If your time with this group really is over, it will require some mourning, like any loss. Of course you will feel empty and somewhat lost for a bit. Go over what you did with the group, look at photos maybe, evaluate and ‘make a picture’ in your mind of what it was all about.
What was good about it? What was not so good? Were there things that you didn’t like about the group, that made you feel uncomfortable maybe, and that you put up with because of the good things you received? Maybe you stayed with that group because you were afraid of being alone, or lacked confidence in some way. Now is the time to confront all that.
If you’ve only parted from your group through moving, by all means keep in touch through social media and planning visits. However, be careful not to cling too much to the old ways, because that could stop you finding new friends.
Try to be grateful to the group for all they have given you and taught you. They have been a valuable part of your life and have contributed to the person you are. Try to let go of any resentments – these are just people and however it may seem, they all have their own insecurities. Bear in mind that being in a group may bring out the worst in people. Try to forgive anything unpleasant if you can – this is for your own sake, because it will free you.
You may need to work on accepting that rejection by this group is something that you don’t quite understand. Maybe they don’t either. After trying to make sense of it in order to learn from it, there comes a point at which you need simply to let go. The past is the past, so move on.
When you feel a little better make moves to find another group. This may take time – don’t force it. Friendship groups are fluid things – you can’t just join one like a club. However, one of the best places to start looking for new friends is by following your own interests. You can also look up old friends with whom you’ve lost contact, become closer to your family or just enjoy some time on your own.
Of course you need to be careful not to shut yourself away for the wrong reasons, such as fear or depression. Nor should you rely on computers and television to give you what you need. However, animals, nature and exercise can be great healers and may even turn up more friends for you in time. Rest assured, your old friendship group was not the only option, and there are better things out there. You might find it hard to believe now, but a while down the line it can all look very different.