Faith To The Girl Who Always Gets Dumped 4:23 PM Show me a woman who has never had her heart broken, and I'll show you a woman who has never really lived. Unknown To the girl who always gets dumped, I know what you're thinking. That you're not pretty enough to hold his attention. Or you're not smart enough to keep him interested. Or you're not hot enough to keep him hooked. But, you're wrong. You are lovely. And you are enough. It's not your fault that he is not content. He never was and he never will be. It's not your fault that he is superficial. You are better off. It's not your fault that he couldn't see your worth. That doesn't change who you are. You deserve more than what he's giving you; his spare time, his leftover feelings, his insincere affection. If you only matter to him when he needs something from you, If he's only available when his friends aren't around, If he cares about his happiness more than your well-being... Girl, you're better off. You're better off than being used, being cheated on, being lied to and hurt in any way. You are better off alone and at peace, than with someone but carrying a heavy useless burden in your heart. No, you don't deserve his insults. No, you don't deserve his slaps, or kicks or punches. No, you don't deserve his vilification, condescension, and downplaying. No, you don't deserve to be played and cheated on. To the girl who always gets dumped, You deserve joy. You deserve affection. You deserve undivided attention when you talk. You deserve unceasing loyalty. You deserve to be honored and cherished. You deserve true love. You deserve to be treated with respect and adoration. You deserve to be treated like a princess. Because you are. Aren't you the King's daughter? You have been lied to far too many times that you may have started to believe it. And lived the way you were told to. To the girl who always gets dumped, Find yourself again. Find your beautiful, precious, love-worthy self. Take your identity back. Let go of your trashy past. It already happened. Stop holding on to it. Forget about your vampires or Dementors. Remember that you are loved and your value does not diminish despite the number of mistakes you did in the past. Remember that your past does not define your future. (Bo Sanchez) Remember that as cliche as it may sound, it's their loss and not yours. To the girl who always gets dumped, It's not your destiny to be ditched, so stop believing that's how you should be treated. You were born a victor. You were made for greatness. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Go and fall in love again. But this time, love yourself first. Give to yourself first. Most of all, forgive yourself. For it's not your fault that you loved more, you loved sincerely, and that you believed in the goodness of men, even those who weren't good to you. It's not your fault that you believe in love in a world full of doubts. That you are genuine in a world full of fakes. Stay real, be wiser, and be more careful in who you're giving your heart to. Someone out there is waiting to give you all that you deserve. The puzzle will soon be complete, and you will see what a beautiful picture you have been a part of. One day, your heart will be whole again. And on that day, it will all make perfect sense. For now, enjoy the journey. Laugh at your boo boos. Feel your pain, and then let go. Step out and see the world waiting for you to take it on. To the girl who always gets dumped, you are beautiful. You deserve to be loved. Remember that. If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Life Lessons Life Lesson From A Throwback 8:00 AM Keep that little ounce of faith in your pocket. Life Lesson From A Throwback I have this beautiful life lesson from a throwback recently. I browsed my old travel photos for a post I plan. I came across some taken when I had...well, just had my heart broken. I was surprised because I looked...normal and happy. I couldn't bare to look at myself, not even in photos, during that time. Because I felt so ugly and "not good enough". I think everyone who's been left for someone else would feel that way. I didn't want to see the pain that's in my eyes though I had a smile plastered on my face for the camera. Now, I look at those photos from a different lens; I can still remember the pain I was going through, but not feeling the pain anymore, and seeing only beauty. Looking at the photos, I see there was no pain in my eyes and hey, what a sweet smile I had on! Don't get me wrong. I didn't mean that in a conceited way. I mean it's beautiful that despite the sting of that fresh wound of heartache, I was able to smile. I remember still enjoying the sights, the food, every moment I was there. The beauty I saw in me was beyond the physical. I saw a girl deeply hurt and braving the odds with only faith as a weapon. Faith that one day, the pain will go away. Faith that one day, the wounds will be healed. Faith that one day, He will turn my mourning into dancing. Faith that a day will come when I'll look back and I'll do myself proud for making it through. And I did. I realized that only I can see that beauty because only I felt that pain. And it's very important that we should see that side of ourselves because no one else will. Such a beautiful life lesson from a throwback that was. I hope that whatever it is you're going through right now that makes you feel inadequate, ugly or worthless will soon end. I hope that you keep that little ounce of faith in your pocket because I can testify that your mourning will turn into dancing. I hope that you still look at yourself in the mirror every day and tell yourself you're beautiful despite the pain you see in your eyes, the sorrow you feel in your heart, and the tears falling as you say it. Because my friend, you are. Believe that you are. What lessons have you learn from a throwback?
Guest Blogger What Failure Taught Me 6:55 AM A guest blog by Kristal Marie: "I have just started this new project. I am so excited; I have so many great ideas. I really hope it fails!" Said no one ever... Nobody sets out to fail, but it happens. The reality is if you desire to be successful you are going to fail at some point. Yes, failures are tough lessons, but they are also invaluable. The key to finding value in your failures is not to settle at failure's feet. Rather, if you learn from it, your failure is only one step along your path to success. What Failure Taught Me What failure really is Failure is nothing more than the omission of expected or required action. This is the literal definition. Failure is not the end unless you settle. You tried something and your expectation was not met. It is not over; it just means you try something else. Pick yourself up and try the next thing. Failure encourages change When you fail at something, you quickly realize that you need to change, your expectation, your process or sometimes both. Far too often we resist change, because change puts us outside our comfort zone. It took me many years to learn to embrace change. I avoided change like it was the plague. But, I have learned that change, in reality, is a good thing. Yes, it puts me outside of my comfort zone, but without change I can never improve. Improving life necessitates some kind of change. So it is when you fail. Unless you settle for your failure, you will change something, and that change will lead to improving you or your circumstances. Failure causes growth Here's the thing, success is great but the truth is, we don’t grow through our successes, we grow through our failures. When we are successful at something, we keep doing it over and over again. You don’t fix something that is not broken. But when we fail, it gives us an opportunity to learn new things to grow stronger and persevere through our failure. We learn to combat our fears and keep swimming forward. I was listening to an interview with Mary Shenouda, founder of the wildly successful Paleo Chef website and Phat Fudge. Shenouda was asked, “What if plan A doesn’t work out?” Her response was simply, “Sharks don’t swim backwards.” That attitude has made her the success she is today. No matter what obstacles or failures you encounter, like the shark, you keep swimming forward. Have this mind set, and your failures will propel you forward. Think of Michael Jordan, referred to as the best basketball player of all time. Guess what. He was cut from his high school basketball team.Thankfully, for millions of basketball fans, he did not settle for this failure. Jordan has said of his own career, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Failure creates new opportunities When something works for us, we tend to stick with it. It is not very often that we go out looking for new opportunities when things are going well. But when we fail we will encounter new and better opportunities. We can be so busy saying ‘yes’ to every little opportunity because we are afraid to fail, that we miss better opportunities. Did you know that Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard to start his own business? No, it was not Microsoft. He started a business with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen called Traf-O-Data. Never heard of it? I am not surprised. The business was a complete failure. But this failure created the opportunity to create the global empire that is Microsoft. Failure forces reflection A failure is an opportunity for personal reflection on your goals and what you are doing to achieve them. Ask yourself, “Am I doing what I should be doing? Is there something I could do differently that would suit me better? What other avenues can I pursue?” Often, when we stop and reflect on a failure, we see the failure occurred because there is something better suited for us. Do not be afraid to change and do something differently. It is your failures that lead to your ultimate success when you don’t settle at failures feet. Learn the lessons uniquely provided by your failures and enjoy your new opportunities you are sure to encounter on your path to success. Gifs from Google images About the author: I’m Kristal Marie. I blog at www.itsmyfavoriteday.com where I aim to inspire you to make each day your favorite day, whether by encouraging a simple frugal life, new ways to manage your time, and pursue your goals. I am all about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Guest Blogger On A Happier Note 6:51 AM You are as happy as you decide to be. Guest blog by Chelsea. “She just wants you to make money since you are 24.” Who said this? My youngest sister of course. What was she doing besides subjecting me to ageism? She was using human reasoning to define me and God’s supernatural plan for my life. It was a day like that that I wish I would have said this to her: The Purpose Pusher The sad reality is that human beings today (you and me included) tend to think that if we had money, all our problems would be solved. Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve played the lottery a few times hoping to win it big. Yet, unlike so many others, my intentions were for good. If I won the lottery, most of what I won would not be spent on myself. I would try to pay off my parents’ house, fix it up, and give them a vacation for just the two of them. I would donate the rest to help out those who need it most (charities and worthwhile people who legitimately deserve a helping hand). Of course, I believe if I won the lottery there would be enough for all this because after all, my winning the lottery would be because my heavenly Father deemed it the appropriate time for me to come into that level of a harvest. Yet, even though I’m 24 years old and without steady income, I’m happier than I ever have been in my whole life. I bet you just read that above statement and looked at the computer screen and screamed: I mean my life is far from perfect or what I deem to be perfection in my eyes but I finally feel free. I work as a freelance writer for two companies currently and I also intern with a publisher doing public relations for authors. On the anniversary of Dr. King declaring his dream in one of the most inspiring speeches of all time, I also planted a stake in the field of dreams for my life and the goals I want to achieve. One of which is to become an author of multiple best-selling novels so I launched the site in order to expand my platform as an author. Yet, it also was a way for me to create opportunity in the area (and my dream career field) of public relations. Therefore, The Smart Cookie Philes was born. Yet, in the past five months since it was launched, I’ve never seen something grow into such a fruitful venture in my life, and I have only been paid about less than $100 for any sponsored work via the site. My point is this: Money doesn’t equal happiness because happiness isn’t external; it’s 100% internal. The only plausible reason my site is becoming a booming career venture is because: Another reason is because I’ve let the joy of the Lord be my strength. Family members (God bless their little hearts) may not understand what it means to be a remote professional, a freelance writer, or even a post-graduate who still lives with her parents. Yet, that’s totally okay. Why? Because I trust God. And I choose to enjoy my life every day. I’ve been reading Joyce Meyer’s newest book, Overload, which talks about freeing yourself from the pressures of stress, and so far, I find it to be one of Joyce’s best books yet (this coming from someone who has probably read at least thirty to forty of Joyce’s other titles in the span of three years so I may be a bit biased). In it, she mentions that, And a great attitude to take with you on this journey called life is “I’m not where I need to be but thank God I’m not where I used to be. I’m okay and I’m on my way!” I may not yet be a five star publicist or a best-selling author or even the most booked freelance writer but that’s okay. I serve a God who is limitless: Genesis 18:14: Is anything too hard for the Lord? No! Numbers 11:23(The MSG): God answered Moses, “So, do you think I can’t take care of you? You’ll see soon enough whether what I say happens for you or not.” And lastly, a verse that I read and said a thousand times before just became seen with fresh eyes, Matthew 19:26: With men, this is impossible. But WITH GOD, all things are possible (emphasis mine). A key point I want you to take away from this whole piece is that you can be extraordinarily happy while living an ordinary, everyday life. Expecting life to be one long series of exciting events is setting yourself up for disappointment, which ends up increasing stress levels and stealing your joy! Decide to be content and live life as it comes. Until next time, remember: Photo credit: Google Images (Tumblr) About the author: Chelsea DeVries Jesus Lover. 24 year old witty writer/poet/blogger. The Smart Cookie. I tend to see the best in people. Hoping to defend the media's greatest targets when I become a publicist. Saint Leo University graduate. Dog lover. Daydreamer. Believer. Child-like spirit. Hugger. Flower Child. Child of the One True King Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Life Lessons The Incredible Power Of Your Name 8:00 PM What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. -Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare There's an incredible power in your name. In the olden days, a name is more than what people call someone. It describes the person. More importantly, it defines them. The Incredible Power Of Your Name Your name defines you and your destiny Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. -Isaiah 43:1 In the Bible, there are those who changed their names or whose names were changed for them, ultimately changing their destiny. Jacob, for instance, means "deceiver". But God changed it to Israel which means "God rules" or "strives with God". It also means "God's fighter". (Genesis 35:10) Hello, my name is NOT Lux April 9, believe it or not, is National Name Yourself Day. Just for fun, given the chance, what would you rather name yourself? Lux isn't my real name. But I use it for my online profiles. Why Lux though? First because that's what some of my college friends call me. I like the ring of it. Also, a priest friend told me that Lux means "light" in Latin. Made me like it even more. Incidentally, I've always been an optimistic person. No matter what the situation is, I always tend to look at the bright side. I do get sad but I don't dwell. I don't care if the glass is only half-full. What's important is that it's not empty. I like to bring my "light" everywhere I go. Some people don't like me because of my RBF (resting bitch face). It doesn't help that I'm an introvert either. Some gets intimidated. So they told me once we become friends. But those whom I'm close with knows I like to make things better for everyone. I bring with me encouragement and sense of hope for those who want to give up. I offer a word of advice for the confused. I try to bring comfort when I know someone isn't well. I'm not a perfect friend, but I try to be a friend. I try to make people laugh. Family and some close friends are tired of my puns (I'm a punny person) and would tell me that I'm the corniest person they know. That doesn't discourage me from making jokes (to their dismay). I know some things should be taken seriously. But I always make things lighter and more fun. I believe Elbert Hubbard. He said and I quote, "Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive." Lux seems to suit me that I claim it. That's how I introduce myself now to strangers (it's not far from my real name anyway). I realized Lux is perfect for my personality. I've always been Lux all along. Why Name Calling Should Stop That's why it's important to choose the names we call people, especially children. It becomes their identity. I don't approve of negative name-calling even when it's done with fondness. I've been called silly and weird and not in a good way. Stupid, slow, ugly, ordinary, loser, and what-have-yous. Naturally, I grew up insecure. It felt off when someone tells me I'm smart and beautiful because that's not what I identify with. I thought, "That couldn't be right. I'm not smart nor beautiful." It took me a long, long time to get comfortable with who I really am and finally realize I am not what people call me. It was a challenge discovering and knowing my true worth. The truth is that I am a child of God. I've been intricately created and woven by His own hands so there's nothing ordinary about me. I am brilliant. I am not perfect but God created me perfectly for my purpose, just the way I am. When I look in the mirror, I see God's beautiful creation. And I don't say that with conceit. I say it because I believe I am God's very own and I praise Him for creating me so. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14 People underestimate the power of name-calling. Sometimes name-calling come from other people, but it also could come from our most powerful critic---our own voice. We could be harsh towards ourselves. We sometimes forget that what we call ourselves make us into who we are. Change the way you think. Change what you call yourself. And ultimately, change your life. I remember one Batman Beyond episode I saw. There was a voice only Batman could hear and it kept calling him Bruce. They thought he's crazy, but he knew he wasn't. Excerpt: Terry McGinnis: Tell me something - why were you so sure those voices weren't coming from you? Bruce Wayne: Well, first, I know I'm not psychotic. Terry McGinnis: I hope your other reason is more convincing. Bruce Wayne: The voice kept calling me "Bruce." In my mind, that's not what I call myself. Terry McGinnis: What do you call yourself? [Bruce just looks at him for a moment] Oh, yeah. I suppose you would. [Batman voice] But that's my name now. Bruce Wayne: Tell that to my subconscious. When you know who you really are, no one can make you think otherwise. So...what's your name again? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Faith 7 Stages of Moving On: A Dreamer’s Triumphant Journey Back to Wholeness 7:00 AM Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won't either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. -Louise Erdrich I know heartbreak all too well. I know how it is losing your drive, crying yourself to sleep each night, waking up to a big gaping whole in your heart, helpless. Gutted. The struggle is real. Needless to say, I know about moving on as well. Here's another wounded healer who's been through that same dream-shattering, life-changing, colorful road to share his own journey. Reading his story proved to me that we are never alone. At one point, we've all been in that same place...together. May this give you hope and courage too: 7 Stages of Moving On: A Dreamer’s Triumphant Journey Back to Wholeness I’ve spent years chasing my dreams, turning my ambitious thoughts into beautiful things. I donned medals of academic rewards, earned certificates that attest to my competencies, obtained the trust of key people in their respective domains of expertise, and conquered worlds that gave me a rightful place. I’ve surpassed seemingly insurmountable challenges and with these, I have learned so much. I resolved that as a dreamer, I would never fall in love. I spent a great deal of conscious effort to guard my feelings because I know it is my greatest weakness. Then it came. Nothing has ever prepared me for this. I fell in love deeply. I’ve been hurt badly. Pain and Denial My heartbreak was like a giant tidal wave that came crushing over me. The whole world collapsed before my eyes. I felt defeated and helpless. Until now, I couldn’t find the exact words to explain the gravity of my pain. All I ever wanted was to make the pain go away...faster! It was very hard for me to see things beyond my pain. There were many questions that I begged answers for and the worst part of it all was that I denied myself of the reality. I convinced myself that my love just needed time and space to think things over and we would be together again. Lost and Shattered As the reality of my broken heart sank in my stricken mind, I found myself in the middle of nowhere. I didn't know how to proceed with my life. I lost my direction. I suddenly stopped doing my routine. I lost interest in the things that I used to find pleasure in. To top it all, I gave up my recent career promotion which resulted to financial difficulties. I wanted to protect myself from further pain so I shut my world, disconnected from life, and lived in darkness. Emotional Paralysis It was the stage when my heart became cold and hard. I was so focused on my pain that I became very insensitive to the needs and feelings of others. I felt lonely. I trusted nobody. I did not allow anyone to comfort me. It was as if the colors of life have faded away. Every comforting word fell on my deaf ears. Bitterness was everything I could taste. Prisoner of the Past I couldn't remember how long have I been a prisoner of the memories that I couldn't let go. I always saw my object of affection in everything I set my eyes on. Even when I closed my eyes, a vision of my beloved haunted me in my dreams. I kept loving this person so much; yet, I wasn’t receiving the treatment that I deserve. I was out of my mind! The Awakening I could still recall those lonely mornings when I wondered what I was waking up to. I dreaded the time between sunrise and sunset because I knew I was going to put up another exhausting battle with my emotions. One time, I happened to see my naked self on the full length mirror. I shuddered at seeing my appearance. This is no longer me! I realized that my life was going nowhere; that I was wasting so much time wallowing with my pain; that I've allowed myself to suffer terribly; that I needed to be kind to myself; that I needed to give myself a chance to be happy! Discernment and Acceptance It’s important to reflect on the desires of our heart before we engage in any relationship. If you're intention is to find someone to “complete” you, then you're setting yourself up to failure. The one you'll find might just be as broken as you are. Two hurt people coming together to find happiness isn’t a good start of a romantic relationship. In my case, at least, this is true. I didn't realize that I was already broken before I even entered the relationship. This is where I’ve gone wrong. It only made sense to me now after I've graciously accepted my pain. It put me to the right perspective that my struggle had a meaning. God allowed things to fall apart so certain family relationships would be restored. My heartbreak led me to rediscover a lot of things about myself, including my faith. I realized that fixing my broken relationship with God is the key to having a happy relationship with people. Relaunching My Spiritual Life When I surrendered my brokenness to God, my path to healing has started. More blessings initially disguised by pain have been unleashed. I'm closer now with my family. I’ve also found a new rewarding career that meets my learning and financial expectations. Sometimes, I think that I'm better off to be just on my own, with my God who truly completes me. About the author: Jayson Santos is a spiritual seeker, a dreamer, and a runner. On his blog, The Dreamer Writes, he devotes a special section called Dear Love, where he writes and collects stories, poems, unsent letters, love notes, and all other messages of joy and sorrow from a heart that faithfully loves. Read more of his writings by visiting his blog or following his Google+ page. You can also follow him on Twitter at @jaysonsnts. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Life Lessons 5 Simple Lifestyle Change To Defeat Depression 4:34 PM Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light. -Madeleine L'Engle Have you ever been depressed? If not, you're lucky. Depression could be nasty. Depressed people feel like all hopes have been sucked out of them. Like all lights have been put out; everything becomes pitch dark. It's suffocating. When you fight depression, it's as though you're fighting a losing battle. Carol shares with us what depression is, plus 5 easy lifestyle change to help defeat depression: Depression is a phase and not a disease. Treating depression is possible if you know that you have it; most people suffering from this condition deny its existence. Family and friends may notice some changes in the behavior of the person, but there are some symptoms that will prove you are suffering from the sinking feeling of depression. Symptoms of depression: Irritation without reason Uncontrolled anger Sleeping disorder Fatigue Appetite issues Losing hope Frequent episodes of crying Sudden weight gain or weight loss The above symptoms may point towards some underlying health issues... but could be due to depression too! Depression can be triggered by many emotional and physical reasons. Sometimes it’s the sudden loss of a loved one, prolonged illness, or hormonal changes. Whatever may trigger this problem, here are some simple changes that you can introduce in your life to fight it. Fighting depression through a simple lifestyle change. 5 Simple Lifestyle Change To Defeat Depression Stay active, stay fresh Exercise is one of the major solutions for depression. Choose the exercise that you would enjoy and include it into your daily regime. Go for a walk, dance, or swim to get a mood boost. Keeping yourself active would eliminate undesirable thoughts and hence, combat depression. Finding a workout companion would be even better as exercising with a friend would keep you motivated, and take away the feeling of loneliness. Exercise releases happy hormones in your blood stream thus, bringing down the symptoms of depression. Find an outlet Venting out your problems will not solve them but would make them bearable. Let it out to a friend, family, or a counselor as this will remove the feeling of heaviness from your heart. Speak up and admit if there is a problem. This will make your life easier and solve problems in your relationships. Healthy relationships and well-expressed emotions would automatically treat depression and its symptoms. Eat right When all other organ systems work right, you will have only one area to work on. Taking fiber rich food would keep your body lighter and make you feel energetic throughout the day. When your body is happy and active, your mind will also be happy. Avoid foods that are high in fats and calories as it will make you bloated and add to your restlessness. Love yourself Depression makes you hate yourself and everything around you. Start loving yourself. Shop, have a makeover, or make your surroundings bright and welcoming. Loving yourself and your surroundings will fill you up with the positive energy. Take the time to nurture your body and soul as this will give you an instant mood lift. Medication Medication should be the last resort. You may check with your doctor if you need some counselling or medication to treat this issue. Depression can be treated early. If it stays for a prolonged period, chances are it will become chronic. Listen to your body and soul---and help it! About the author: Carol is a freelance writer. She mostly writes on healthy and lifestyle subjects. Currently, she is associated with US Premium Garcinia Cambogia, an online store for garcinia cambogia extract, which helps in reducing weight. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Dating 17 Reasons Why I'm Still Single 12:00 AM Single is no longer a lack of options – but a choice. A choice to refuse to let your life be defined by your relationship status but to live every day Happily and let your Ever After work itself out. -Mandy Hale While everyone my age is getting married, having a baby, or seriously dating, here I am...still single.In a world full of gooey-eyed couples, why am I still single? Here are 17 reasons why: 17 Reasons Why I'm Still Single 1. I finally know my worth. After all that I went through, heartbreak after heartbreak, I've finally realized my worth.I used to accept anyone who offers me love and sweet promises. Even though they don't treat me right.In short, I used to shortchange myself. I now know my value. I've woken up to the truth; that I've been fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)And so I deserve to be treated with honor.I'm still single because I believe I deserve more. Giphy 2. I love my own company. I enjoy my own company so much I don't need a man to entertain me or make me happy. I can eat out and watch a movie alone (or with my friends). I revel in my Me Time. I'm still single because I love spending time with myself. Being alone doesn't bother me. Giphy 3. I rediscovered myself. I've rediscovered who I really am after losing myself to someone...And I love what I've found. I didn't know this stronger and better version of myself before. Maybe because I didn't get the opportunity to tap into this strength and potential because of people holding me back. Or because I thought I was already okay with who I was.I'm still single because I've discovered who I really am and I fell in love with that person. (Not in the self-absorbed, arrogant way. But in a selfless, kind-to-myself way). Giphy 4. I refuse to be dictated by society. People around me are concerned about my relationship status. They think it's not normal for people my age to not be married or at least dating.I know these people mean well but what they don't understand is that I am single by choice. Not because there are no other options or that I'm too scared. Even in this day and age, people put a stigma on single women over the age of 30. I can't blame them. But I also refuse to be influenced by them.I'm still single because society has no say in my romantic choices. Giphy 5. I finally feel at peace with myself. I've been trying to figure out where I'm supposed to be for the longest time.I've been trying to reach other people's expectations. I've been searching, chasing, hustling. For what? I don't even know.I was like a dog who keeps chasing his tail day in and day out. Finally, when he caught it, he doesn't know what to do. It's silly and a total waste of time. Now, I feel at peace with myself knowing that I'm on the right track. I am exactly where my heart wants me to be. And that's another reason why I'm still single. Tumblr 6. I'm piecing myself back together. I have been broken, battered, bruised. I'm now learning to put back the pieces together.I've learned to embrace the present. To appreciate the people I'm with, the experience, and the lessons I'm learning along the way. It wasn't easy. Sometimes I still fall short. But I'm a work in progress.I'm still single because I'm still putting back my broken pieces together and this is something I've got to do on my own. Giphy 7. I'm making the most of all the time in my hands. I know this phase won't last. I don't know how long I'll be single.I'm certain that I will sooner or later find my better half. Now more than ever is the best time to spend serving, growing, and being with the people who matter to me. It's the best time to travel and experience new things.I'm still single because I want to take advantage of my free time doing things I've always wanted to do. Giphy 8. I'm enjoying my freedom.I love the freedom that comes with being unattached. 😊I can drop whatever I'm doing, pack my things and go out of town. I can head to the movies, or have tea with someone at a moment's notice. One text or call from a friend and I'm on my way to where the fun is. No one to ask permission to, no one to stop me, no dates to cancel, no compromises, no hassles.I'm still single because this freedom will not last forever and I'm here to enjoy it while it lasts. Tumblr 9. I still have trust issues. Somewhere not so long ago, my trust has been broken. And you know what they say about a broken trust...Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.I try so hard to shake the doubts off and give humanity another chance.I've never stopped believing in love but finding a genuine one has been challenging. Especially when you start to question everything.I'm still single because I haven't found the courage to trust again. Giphy 10. My Love Tank is still filling up. I am still filling up my love tank and I don't want to selfishly drain another person just to fill up mine.The way I've been drained before. I'm still single because I can't give something I don't have. If I want to give love to someone someday, I have to have healthy, selfless love in my heart first. Giphy 11. I have respect for myself and for others. I don't want to play with other people's feelings. I don't want to waste their time and lead them on. I have enough respect for them and for myself.Wasting my time and energy on something I'm not serious about and will not help me grow is not honoring myself. I'm still single because I have self-respect and I respect others. Giphy 12. No chasing. Most guys think being mysterious is sexy. Maybe at some point. But having to guess what men think about all the time isn't fun.They tell you they like you today and then stop talking to you for days. And expect you to still be there and believe them when they come around.There may be a thrill in the initial chase but it eventually gets boring and discouraging. Especially when it makes you ask...What role am I playing here? Where is this going?The doubts take away the fun. If I have to chase you, if I have to guess, then I think it's not worth my time.I'm still single because I don't want to chase after something inconsistent and unsure. I'm too old for that game. Giphy 13. Preparing for the real thing.There are many times I thought a relationship was real but it wasn't. I've learned to discern if someone's sincere or not. If a relationship is going somewhere or will just go around in a toxic circle.I've grown because of my mistakes and shortcomings.I'm still single because I'm still being prepared for my prince. So when he arrives, I'm ready. To give my all.Giphy14. I'm waiting.A friend once told me, "Stop waiting for Mr. Right. He doesn't exist."I agree.I'm not waiting for Mr. Right. I'm waiting for Mr. Right One For Me.I'm looking for the one I can spend my life with.He doesn't have to be perfect as long as we're perfectly imperfect for each other.I'm still single because I choose to wait for the right time for the right person with the right love. Tumblr 15. I have this boldness. Not everyone walks this path because it could be scary and intimidating. It's a lonely road when you're walking on your own.People tend to follow where the crowd goes. But I've learned that the more I follow the crowd the more lost I become.Because where they're going is not where I want to be.I'm still single because I am bold enough to take the road less traveled. Giphy 16. I complete me.Of course, I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in. -Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieDo I need a man to live the life I've always wanted? No.Do I need a man to pay for my bills, finance my travels, and buy me things that I need and want? No.Am I incomplete, miserable, helpless, and unattractive without a man to call my own? No.I complete me. And that's why I'm still single. Giphy 17. I'm too fabulous to settle.That's what my favorite single woman author Mandy Hale said. Not in an egotistical, self-righteous kind of way.I know I am no damsel in distress.I am already living a fabulous life that I'd rather have someone with whom I can share that or enjoy it on my own.I have my family and friends who cheer me on.I have my dogs to care for and love and who give me unparalleled loyalty.I've got a God who's always got my back.And I've got me to give me what I want.I'm still single because I know I already got it good. I'm too fabulous to settle. GiphyWhat about you? Are you still single? Why did you choose singlehood? This is my entry for The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge: Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”.
