Summer of 23
This was the summer of heartbreak and self improvement. I had just got out of a 3 year long relationship and had no idea who I was without her anymore. This was a season of returning to form. I didn’t realize how disconnected I became from myself and my passion over being concerned about what my partner thought of me.
Not that it is her fault, I still look back fondly over our relationship. We bother we’re just younger and trying our best.
A summer breakup hits differently, doesn't it? When everyone else seems to be enjoying the sunshine, you're navigating a storm within. I totally get it. My own "Summer of 23" was a whirlwind of emotions after my 3-year relationship ended. It felt like I'd lost a piece of myself, and for a while, I truly didn't know who I was without my partner. But this season, though painful, became a powerful journey of self-discovery. If you're going through something similar, here's what I learned and what helped me KEEP GOING and truly start GETTING STRONG. 1. Embrace the Healing Process: Don't rush it. It's okay to feel sad, angry, confused. Let those emotions flow. I found journaling incredibly helpful – just getting all those thoughts out. Sometimes, you just need to "COUGH" up those feelings and let them out. 2. Reconnect with Your Passions: This was huge for me. I realized how much I'd put aside my own interests while in the relationship. Whether it's art, hiking, reading, or a new hobby, dive back in. It's amazing how much joy and purpose this can bring. For me, it was rediscovering my love for photography and long walks. 3. Set Small, Achievable Goals "DAY2DAY": Don't overwhelm yourself. Focus on small victories. Maybe it's going for a walk, finishing a chapter of a book, or trying a new recipe. Each small step builds momentum and confidence. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. 4. Lean on Your Support System: Friends and family are golden. Don't isolate yourself. Share how you're feeling, even if it's just a text. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there makes all the difference. They can remind you of who you are outside of a relationship. 5. Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: This isn't selfish; it's essential. Treat yourself with kindness. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise. Think of it as nurturing your future self. For me, this meant more bubble baths and listening to empowering podcasts. 6. Reflect, But Don't Dwell: It's important to understand what happened, but don't get stuck in a loop of regret or blame. See it as a learning experience. Every relationship teaches us something valuable, even when it ends. I look back on my past relationship fondly, knowing we both did our best, but IT'S WHEN I started focusing on my growth that everything shifted. 7. Remember, "THIS WAS FUN!" (Eventually): It might not feel like it now, but you will find joy again. This period of intense self-focus can be incredibly transformative. You're building a stronger, more resilient you. This isn't just about recovering; it's about becoming even better. Breakups, especially during what's supposed to be a carefree season like summer, can be incredibly challenging. But they also offer a unique opportunity for profound personal growth. You might feel lost right now, but trust the process. You're emerging stronger, clearer, and more authentically you. Keep building that incredible person you're meant to be.