A year ago today, the thought of being single repulsed me. Why would someone want to be alone all the time? Wouldn't that person ever feel lonely and… incomplete? I remember throwing pity parties for myself because I felt so unsatisfied with my singleness; all my friends had someone to love so I might as well order dinner for a party of one and cry about it later. My sappy attitude toward dating persuaded me to consider any guy who happened to tell me I was pretty because he was better than no one… right?

I truly believed, with all my achy, easily-excitable heart, that life began and ended with a romantic love-interest first hello. Today, I am so grateful to have finally boxed up that fairytale story and traded it for full ownership of a healthy relationship with myself.

To all of you single ladies (and men) out there; CARPE DIEM (seize the day) and forget about finding love outside of yourself.

Take yourself on a dinner date to a fancy restaurant that offers you champagne and tasty hors-d'oeuvres. Take yourself out for an evening walk around your neighbor, your local city, or some place completely foreign to you. Heck, buy yourself a plane ticket to anywhere and fly solo! Singleness, whether you realize it or not, is one of the greatest gifts God could ever grant his children. To be single is to be completely free of obligation, to plans, to friends, and to family. Once you settle down and shack up with an S.O, there is no more leisure and flexibility in planning out your day.

A year ago, I couldn't fathom the idea of being single past age 21. But today, as I type up this article on my solo flight to Martha's Vineyard, I can't imagine living my life any other way.

Future Husband, I am so sorry but… I am going to need just a little more time alone; I've fallen in love with me.

#stayencouraged