What I Love About and Learned From Being Single

 I've decided to take part in The Single Woman's 30 Day Blogging Challenge. Though I won't be covering each day, some topics are relevant to the theme of this blog. See details here. 

Today's topic is to describe a day or moment when being single was really awesome.

The moment that I truly love being single, is in those quiet moments after you've made it through a difficult heartbreak, and you realize you're okay again. There is a lightness in your heart, a weight has been lifted from your shoulders and you are breathing easy again. You're at peace again.

Other than that, it's more general. Sometimes I come home and just enjoy the peace of being able to do my own thing, cook what I want, read, listen to music, whatever, without having to make room for someone else's schedule. There are some moments when you just need that freedom to do what you want, when you want. I think what I enjoy most about being single is the peace of living at my own pace, making my own choices. I can focus fully on my needs and do what's right or best for me at that moment. I enjoy the freedom of being able to do what I want, or NOT do something that I don't want to, without significantly impacting another person close to me.

I like being single because I don't have to seek someone else's approval when I want to do something. I don't have to check in with someone if I don't feel like it that day. I can go somewhere alone without having to explain myself. I don't have to worry about arguments or fights over silly things. I can have all the alone time I want and need.

In addition, my single years have taught me some important things:

1. Who I am. Your teenage and young adulthood years are some of the most important formative years of your life. If you tangle your identity with someone else's at a tender age, you lose the opportunity to learn who you are, distinct and separate from everyone else. Getting to know yourself is a critical step in life; it allows you to develop your core values, what you stand for and what you won't put up with, and this ultimately guides all your decisions in life. Sure, we change as time goes by. Maybe you hated broccoli as a kid and now can't go a day without eating it. I was once convinced I could never write a poem; now I have written dozens, some I am very proud of. Self-awareness allows you to track the changes in your life; it helps in knowing when you're progressing or not, whether you're growing or shrinking and gives you the opportunity to do something about it.

2. What I am capable of. There are times when you need to stand alone to truly appreciate your strength as an individual. I'm sure you have been surprised at some point at some of the things you managed to get through on your own but didn't think you could. If you learn from too early on to lean on someone, you run the risk of becoming dependent on them, or crashing and burning when there's no one in their position to lean on. Trust yourself; you are much more capable than you believe yourself to be.

3. Where my worth should come from. And where is that? Me. Only from me. It's definitely something I am still learning, but not having someone else to constantly tell me how beautiful I am, how lucky they are to have me etc. (or whatever boyfriends are supposed to say) forces me to look within for my worth. I learn to tell myself I'm beautiful without cringing (a work-in-progress), I learn to remind myself how capable I am, and what I have been through on my own, I learn to value and acknowledge my strengths and talents so that in the midst of people coming into and out of my life, I am the constant. I am my worth.

4. The importance of faith and spirituality. This ties in heavily to the previous point concerning worth. I'll embarrassingly admit that when I was a teenager, I really wanted a boyfriend because I thought if someone loved me, it would validate me somehow. But guess what? You've already been validated. You are validated by your very existence, not by whether people see you, love you or not. Even if you're still single, never been kissed, never been looked in the eye by someone you adore, you have still been validated because you have been created, crafted by God, He who does nothing without intent or purpose.

Beyond that, being single for so long has allowed me to learn that it is not in romantic relationships that we should be putting our faith and whole hearts into, but instead pouring ourselves fully into a relationship with God and loving Him the way He should be loved. By no means am I perfect at this (or even close; I am very much a work-in-progress in this area), but I am much more aware now of the way our culture emphasizes romantic love as the most important thing in life, to be sought after regardless of consequence. The reason we keep getting hurt so badly time after time is because we keep putting our hearts in the wrong places. By all means, love people, but love God more. Be aware of the reasons you get into relationships. They won't fill your voids. Only God can do that.

5. What I want, in a relationship and in life. In getting to know yourself, your likes, dislikes, quirks, habits, etc. you are better equipped to know what qualities you want in a life partner. It's also helpful to learn from others around you who have been in relationships. Listening to your friends' issues concerning their own relationships can lead to insight into your own needs or values. For example, what issues were you most bothered by? What was your friend upset about that you thought wasn't a big deal? etc. Even platonic friendships can help in this area; what do  you value most in your friendships? What behaviours hurt or anger you?

Being single is a wonderful time to make some goals for your future. It's helpful to know what you want, and have something to work toward so that you keep that zeal and motivation for life. Having a clear idea of where you want to be helps keep you going day after day. Of course, those goals might change or need to be modified if you meet someone along the way, but it's better to know what you're compromising on, and take an active part in your life's course, rather than be swept away in someone else's idea of what life should be like.


If you use them wisely, your single days can be some of the best times of your life. Don't let anyone put you down or make you feel like you're not good enough just because you're not coupled. Remember that you are worth so much more than whether someone wants you or not. We all have a purpose to fulfill, and sometimes being single is integral to that. If you took all the energy you use into despairing about your singleness, analyzing it, trying to "fix" it, and instead put it into something worthwhile and meaningful, you could accomplish great and wonderful things.

Embrace yourself, your life and the plan God has for you.

You are enough.

~

What about you? When has being single been a great experience for you? Share in the comments below!

20 Things I Learned From a Broken Heart: Part II

This is the second installment of a two-part post. Read the first part here.

Photo by me

• I've learned to be wary of people who think they know themselves completely and are not open to feedback from others. I've learned to be wary of those who feel they don't need the help and support of others. No matter how independent we are, as social creatures, we simply cannot survive happily or healthily without the support of others. None of us will ever have all the answers, not about love, life or even ourselves. Thus, it's important to be open to other perspectives. Beyond that, it's important to let yourself be vulnerable and let your walls down around the people who care about you. It's the only way to form truly deep connections.
• I've learned that some people come into your life as a blessing, but some come as a test. Every single person who has ever crossed your path was put there with a purpose. No matter how brief the interaction, or how painful, they were there for a reason. After a heartbreak is a good time to reflect on the lessons you learned from the experience, or otherwise try to see what good came out of it. In the midst of pain and anger, it can be all too easy to dismiss this fact, as I did previously. However, if you quiet your mind, and your raging emotions for a moment, and open yourself to the possibilities, the answers will come to you.
• I've learned that life is choice. You actively choose whether to let someone back into your life, whether you realize it at the time or not. If you find that history is repeating itself and you're back in the same place with the same person, you can usually pinpoint the exact moment you let them back in. It helps to be aware of your catalysts; sometimes it means making the difficult decision to say no to someone.
• I've learned that even when you're at your lowest point, and hope and faith have all but disappeared, it's still possible to rise up and be okay again, be more than okay again. It's possible to be happy again. You will make your way out of the dark and there will be a lightness in your heart again, even if you can't believe it right now. 
• I've learned that you probably never stop loving him or missing him, at least not for some time, but every once in a while, especially in your weaker moments, it's worth reminding yourself why you made the decision to let go, and reaffirm your belief that you did the right thing for you.
•  I've learned that if he isn't willing to fight for you, then he isn't worthy of your love. There is no simpler way to say it. If he wants to be in your future, he will make the effort in the present.
•  I've learned that my feelings and emotions are as valid as anyone else's and I have the right to speak up when something bothers me. I will not be stepped on. If you are constantly walking on eggshells around someone, or always weighing your words for fear of their anger or disapproval, this may be a sign of an unhealthy relationship. Depending on circumstances, the best thing to do may be to let them go.
• I've learned that you need to love yourself and respect yourself enough to know when to walk away. What you put up with, is what will continue. If you don't speak up about the way you are being treated, it won't stop. And if talking does nothing, then it's time to walk. Remember your worth. You're worth SO much more than second class treatment.
• I've learned that I'm strong on my own, and I don't need a man to come save me. The biggest lie we are told as females is that we are helpless, and need to wait for our knight in shining armor to come save us. Whether you are in a relationship or not, newly single or perpetually so, you are strong and capable. You are competent and worthy and you have the ability to create a beautiful life of your own. Claim it.

•  I've learned that life is SO MUCH MORE than romantic relationships, and it's such a waste to sit around tearfully waiting for someone to sweep you off your feet. GO LIVE. There's a whole WORLD out there. DO something with your life. Do something for yourself. You're more than worth it.
  
  Sometimes it is the most difficult decisions that lead us to our best selves. In the midst of your pain and heartache, it can be easy to be drawn back to something or someone who is not right for you, just to fill the void in you. But in being still and listening to your inner voice, you will know which path to take. And yes, it will likely be the more difficult one, but the destination will be more than worth it. With time and patience for both the journey and yourself, you will begin to see why it was necessary. Take the leap of faith, and you will be at peace again.

20 Things I Learned From a Broken Heart: Part I

Photo by me

 One night, during a particularly trying time in my life, I was seething about how unfair life had been. I was still reeling from the loss of someone I had given my whole heart to. After years of investing my time, thoughts and emotions on him, I ended up empty handed and hurt in the worst way I had ever known. Frustratedly, I questioned what his purpose was in my life. What was the point? What did I even gain from it all?

What did I gain? As I sat there, that question began answering itself.  I realized that although the outcome was a painful one, there were valuable lessons to be learned from it.

I learned:

• The utmost importance of communication in any kind of relationship. Many relationships break down because of a lack of effective communication. Communication is a two way street, and consists of both talking and listening. If there is a problem, speak up. Not talking about an issue doesn't make it go away; it just builds resentment until someone explodes, at which point it's difficult to take back the damage. Likewise, if someone raises an issue concerning the relationship, listen without judgement, and let go of the need to defend yourself. If you are afraid of speaking up for fear of what the other person may say or do, this may be a sign that the relationship is not a healthy one, and it may be time to consider stepping away from the person.
• The importance of open-mindedness and honesty. This is an extension of the point above. Relationships thrive on trust and honesty. It helps to be honest with the other person, especially concerning the way their behaviour may be affecting you. Open-mindedness in this context refers to the ability to accept what the other person says as their truth, and being able to accept feedback from them, for example, if they were hurt by something you did, don't discount their feelings by saying they shouldn't feel that way. Be humble, take responsibility for your actions, and move on.
• A relationship is a two-way street and there needs to be giving and taking by both parties. If you find yourself doing all or most of the work, then it's time to reconsider your role in this person's life.
• My worth, and how I ought to be treated. Sometimes it takes being treated unfairly to truly realize your worth. Sometimes you need to experience what you don't want in a relationship, before you know what you do want, and what you cannot compromise on.
• It's important to think twice about who you give of yourself to. It should be someone who would appreciate and cherish every bit of you, even your less-than-perfect parts.
• Sometimes it takes a long while to really get to know someone, and most times it's worth the wait, before you decide whether or not you want a future with them. 
•  You can't control what people think or understand by what you've said. And that's no reflection of who you are. You have nothing to prove to anyone, as long as your conscience is clear and your intentions are pure. If someone doesn't believe what you say when you are telling the truth, it's a reflection of who they are and the way they see the world, which is something we cannot change. And it's your decision whether you keep those people around or not. If someone is constantly "misunderstanding" you, misinterpreting you, twisting your words and manipulating you, you are better off letting them go.
• If someone truly cared about you, and wants to be a part of your life, they would make the effort to keep friendship alive. Real friends know the value of the word 'sorry'. I've learned that talk is cheap; if you want to know how someone really feels about you, pay attention to their actions. When words and actions contradict, believe the actions. They speak truer and more loudly and clearly than any words. 
• If someone loves you, they would show it. I've learned to appreciate when people do show gestures of love, and I've learned to wait for the one who is not afraid to show me that he loves me. If you are confused by his behaviours, then he doesn't love you.
• Love knows no reason, no logic, but that doesn't mean it's meant to be. It's easy to romanticize your feelings for someone. For a long time I battled with my feelings, convinced that the way I felt showed that we were "meant to be" despite the (many) odds. I hid behind my delusions until it became so painful that I had no choice but to face reality. It is a difficult and painful task, but you owe it to yourself to be honest with yourself about your situation. It will hurt immensely at first, but in the long run awaits real joy and happiness, and your true destiny.

Read Part II here!