How I recovered
Ofttimes, people can become dependent on relationships as a source of validation and self-worth. This was the case for me, and I spent many months upset about it when it finally ended. I ended up feeling as though I lost my purpose in life, and like I wasn't good enough. I had friends lining up to give me their support, but I still felt lonely.It took a lot of positive reinforcement and self-exploration to regain my sense of worth. It was important for me to focus on the things that are good about me, like the talents I have for example. And it's not always about having talents or big aspirations to look forward to. It starts with the little things, like patting yourself on the back for holding the door for someone, or taking pride in the fact that youhandled a rude customer without getting angry. We all do good things, and we don't always realize it, and we can still continue to be good people whether we have a partner or not.
Congrats! You've come to some difficult realizations on your own. I am so happy you have shared them here so others may benefit.
I have two children and I attempt to teach them that character is what you do when no one is watching or expecting you to act in the 'right' way.
I try and go out of my way to smile at people-- that's my 'thing'. It either confuses the heck out of them, or they smile back.
I'm 50 years old now and I look back at some of the oddest things that I recall from being a child. Most often, they are not the 'big' things, but the smaller things no one would expect to leave a lasting impression.
What exactlymakes up a memory? I have absolutely no idea. All I know is thatif someone remembers something I did that made them feel a certain way, I sure hope it was something positive.
Be well and thank you again for sharing.
