This past week, I passed my one year anniversary with myself, and boy, did it feel good. These past 365 days have truly been the year that I fell into myself; I have never felt more alive or able to experience life. Now, a full year after my long-term relationship came to a relatively abrupt end, I have what I believe to be impeccable perspective on life. If I haven't figured out what I want from life, I have at least figured out what it is that I don't want.

I was the girl who was either always in a relationship or was always actively seeking one out. Although I am a firm believer that a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle, I never really practiced what I preached. I'd blogged about it, I'd given advice about it, but I'd never actually experienced it. I understood the concept of being without a relationship, but I was quite comfortable always finding one to burrow myself into.

For the first time in my life, I am learning what it's like to be by myself. Some days are lonely--I'm not going to lie. Just last night, my friend was telling me all about how sweet and supportive her boyfriend is to her, and I admitted to her that there are days when that sounds really comforting. As lonely as I may get, I've realized how important a strong support system is, and that a boyfriend doesn't have to be a part of that. Not only do I have amazing friends and coworkers, but I have myself. I have had to be the arms to hold myself on cold, sad nights, and I'm learning that that is okay.

I have made a lot of mistakes. I've made a lot of the same mistakes. I'm starting to understand that beating myself up over these mistakes (however repeated they may be) won't bring me anything other than more suffering. I am still human. I am still young. I have a lot to learn, and these mistakes--these happy and sometimes unhappy accidents--will only make me stronger. I've developed a tougher skin and I'm figuring out how to stop apologizing for things outside of my control and to not let people take advantage of my kind heart.

I've started looking into grad schools recently, and although New England has been my home for twenty years, by this time next year I'll be gone. With no romantic ties, I have the illusive freedom that many people my age don't have. I can travel wherever I want to get my education without the hassle of worrying about long distance. While relationships can be magical and wonderful, sometimes, when you're young, they can be incredibly limiting. I'm grateful for my single status and the adventures that lie ahead because of it.

I have several friends who have asked me how I've learned to be okay with being single. Sometimes, I don't have an answer. As I write this, sitting in the window of the Newport Starbucks, watching endless streams of hand-holding couples stroll down the cobblestone, I am having a moment of questioning. Truly, I don't have a magic word or secret formula to it. But every day I become my own best friend a little more. I am happily in a relationship with myself, and I am quite content. What is in the cards for me romantically, I couldn't tell you, but the possibilities are exciting.

Stay tuned!