Break-ups happen. Some are mutual, some are easy and some are difficult. Despite all the unique ways that a couple may break up, there is one thing that they all have in common at the end of the day, which is that they each change you for the better. Reflecting on the past, it was maybe not the easiest or simplest roller coaster-like experience, but you are now more mature and ready to face the world's next issue thrown at you because of it.
I am thankful for my first break up. I will admit, it was no walk in the park. As it crept up unexpectedly, I felt that there was nowhere to turn. I was quick to exchange nasty words and I proceeded to meet a side to myself that I never even knew existed. None of it was pretty. As my mother always taught me, though, “Time heals everything.” I discovered that phrase to be true and each day gets better. In the blink of an eye, you will laugh at the recognition that you have not thought about it in months. It is then that a new mind set settles in: that break-up matured you. You are now that "strong, independent woman who does not need no man" that the world is always talking about.
A break-up first allows you to figure out early on rather than later than that that individual was not meant for you. Also, during a relationship, you come to recognize the wonderful feeling of being loved, but sometimes it is not until after the break-up that you learn that your love for yourself is the most important of all. As a relationship concludes, you also regain focus of all the important things that you did not pay attention to before. Post-relationships allow you to realize just how important your own friends are and how important taking care of yourself is. There is no better way to ease all of that anger after a break-up than by working out, and not only does it relieve stress, but also puts you in great shape. Now with a new sense of freedom, you may also desire to get that fresh hair-cut, along with a new hair color, to show off the new, happy and healthy you.
As for my own first relationship, I am quite embarrassed with my actions when thinking back to how I handled the whole process. It is normal to want to slap yourself, in fact it is healthy to make those mistakes. After all, you learn from your own mistakes. If it were not for my first break-up, I would not be the woman that I am today. I have learned to apply and learn from my mistakes in my current relationship. Even in your next relationship, you will realize that there is always room for growth and maturity.
There is no way around the thought that a break-up sucks. However, in the long run, there is nothing but positivity and greatness calling your name and it is up to you to go chase it.