Breaking up is never easy and can feel like a part of you has died. You may hear your songs playing on the radio, hold onto a gift they once gave you or keep their pictures lying around your room as a constant reminder of their emotional presence in your life, even if physically they have left the building days, weeks or months ago. No one needs to tell you how difficult it is to stop thinking about them and as the days multiply, you'll find yourself wondering if you'll ever be able to get over them and love someone else with as much intensity as you felt for the ex. I'm here to tell you that you will. Healing occurs from the inside out. With my guide to moving on from your ex, you'll get through the detox process necessary to heal and chart your course to smooth sailing on the deep waters of your love life again.

1. Cut all contact with the ex.
That's right, you must stop all contact with him or her cold turkey. That means no phone calls, emails, letters and absolutely under no circumstances going to see them in person. If their phone number is still in your cellphone memory, delete it. The same goes for email addresses or internet messenger screen names.

Calling their family or friends to keep in touch in order to keep tabs on what the ex is up to is a definite no-no. Not only will it make the outside parties uncomfortable but it will send you down a shame spiral. Don't be that type of guy or girl. Keep your dignity intact by creating distance between you and them to begin the healing process.

These steps are essential to truly letting go. If you procrastinate doing this, you'll prolong the heartache and emotional roller coaster that will come with maintaining that connection that you know is not good for you. If it was, you'd still be together right?

2. Throw out or box up all memorabilia that serves as a reminder of the relationship.
Whether it's that teddy bear or sweater they gave you; love letters, cards or clothes they may have left behind, box them up and put them in your garage where you can't get to them anymore. You have to do a relationship exorcism of your premises so you don't fall into the sentimental trap every time you see a reminder of them, which will delay your healing process.

3. Don't go to old hang outs or locations where you are certain to run into him or her.
Unless you both work together, try to avoid old hang outs where you are bound to run into him or her for a few months. Try to do some exploring and visit new locales with your friends and family to allow yourself some emotional breathing room.

4. Get in touch with friends and family.
I'm pretty sure before you started dating your ex, you had a fulfilled, happy life full of friends and people to spend time with. So, this is the time to reach out to that support group and do fun activities together. They'll be your shoulder to cry on, listen to you when you're having a low day, and push you to move forward out of your funk.