There is a massive difference between being alone and being lonely. It is okay to be alone and it’s kind of sad to be lonely, so just because you are alone, it doesn’t mean that you are lonely.

Coming out of a relationship a few months ago, I never thought things would be the way they are today. I thought that I was going to be devastated for months and not talking to the same person every day was going to be boring and mostly miserable. Yes, I bottled things up and yes I closed myself off to a lot of opportunities, but within that time where I was alone, I found myself again.

I realized how many things I could do for myself; cooking, cleaning, building bookshelves/desks, fix electric issues and so many other things that I would normally ask my boyfriend to do for me or help me with. I now spoil myself, cook for myself, and spend time on my own to collect my thoughts and write them down. I think about the if’s all the time, but I know not to dwell on them because I now know my self-worth.

I wasn’t always spoken to how I should have been and I was ditched a lot. This merely taught me how to treat others, even when they are undeserving. And I am one of those people who like to be recognized for doing favors for others, but I know that I am a better person than most and that’s the best recognition of all. I am content with my own actions and someday someone else will be too.

I’m not saying that people should go about life saying, “screw everybody, I don’t need them,” but you have to learn to be independent in order to be happy. If you aren’t okay with who you are as a person, then how can anybody else appreciate you? Realize your own value. It makes everything easier for yourself and for everyone else as well.

Sit down and read a book or write down how you’re feeling. Paint. Go on a road trip by yourself. Go for a run. Open your mind to the endless possibilities that God has given you because he didn’t put you on this Earth to allow you to be dependent on everyone else.