I'll admit I'm guilty of pushing people away but I never pushed so hard that they would really leave. And it was never intentional when I was pushing them away. But at the end of the day when it came down to it, I found myself thanking myself for the bad habit, because it showed me who was in it for the long run and who was just passing through.

But this isn't going to be about how hurt I was or how I'm so thankful for those that stayed. This is going to be a thank you to those who left. Because honestly you saved me a little more when you left.

So here it goes...

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To those who left,

I'm not going to lie to you, when you first left, it burned like a fire. But after the fire started to die down I started to feel relief. Until I saw you again of course, and that stung like a wasp. I found myself digging through old memories of us, cursing your name. But let me let you in a little secret, once I finally got through the burning and stinging feeling and I stopped cursing your name, I was so much better. So thank you for that. Thank you for leaving.

When you walked away everything went dark for a moment, but as the moment passed, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. So thank you for that. Thank you for showing me what I don't want in life. And for showing me what I did want, too.

Thank you for proving that not everyone can keep their promises and that it's okay to go against a gut feeling. For showing me that it's okay to keep your distance at times.

Thank you for teaching me that all the good days out weigh the bad. Thank you for opening my eyes to what world has to offer. For showing me that when one door closes, another one opens.

Most importantly, thank you for making me so much stronger. For proving to me that I can get through the burning and the stinging feelings. For showing me that those who leave, just weren't the people for me.

With lots of love and memories, I wish you the best;

The one who pushed you away.