The day you called me to tell me it was over still sits fresh in my memory. I begged you for reasons but all you could say was that you just weren't about a relationship anymore. Through tears I called my best friend and my mom, sobbing into the phone, unable to put words together. In a short time, I fell faster than I have for any other person. I refused to settle for just anyone, which made it even more special when I realized that you were actually someone I could possibly fall in love with someday. Until you ended it. I cried for days. I didn't want to eat; I couldn't eat. Rather than feeling angry, I felt total sadness and hopelessness. I so badly wanted to be enough for you, because you were perfect to me.

As I tried to overcome the heartbreak and face the fact that it was definitely over, I slowly realized that I didn't need you to be a better person. Sure, I was happiest when with you, but I learned that I could be my best without you too, even if it meant I had to work harder. Instead of hitting the gym only on the days when I had energy, I now spend almost every night sweating my butt off in the weight room. Rather than sleeping in because I stayed way too late at your house, I wake up early to chug a protein shake and get a head start on my day. Instead of crying over you, I turn to my real friends who are helping me forget you were even a part of my life. I've put all my motivation and drive into my job and classes, and it's showing through my success. When the fear creeps in that I will never be enough for anyone, I remind myself that I am enough for Jesus, and that's ultimately all that matters.

As much as I want to hate you for what you did to me, I want to thank you for giving me the strength to realize my full potential, regardless of whether or not I have a boyfriend in my life. There are still nights when I wish I was sitting on your couch watching stupid movies and eating chicken tenders, but I now find my happiness elsewhere. I've established new goals and dreams, and although I so badly wish you could have been a part of them, I now know that I am capable of accomplishing them on my own. Because of you, I am stronger.

To those out there who feel insufficient and imperfect, embrace it. Recognize your weaknesses and use them to further your strengths. It may hurt at first, but you will eventually recognize that you are so much more capable than you thought you ever could be. If your heart has been broken, chances are that it won't be the last time. Lay on your couch, cry it out, eat every bit of junk food in your pantry, and then stand up and be better than before. If I can do it, you can too.