To The Girl With A Broken Heart,

It's been over a year now and I can promise you that it gets harder and harder each day. Every single thing I do makes me second guess myself and brings back horrible memories. The struggle is not missing someone, it's what that person did to you. It's bringing yourself back to who you really are, not who that person tried to make you become. It's constant flashbacks to the fighting, the tears, and the sleepless nights. I was always the friend that stood up for my friends and for myself. I never understood why people would allow themselves to get walked all over. But then one day I realized you don’t always know how to handle a situation until you go through it yourself. I put my all into someone I loved and in the end, they took the most important thing I ever had away from me. I lost who I was and became something and someone I never wanted to become. I fell into a horrible trap that I thought was "love." Every bad name I was called, every stupid fight, and everything always being blamed on me replays in my head like a movie reel. Even though it took me a while to realize it, verbal abuse is no joke. I do not miss my ex and I do not miss being in a relationship. I miss the best version of me I could possibly be, I miss the dedication and drive I put in everything I did, and I miss being happy. I don't hate my ex and I don't regret the relationship we had because for me, it was a major life lesson. I thank you for teaching me to be strong even though I just want to give up. I thank you for teaching me what a relationship is not supposed to be like. Most importantly, thank you for teaching me how a man is supposed to treat a woman. Sadly, I found that out the hard way. It's been a little over a year now and it is still so hard to put my all in someone again. I am absolutely terrified of being hurt. Thankfully, I realized you can not go through life in fear and expect everyone to be like that last guy. Those memories will always be there but like I said, use them as a lesson learned. Do not allow yourself to get to that point again. Find someone who is only going to make you better, to love you unconditionally, and to be by your side no matter what. It's now time to focus on yourself. Promise yourself that you will never lose sight on what you want in life and chase your dreams. Believe me, I know it's going to be very difficult but I promise you will get through this. Know your worth and never settle for less!

Sincerely,

The Girl Who Is Not Giving Up