How do you deal with your emotions when you're going through a separation?

A lot of different emotions can come up during a separation. Some overwhelming and some conflicting, which can be confusing. One of the first things I would encourage you to do is to give yourself that space and time you need to process what is currently going on. Make sure when you are taking this space and time, you are doing things that are beneficial to you and not leading you into a spiral or hole you feel it is hard to get out of.

I would also look into what conflicts are currently going on and what led up to the actual separation. The direction you choose to go will be dependent on if you feel these conflicts could be resolved as well as if you feel you can get past them and move on. In order for a conflict or issue to be resolved in a relationship, both people have to open and willing to receive the other person and work on making compromises. Both people have to give that effort and receive what the other person is saying and needing, too. Without both sides doing that, growth and positive movement is very limited. Both people have that responsibility if they want to continue that relationship.

I would also encourage you to explore these questions during this process:

-What does that peace mean to you? What would it look or feel like? What would you need to help you move toward feeling that peace?

-What outcome are you hoping for? What would you like to happen?

-Do you know what you would like from the relationship? This could be in terms of contact, communication, interactions, or closure.

-Do you know what your needs are? If you do, what are they? Look at what your needs are in a relationship, but also on an individual level. For growth within a relationship, but also individually, you will need to identify those needs and time and effort will need to be made to address those needs. 

-What changes do you feel need to happen? Within the relationship with your wife and individually for yourself.