy boundaries and communicate your needs effectively

• Build a foundation of trust and intimacy with your partner

"Before You Say I Do" is not just a guide for dating to get the ring. It prepares you emotionally, mentally, spiritually, energetically, and physically for marriage. If you are already engaged or married, this book reveals how to grow deeper in love by first growing deeper in love with yourself.

Catherine Josephine, also known as The Love Priestess, is an author, a screenwriter, and a trauma-informed certified Love and Intimacy Coach and Sacred Sexuality Teacher. With a unique blend of modern science and spiritual practices, she helps men and women worldwide transform their love lives by liberating them from shame, false programming, and emotional wounds. Her coaching empowers clients to create deep intimacy, thriving relationships, and a life filled with passion.

Catherine's journey began after the sudden loss of her husband following 23 years of marriage. Heartbreak led her to discover her soul's purpose: to heal broken hearts and make relationships safer and more loving.

As the author of "Before You Say I Do: Transform Your Love Life From Within," Catherine offers actionable insights for those seeking to elevate their relationships, whether in a relationship, looking for one, or healing from a breakup.

If you enjoyed reading this, these topics may interest you.

Letting Go of Past Relationships

Learn How To Love You Before You Say I Do

How Long Does it Take to Heal From a Breakup

Why Would Someone Ghost Me?