I'm single for the summer (yet again, not a shocker), but this year it feels different. This year there is a new smell in the air, a new feeling when the cold wind sways against my shoulders. This cool summer breeze and new scent in the air makes me feel different inside. It makes me feel as if I could actually better myself because I want to, rather than bettering myself for my ex.

As most relationships go, as soon as the relationship is over, both people will change something about themselves. Whether it be how they spend their day, what type of perfume or cologne they wear, or how they act around others. Sometimes they will hangout with friends more because they need to fill that empty space inside. As well, they will start to post more on social media in order to make the ex feel jealous or sorry for leaving.

But this summer, it is all about me. It is about how I want to become a better person. It is about how I want to be more productive. It is about me becoming a better me. I am not going to let this summer drag on by feeling sorry for myself, or feeling hopeless, or feeling as if I should change to get the ex back. I want to use this summer to better myself because I want to better myself, not because anyone else thinks I should.

Last summer, my heart was broken. My ex left me and I was torn. I did not want to talk to anyone. As soon as I was finished at work, I went home and stayed to myself. I did not hangout with friends. I felt as if I was a terrible person. However, as summer rolls around and I am single once again, I had thought long and hard about the person that I wanted to become. I want to be stronger, both mentally and physically. I want to have a better relationship with my family and my friends. I will not let that "feel bad" attitude that I once had commandeer my summer.

So I then thought, what about her? How is she doing? Well, chances are, she is doing just fine. She is out there having a great time with her family and friends. She isn't morning over the loss, she had used it to better herself. Well, why can't I do this? Why can't I just pick myself up and move forward? Well, it is because I was stuck in time. I was stuck on that day that things ended, and I did not want to move forward. I was stuck thinking that if I better myself, she will take me back. However, I then had a change of mindset.

Summer can be life changing. Summer can be thrilling, and summer can be adventurous. Anything can happen in one summer. You can meet new people who can change your life completely. You can use a summer to better yourself, and you can use a summer to change yourself. If we keep this mindset, we can move on. We can better ourselves. Do not think of it as bettering yourself for others, but think of it as bettering yourself because you want to better yourself. You want to be a different person. You want to be a stronger person. You want to be the person that you have always wanted to be. Don't let your summers fly by feeling hopeless or feeling as if you have to change. Change because you want to change, not because anyone told you to.

This is YOUR summer. Enjoy the new you.