They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. My tumor, my depression and my loneliness has not killed me, it made who I am today. I am happier. I am stronger. Now you should know what it takes to be strong, healthy and happy.

Most of you who are reading this article are at the age where dating and hooking up is prevalent. We are facing our futures at a rapid pace. It is a scary, stressful, exhausting time. We start to think about what dating is starting to mean and how we handle it. We battle the complications, the pressure and fears. You, my friends, are stronger than you think. You each are unique and perfect in your own way. That is why you should not let hard time shatter you.

I recently have started dating again. Let me specify though that it was from Tinder. This time I felt as though it was time to go out and see what it felt like. I haven't been on one in almost two years. I had a lot of battles with mental and physical issues. I didn't feel that having someone come in to my life during that time was the right thing. In all honesty, that has been the longest time I have been single for since I had begun dating. Feeling like I always had a boy around felt somewhat comforting at first. It took me a long time to realize that I cannot rely on others happiness to control mine.

I knew I had one person to be there for me. Then it changed. My life changed. I changed. I started to realize I am stronger alone then I am with any other man. We are stronger when we have discovered happiness within.

As I was on this date I felt happy and comforted. I was for once excited, excited to be there and to see what may happen. I had told a couple friends and family. I was hoping to soon maybe find a boyfriend even though it was on a dating app. All said and done I saw that it hadn't turned out how I thought it would. It seemed as though we might eventually begin a relationship. I was wrong. It was different this time though. I was hurt but I knew that I would be okay. I was going to get through it and date once again. I wasn't going to blame him or myself. It just maybe wasn't meant for us.

Be broken but not shattered is what I had recently watched a video on. Those words spoke to me because when you are broken you can still put yourself back together. You have another chance to go out there and take the risks that you want. Being shattered means that you are unable to repair yourself. That my friend is never true, you can fix yourself from the inside out. Slow down for a minute and look at the obstacles you have faced. Even though it may be a crack in the road it is not a dead end.

Sincerely,

The broken one