"Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave. A soul mate's purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in… transform your life…"―Elizabeth Gilbert

This whole time since that day I've not hurt, I've not cried, I've not contemplated what and why, I've not tossed and turned in bed sleepless and broken. I thought this was just my introvertedness or maybe my shut out heart, but it wasn't. It was my logic. It was my mind over my heart.

Those 4 years we spent battling titles and each other, loving on each other, sharing memories and breaking down each other's walls, I believed you were the one. I believed you were my forever that I would never live without you and that I could never, or at least my heart did. But in these two months, I've learned that you were not that. You were one of my soul mates. You were a friend put in my life to temporarily mean more and to grow my soul. I thank you for that.

I thank you...

For showing me that I'm more than "smart"; That I'm intelligent. If it wasn't for you and your competitive academic streak, I would've never pushed myself to not just be "good enough". I would've stuck to accepting the good grades and the good enough grades.

For showing me a new point of view – your point of view. While we all have our own views, we don't always view things the same. Opening myself up to your views taught me to see in color and black and white, which now helps me connect with everyone.

For showing me my strength through the good and the bad. There were many moments where I felt pushed too far and broken. Where I felt I could not continue. You showed me I could; You pushed me to keep going. This strength I could've never found within myself especially at the time I needed it. With that, thank you for putting me through the hard times that taught me how strong I really am, because we both know you definitely know how to raise hell. So do I, and I'm sorry for those times I put you through it.

For saying goodbye. While it may sound strange and while it may not make sense, I'm happy you said it. You were a lovely time and we had a lovely time together. I will never forget all of the laughs, the wild nights, the great talks, the amazing trips, the places we visited and the almost 3 years, but it was time. It was time I became me – independent and an individual. I was beginning to lose all of that. The goodbye has given me myself back. I've learned who I am, what I want and what I went wrong on. I've learned that I was closing myself in and exceeding my limits. Most importantly, I learned that I wasn't leaning on myself and my inner happiness. I needed that back.

So it's my turn…

Goodbye. Eventually, we'll probably talk again (knowing us). Eventually, we'll be normal, but goodbye to the forever. Since I'm not there to be your everyday reminder, remember that you are capable. While the seas become rough, navigate. You can navigate them. You're intelligent, driven, strong and amazing. You can take just about anything. One day, 3 years from now, you'll be handed that diploma along with your lifelong career. I know you will be the best damn hero America has ever seen. Never forget who you are and stay true to your morals, because the man I knew always stayed true to those.

I hope for you the best and that you will one day make someone's forever. I wish that for you because she'll have one of the biggest blessings God could give her. Thanks again for all the blessings you gave me, and all of the life lessons you taught me.

Goodbye.