Just less than a month ago my strong, loving, fun 2.5 years relationship came crashing to an end when he told me he didn’t feel the same about me any more, just before we moved in together. I thought we’d get married one day. It was a shock.

Since then I’ve been on a personal journey to self-love. I’ve read a lot of inspiring books, started to explore meditation and mindfulness and read many of the amazing blog posts on this site.

What shocked me the most about my break up was that all of my carefully laid plans for the future, and the hard work and love I’d put into the relationship weren’t enough. But just because it wasn’t enough for him, doesn’t mean I’m not enough for me.

Through my reading and exploring I realised my happiness lies inside me – not within a relationship. This may seem small to some, but given I’ve been in and out of long-term relationships for the 10 years of my adult life, it’s big for me.

I’m taking the chance now to be in a relationship with myself. I look after my body, my mind and my soul (healthy eating, exercise, meditation, reading, journalling, treats like baths, face masks, haircuts etc).

I’m 26 days into my journey and I still think about my ex a lot. I’ve accepted that sometimes sadness comes and I let it wash over me and it passes quickly. It took me three weeks to stop Googling “how to get my ex back”. Fortunately, I have been strong enough not to speak to him since our break up so he can’t know that!

Having said all that, I’m happy, calm and content most of the time and most of my thoughts are positive, loving and warm. My life isn’t what I expected it to be right now, but it is my life and I love it for what it is. Just like I love myself for who I am.

For anyone reading this who has gone through a break up and wonders if they’ll be happy again – the key lies inside you. You can be happy right now, right this second. It takes mental strength but you can do it.

In just under a month I found a new place to live, got a promotion at work and spent amazing time with family and friends. I hope in another month I will be able to say that the thoughts of him will be rare rather than common.

This is the first time in my life I have felt truly spiritual and I look forward to seeing where my journey will take me.