I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this difficult time. Coping with feelings of loss and missing someone can be challenging, especially after a significant period of time has passed. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several techniques you can try to help ease the pain and move forward:
Accept your emotions: It's important to acknowledge and accept your feelings. Understand that it's normal to miss someone you were once close to, even after a long time apart.
Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings. Expressing your emotions and having someone to listen can be cathartic and provide you with valuable perspectives and insights.
Reflect on the relationship: Take some time to think about the positive and negative aspects of your past relationship. Understand that while you may miss certain aspects of the relationship, it might not have been entirely perfect.
Focus on personal growth: Use this time to invest in yourself and your personal development. Engage in activities that bring you joy, explore new hobbies, or set personal goals to work towards.
Limit reminders: Consider reducing exposure to things that remind you of your ex-wife, especially if they trigger strong emotions. This might include avoiding old photos, gifts, or places you used to visit together.
Practice mindfulness and meditation: These techniques can help you stay present and develop a sense of inner peace. Mindfulness can also help you observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be therapeutic. It allows you to process emotions and gain insights into your own healing journey.
Join social activities: Engaging in social activities or group events can provide new experiences and help you build new connections.
Create a vision for the future: Envision a life beyond this emotional pain. Set goals and create a positive outlook for yourself.
Be patient and kind to yourself: Healing takes time, and it's essential to be patient with yourself throughout the process. Don't be too hard on yourself for still feeling this way after six years; everyone heals at their own pace.
Remember that it's okay to grieve the loss of a relationship, but it's also important to take steps to heal and move forward with your life. If you find that your emotions are overwhelming and affecting your daily functioning, consider seeking professional support from a counselor or therapist who can offer personalized guidance.