I was one of those girls who followed a boy to college. So naturally, instead of branching out, studying hard and making new friends, I spent my first two years of college playing house (sorry Mom). My fantasy life was going great, and I was the perfect “trophy wife” until he had the damn audacity to break up with me. After finding myself dumped, I realized I didn’t have to be in the dumps. I decided to embark on a journey, alone, to find a better sense of life. Here are the top four clichés I’ve witnessed and accepted in just two years since being kicked to curb.
(Spoiler alert: I’m glad he left me.)
- Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
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All limitations exist in our minds. After a breakup, we tend to believe we won’t be able to overcome the pain of the losing someone we potentially saw a future with. This is true, but only if you believe it so. Any and all of our “limitations” are only located in our mind. We control the ability to find a will, and the way out will hit us before we know it. Amazing things can happen if we choose not to be miserable!
- Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
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You may be better off without your ex, but that does not negate all the good times you did have together. Even though my breakup left me a mess, I made it intentional to not see my life decisions in a negative light. So, when the seldom thought of the ex who dumped me pops into my mind, I smile and reminisce on the memories we shared together. This bittersweet feeling mixed with relief from forgiving him far beats any feelings of resentment or sadness.
- Everything happens for a reason.
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Over the past two years, I have traveled more than ever, spent time with my family, and reconnected with old friends. I look back on my life between now and then and I realize that the relationship was holding me back from so much growth. I also realize I gave that dude way too much credit. Everything does happen for a reason. Unfortunately, we never know when we’re going to find that reason out.
- There are plenty of fish in the sea.
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So, he and I didn’t work out. I did date around for a bit after, but eventually, I decided to focus on school and getting a career. With my graduation arriving this summer, I can indeed say there are plenty of fish in the sea! He just happened to be the wrong fish, so to ensure that I didn’t catch another bad fish, I worked my gills off to leave the vulnerable state I was in. I wanted to put myself in a position to be around to right type of fish. The law of attraction is real! I think positive and better myself, that way when the moment comes, I am the actual catch!
I was 20 years old when I congratulated myself on sleeping in my own bed for a month straight. It was then when I realized I had become a statistic. I was one of those suckers who didn’t know how to be alone. Seeking to change this, I made a pact to sleep in my own bed, alone, until I meet someone very special.
It’s been two years with no real luck yet; however, I’m grateful for the few things I’ve learned along the way. We are all exactly where we’re meant to be and doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing.