A Shout-Out to the Breakups

I'm halfway through It's a BreakUP Not a Breakdown by Lisa Steadman. On page 101 she talks about "Life Lessons for the Savvy Single." She poses the thought:

"Think about what you'd miss out on if you never went through a breakup-- that is, what you life would be like if you were still in a relationship with your first boyfriend. Think about all the lessons you never would have learned without going through that first breakup (and all the ones that followed)."

Wow! When I really sit here and think about it, I have done SOOO much since my first big breakup (and even more since the others). Wow. Maybe I should write thank-you notes to all the guys who let me go because they were truly doing me a huge favor by allowing me the freedom to be fabulous and experience all of these amazing things!!!

Had it not been for my big breakup in 2009, I would have never met some of my most awesome friends in Georgia that I hold dear to my heart (especially JJ Maner, Sandy and Joel Cantu, and Jody Holtzclaw!!!). I would have never went to Europe (well, at least not Erin-style) last summer and experienced all the amazing, once-in-a-lifetime things that I had the pleasure of doing. I would have never moved to Portland, Oregon or Denver, Colorado. I would have never met those amazing people in Portland or Jillian Dorscheimer!!! I would have missed out on sooo much that was in my face, just waiting for me to notice. 
Honestly, I would still be at Bonaire Middle School in Warner Robins, Georgia. I would still have "bad" friends who did not encourage me to grow and be my greatest me. I would still be telling myself that I "am happy," well aware that I wasn truly unhappy. Shoot, I definitely wouldn't be half as happy as I am now. I would still be going through the motions and always wondering what more was out there and wishing I could experience more of life.

On top of that, if I didn't experience the 2nd big breakup at the beginning of this year, I would have never fully understood how fabulous I am. I would have continued settling and letting myself be held back for less than I deserve. Because of that breakup I grew (and continue to grow) as a person. So many great life-lessons have been learned and are continuing to teach me. I have watched my self-confidence shoot up, and my understanding of people and why they choose to do the things they choose to do has grown immensely. I know now that I can do anything, and everything is possible. More than anything, my understanding of myself, what I want, and what I need is so apparent to me now.

Now, thanks to the big breakups, I have to wonder no longer. I am free to explore, experience, and live life to the fullest with nothing or no one to hold me back. I have a much better understanding of what I DO want and need out of life (and out of a man). And, until I find exactly what I am looking for, I am going to continue to have the time of my life, reach for and watch all of my dreams come true, and regret nothing along the way...all while being the fabulous, greatest version of ME. :)