It was today, one year ago, that I made the uncomfortable decision to end things with my then boyfriend of seven years. Breaking up with him was the hardest thing to do, because it meant the end of one of the most important relationships of my adult life. It also meant the end of our future plans, our shared goals, and the prospect of a happily ever after together. But in time, I would come to see that in giving up the man I once loved dearly, I would be making a whole lot of room for a huge gift. That gift was a brand new me, and I’m here to say that it was so worth it.
Who I am today
Today I am a much stronger woman than I was a year ago. I learned how to let myself be me, unapologetically. I explored new talents that once used to be mere dreams. I stopped putting off my plans and started turning them into reality.
At long last, I proved to myself that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. I rediscovered the person I once was: a warm, sweet, fun-loving girl who indulged in new experiences and adventures. The girl who vowed to never take shit from anyone. The girl who viewed herself as a force to be reckoned with. The girl who only deserved the best.
Lessons I’ve learned
I’ve learned so many meaningful lessons in the past year. Among these life lessons, the most important one was learning how to stop taking everything so personally and so seriously. I’ve also learned how to love myself and how to appreciate myself, even all of my flaws. Today, I can stand in front of a mirror and smile confidently at myself, something that wasn’t easy to do a year ago. And of course, I learned that I deserve to be happy, and that anyone or anything that doesn’t bring me joy doesn’t deserve a place in my life. Life is far too short to waste time in unhappy relationships or environments.
Thanks for your support
These positive changes would not have been possible if it wasn’t for my support system: my old and new friends, my family, and my therapist. I want to thank them for always having my back, for always being so kind and patient to me, and for seeing my worth even when I failed to see it for myself. For these things, I will be eternally grateful. I’m glad that I’m able to see now what you’ve always seen in me.
On to Year Two
As I embark on the second year of my ‘rebirth’, I welcome even greater adventures and opportunities into my life. I look forward to travelling to new cities next year, making even bolder life decisions, and bravely trying more new things. I look forward to strengthening the bond with my family and friends, maybe even making new ones. But chief among all of those things, I look forward to deepening the bond and commitments I have made to myself. Goals that I promised myself I would achieve since I’ve finally learned to put myself first.
Of course, there are times when I wish there was a special someone to share these moments with. But soon I realise that I’m still far too selfish with my time and my space to share it with someone else right now. And either way, I haven’t met anyone worthy of my time and love as yet to even consider it. For now, I will be my own special someone, and at least for now, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
