A Love Letter to Myself

I’ve spent the better part of this winter processing and recovering from a broken heart. Naturally during these transitional periods, you question yourself, you over-analyze where things went wrong, you play the blame game… the list of coping mechanisms is long and varied. Everyone handles grief differently. Because I feel very deeply, recovery is sometimes slower than I’d prefer.

It’s time to reclaim myself and what makes me wonderful. No more energy toward something that no longer serves me. This past year has presented a smorgasbord of complications, but ending a relationship while isolated during a pandemic is an experience I’d wish on no one. In the past I’ve leaned on travel for distraction, which inevitably resulted in the best kind of healing. That has obviously been a difficult and mostly unobtainable feat at this point in time.

So, to myself, I’d like to say the following:

You look at life as being full of possibility – glass half full – and that is nothing to be ashamed of, even if others are sometimes put off by that optimism.

You see strangers not as the enemy, but as potential contacts in the making. You believe in altruism until proven differently. You have the gift of connecting with people from all walks of life and believe that humans are more alike than different.

You love to move. You view a weekend on the couch as wasted opportunity, but also know how and when to relax hard. Ultimately though, you would rather be hiking or exploring a new town. The idea of newness genuinely thrills you.

You are smart and have challenged yourself academically and professionally, refusing to accept less than you’re worth, even when it meant changing graduate programs midway through or speaking up for yourself when mistreated at work. This has gained you respect from others.

You are sensitive and analytical. While these attributes can lead to internal confliction at times, you’re able to recognize the emotional intelligence at play. You would rather possess this self-awareness than have none at all.

You are kind. You want the underdog to be heard, you believe in equality, you are willing to speak up for the voiceless. You want others to feel happy, safe, and valued.

You’re very good at navigating life solo, and are highly independent. While you don’t need company to be content, you’re able to pick back up with friends as if no time has passed at all. You sustain the valuable relationships in your life.

You have traveled much of the world alone! That is powerful and something to be proud of. You enjoy sharing these experiences with others – never to brag but rather in hopes of inspiring others to live their lives to the fullest.

Ultimately, you are a strong woman. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, and you take pride in knowing you’ll make it as great as it can be. Happy Valentines Day – and happy every day – to me.