For those who know me well, I am not the kind of girl who is single often. Now I don't mean that in a conceited way, but I always seem to be looking for someone to share my life with. Where one relationship would end, I would try to find a new one. I loved having someone to share experiences, stories, and laughter with. It never seemed to last, though. My most recent relationship ended badly, and I was ready for a change. I was convinced that I wouldn't find anyone so I decided to take some time alone. Now that a year has come and gone, I find that I learned so much from focusing on myself for a while, and have actually learned to love it. Here are some of the biggest lessons I have learned.
1. I can be happy on my own.
I always thought I would be happiest if I had someone to share it with. I always saw happy couples and wanted that for myself. I spent so much time chasing relationships because I thought that was what would make me happy. Now I realize how happy I can be on my own. I learned that I have the power to allow myself to have fun, do what I please, and be myself without worrying about pleasing someone else. My happiness does not lie in the hands of another person.
2. Friends and family should always be priority.
When I say I've been alone for the past year, I mean relationship-wise. I have been far from lonely in my life because I have amazing family and friends. I found that when relationships would end, the people who were always there were family and friends. I learned that even when in a relationship, these people should be a priority. They are the ones who will be there when it ends. I have taken the chance to spend time with my family since I don't always have that much time to spend. I have grown closer with friends, and realized how important it is to have those friendships.
3. My downfalls and strengths make me who I am.
I realized some of my own faults, as well as my strengths. I have finally figured out why I am the way I am. I have many quirks. Some of these are cool and make me unique -- others are problematic. I have taken the time to try to change the undesirable traits about me, and really embrace the great traits I possess.
4. " Me time" is important.
I hate being alone. I really truly hate it. But sometimes, taking some time to unwind and relax on my own is important. I tend to be a very clingy person so learning to be less clingy is something I am working on. Learning to entertain myself and spend time doing something I enjoy on my own is important.
5. Enjoy life.
It doesn't all need to happen right now. I've always had the dream of getting married and having kids young, just like my parents did. That dream isn't going to be a reality for me, which is hard, but I've come to find that I still have a lot of life to live. Everything doesn't need to happen all at once; it will all work out in time.
