1.

Delete them from your life. All social media, pictures together, phone number, email, everything. This is absolutely necessary. Remember your mantra: out of sight, out of mind.

2.

Take 1 or 2 days (I will even allow 4) and feel sad/sorry for yourself. Dwell on the break-up. Let yourself feel the physical aching and throbbing in your heart. Cry. If it’s raining, imagine that the rain is the world crying with you. Binge watch Netflix, don’t leave your bed, eat 12 brownies, however you want to drown in your misery.

3.

BUT, before you do this, decide on a day and tell yourself (command really) starting at that exact moment, you’re done letting them consume you.

4.

Make a promise to yourself that every single time he/she comes into your mind, you are going to push them out (no matter how often you will have to do that). Consciously stop yourself from thinking about them any further, or letting the sadness seep into the crevices of your heart. I don’t care if you have you Google cute baby animals every 5 seconds to distract yourself—do it.

5.

The next step is important: be mindful beforehand that it’s going to be the most difficult thing you’ve ever done. Truly process that it’s going to suck, but also remind yourself that the pain won’t last forever.

6.

Focus on the positives in your life. Whether it is something as exciting as moving into a new apartment, or as minuscule as your morning workout. Pile up all the wonderfully beautiful things in your life and realize that you have so much going for you!

7.

Know that you have friends/family that love you, and you won’t be alone. Soon the days will get easier and the pain will subside, until one day you’ll go a full 24 hours without ever giving them a single thought (not even once). The best part? You won’t even realize that it happened.

It’ll take time, but discipline is key and I believe that if I was strong enough to do it, you are too.