1. Sometimes you have to listen to your instincts.

I don't necessarily believe that we have magical abilities to foretell futures or rather, correctly predict the unknown. But I was beginning to see how the relationship was negatively affecting me. I began circumventing the fact that it started affecting school, my emotional stability and my overall daily lifestyle. There was a part of me that kept saying, "maybe this is a bad idea and should do something before it gets worst," and I probably should have listened to that instinct.

2. Crying your heart out and feeling like ultimate crap is okay

When the relationship finally ended, I felt the worst type of pain I never thought could ever exist. I wanted the pain to stop and end quickly. I called and texted every single one of my closest friends. I cried and vented my heart out multiple times, retold the story numerously and relayed the pain over and over again. I learned that it was necessary. I needed to let all that energy out, learn how to accept lost and cope with pain. We are all human beings and we have the right to not feel normal sometimes. In the end, it was for my benefit as I feel it made me stronger as a person.

3. Learn how to be independent

I spent a lot of time with this person. I did everything with them, spent every minute and every moment. Asked them for help, turned to them for comfort and relied on them. When the relationship ended, I had forgotten how to revert back to my lifestyle. This is the time to grow and learn new things about yourself.

4. Say yes to every opportunity

This goes along with being independent. As I began to find myself again, I taught and forced myself to keep a firm mindset: do not be afraid to take chances, go out and have fun. I spent time with friends and even made new friends. I tried to go to every single event the school held, started playing tennis again, attended every social event I was invited to, agreed to get a "backyard" tattoo and even took an initiative to volunteer to work at the local TV station. Embrace being free and enjoy every bit of it.