There are so many things I could say to you right now. I could say I know what you're feeling, but I can't. I can't say I know what you're feeling because I'm not you. You are a wonderful, unique person with an amazing life ahead. I could say I've been where you been, but I haven't. Not exactly. Every breakup is different. My breakup from high school is not the same as the one you're experiencing right now. I can, however, say this - I'm sorry you're hurting. But please, have hope.

You're not alone. The feelings you're feeling, the confusion, hurt, sadness, loneliness, anger, hopelessness, abandonment, are all normal. I promise you that. It's okay to not be okay. It takes time. Be gentle with yourself, and give yourself the time you need to heal.

Nobody likes getting their heart broken. But, unfortunately, heartbreaks are going to happen until you meet the one God intends for you to spend the rest of your life with. As humans, we're created for love. We all have a desire for love. Nobody wants to be alone. Nobody wants to lose love after working so hard to find it.

I won't lie, it can be hard to love again after being hurt once. But just because you've been hurt doesn't mean you won't find someone who will one day love you the way you deserve. Stay true to who you are, and believe in yourself. God has a plan for you.

Hope doesn't come only when you find someone new worth loving. It comes before that, from within yourself. This isn't an article promising "you'll find someone new soon." It's an article about hope. It might feel like the end of the world right now, but I promise it's not. You've gotten through hard things before. I promise this heartache is an opportunity to grow in strength, to become the best version of yourself.

I once heard that "a healed heart is a strong heart." That is so true. It's incredibly important to give yourself time to heal. I remember well the heartache I experienced in high school following my breakup. He was my best friend, my first love. It was hard. But I'm here to tell you, that you will get through this. The pain is temporary. You have a lot of emotions to work through, and that's okay. Even when it feels like your entire world is upside down, that you'll never smile again - you will. I promise you that. But please, give yourself all the time in the world. Take things one day at a time. You will heal, you will grow stronger.

Everything happens for a reason. I know, it's cliché. But there's a reason cliché things are repeated so often: they're true! Here are some other truths that I can offer you...

You're loved. You're strong. You'll get through this. God loves you and has a plan for your life. If it is in His plan that you get married someday, you'll find someone - in God's timing. Waiting can be hard, but it's worth it. Focus on yourself. Find yourself, trust yourself. Always remember your worth. Don't be afraid to be happy. You deserve all the happiness life has to offer.

In life, there are seasons of love and seasons of unlove. Feeling unloved can be hard, but even in these off seasons you are still very much loved - by your family, by your friends, and most of all by God. Take pride in who you are, and have courage. When it feels like you have nothing left, hold on to the hope. Hope can move mountains, and make life incredible.

Have hope, friends.