Heartbreak is the one thing that we all go to great lengths to avoid. No one ever wants to lose or end something that they have put time, effort and hope into. But unfortunately, sometimes these circumstances are unavoidable.

Although love is not the only thing that can leave a person heartbroken, more times than not this seems to be the one thing that can truly leave us devastated if we let it.

Being 21 years old, I myself have experienced my fair share of heartbreak and disappointments. Going into high school, all I wanted was the boyfriend that you see in the movies- the cool, slick guy who was the hot shot of the town.

I went for these guys throughout high school, all ending in me feeling foolish and stupid. I should have known that this was the outcome that was bound to happen when trying to go for the “hot-shots.”

When I got to college, I continued to go for that image; guys in frats were a dream come true to me. But I learned real quickly that these guys were even worse than the ones in my past.

As the disappointment came more often than not, I really doubted myself. My self-esteem hit an all-time low, I thought there was something wrong with me. I was convinced that I was too ugly, too fat, not funny enough, etc. for these guys that I wanted so badly.

My sophomore year of college was my lowest point with this, the last heartbreak is when I cracked. I have never been more thankful for anything in my life.

After being told by my last “hot-shot” that the feelings he had fizzled away long before we ended things, I was devastated. But immediately after, a switch flipped.

I realized that it wasn’t me, it was them. Just because it doesn’t work out with someone, it doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with you. You are better off without them.

I began telling myself this every day, and I made a complete turnaround. Instead of focusing on them, I focused on myself. I ended up falling in love with who I am, and my confidence has never been better.

I would not be in the amazing place that I am without the heartbreak that has happened to me in the past. I now look back with a positive attitude, and am thankful for the relationships that never happened, because they weren’t supposed to.

Be thankful for the heartbreaks you have faced in the past, because one day they can give you the confidence and happiness you never thought you could have.