I am who I am and my art therapist self taught me to express my true self. I may do mistakes that I assume. But I also know that I need to:

•    Allow myself to grieve

Just like any other loss, it's important to allow ourselves to grieve the end of a friendship. I cried, talked to my partner about my feelings, and sometimes just sat among trees, taking time to process my emotions. There is no easier way for therapists but I have the courage to face the reality and my difficult feelings...

•    Practice self-care

It's easy to neglect our own self-care when we're going through a difficult time. However, taking care of ourselves is more important than ever.
I did not use magic tools, I just made sure I was getting enough sleep, ate nourishing meals, and engaged myself in activities that bring me joy and relaxation. That was doable for me.

•    Seek support from others

It can be helpful to talk to others about what we're going through, whether it's a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor.
I did that too. I shared my feelings with my best friend and that helped me feel less alone and more validated.

•    Engage in self-reflective practices

Reflecting on what led to the end of the friendship can be helpful in such situations.
It was for me. I may have my part of guilt, but I saw the whole picture more clearly. I recognize my lack of time, but understood that the blaming on me was happening repeatedly. We lead different lifestyles, different ways of dealing with things and derived happiness from different sources. The rupture is hard to acknowledge, but the signs were there.

•    Focus on the positive memories

While it is natural to feel sad about the end of a friendship, it is also important to remember the positive memories you shared.
Remembering the happy times, we spent together, especially the memories attached with the vacation we had gone on a few years ago, helped me focus on the good that I have gained through this friendship.

•    Let go of anger and resentment and practiced forgiveness

Feelings of anger or resentment towards a friend who has hurt us are perfectly normal, but holding onto these feelings will only cause us more pain in the long run.
I am trying to let go of my negative emotions and grudges and focussing on moving forward in a positive way.

The end of a friendship is never easy, but it's a natural part of life. By establishing clear boundaries to protect emotional well-being, practicing self-care, seeking support from others, and focusing on positive memories, one can navigate such difficult time and emerge stronger and more resilient.