It’s hard to believe that just six months ago, my life was scattered across the floor of the one-bedroom-plus-den apartment I shared with my soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend in clearly labeled boxes. The movers had arrived just in time to help in my hour of need. I was a wreck. Though I tried to put on a good face, there were moments throughout that chaotic day when I brushed shoulders with Jackson or we tried to divide up items we hadn’t quite claimed yet and I completely lost my cool.
Three movers, two sore arms, and four hours later, I found myself in my new apartment. I had lost 500 square feet of footage but had gained a skylight. I sacrificed all the good appliances (which in all fairness Jackson had mostly purchased) but walked away with the Magic Bullet and the good pots and pans. I cried for about three hours straight, staring into the unfamiliar voids of my new digs and wishing I could fast-forward to happier times. I mourned the loss of my six-year relationship and experienced a pain I never imagined was humanly possible for so long I was convinced that I would continue living my days as a shell of my former self.
What a difference six months can make.
Though I still think of Jackson frequently, I wonder how we stayed together for so long when we clearly wanted separate things. How did I overlook all the warning signs that we were headed in vastly different directions? Why did I convince myself I didn’t need the wedding, the house, the children? I had always pictured them in my future but a life with Jackson meant I would have to make some major lifestyle changes.
I’ve learned a valuable lesson over the last six months: I’d rather live out the remainder of my days as a single woman than abandon the moments that allow me to experience life with such passion and vigor. In October, I feared the uncertainty of a life without Jackson. In April, I embrace it. I welcome change and a new season of possibilities. So happy anniversary to me.
For the first time in a long while, I am excited about what the next six months will bring.
Happy Anniversary! I’m so excited for you and what your future holds!
Let the adventure begin, my dear!
I’m so happy to hear that you’ve experienced so much personal growth from something that once tore you apart. That’s the mark of a strong woman! Keep on keepin’ on, sista! Good things are comin’ your way! xoxox
Happy Anniversary!!! Your new adventure is just beginning, and I’m so excited to read about it.
Happy Anniversary – it’s a HUGE step, Schmee and I couldn’t be prouder of you. Only YOU could get to this moment – be it 6 weeks, 6 months, or 6 years. That you got to this moment – the moment where you can appreciate what YOU want is amazing.
Happy Anniversary – Many new adventures to come 🙂 Oh, and your comment about sticking to old fashioned pen & paper over on LBS I couldn’t agree with more 🙂 Have a great weekend!
i too have a magic bullet. however since i don’t really know how to use it i wait for the informercial to come on TV and then make stuff in real time along with the informercial. i then pretend im in the informercial and i’m the star of the show , making all that wonderful stuff for them.
Happy Anniversary!
That is good looking back to know you made the right decision. It is really time to celebrate YOU!!!
marc, your comments make me laugh to no end 🙂 love you, buddy.
hello my love,
this is definitely an anniversary to be proud of and celebrate. you have come so far and i am so happy to see you doing what you need to do for YOU. it’s fabulous, and i should absolutely be taking some life lessons from you. YOU ROCK!! 🙂 love ya, my friend. xoxo
I hear you and although not after a 6 year relationship, I am moving through this process myself. and so I just read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and the following sentence comforts me – and perhaps it will you – “To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life” Glad you are recalibrating and every bit as balanced as ever before!
This was so uplifting to read! Six months is a huge milestone, and you made it! So proud of you Char. The future looks bright… enjoy every minute of it!! Happy Anniversary!
wow, totally uplifting! you go!
it is crazy how people know that there is so much more, but fear fear itself! good for you and stay strong!
The past is prologue. (you didn’t need those extra 500 sq. ft. anyway)
Wonderful! Everyone says time heals all wounds but it sucks every second til you get to that moment when all of a sudden you realize that, “Hey…I’m happy!”
Congratulations.
Happy anniversary! This is such an awesome and positive post. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what the next 6 months bring too. I think you are destined for awesome things. xoxo
You have come such a long way. I can’t wait to hear the tales of your next six month. I wish you all the happiness…because you are right, you deserve to have everything you want.
Breaking up stinks…but it sounds as if you have found the silver lining…and you are so right and lucky to have discovered this “I’d rather live out the remainder of my days as a single woman than abandon the moments that allow me to experience life with such passion and vigor.” That is a beautiful quote.
Happy Anni!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, I’m a little late for your 6-month anniversary, but if I’m counting correctly, you just celebrated your 1 year anniversary! So happy anniversary AND Happy SITS day! 🙂
.-= Leslie Limon´s last blog ..Halloween 2010 =-.
You made a great choice. Moving on is hard. Living is wonderful.
You go girl! Sounds like you are reaffirming who you are as “you,” not defined by your relationship and that is good thing for anyone. I’m in a happy marriage and have two wonderful little girls and I’m thankful for all my blessings. But it is easy to get lost in who I am to other people – the wife, the mom, the worker, the homemaker, etc. It’s good for everyone, including me, to take a step back and remember who “just Kristi” is and what she enjoys and what makes her unique and special. You know what I mean?
Happy Anniversary and Happy Sits Day!
Your blog is super aesome!!
Enjoy your special day!
B xx
Happy Sits Day! I’m always impressed by people that can break up after so many years together. I think it takes tons of courage to admit that you aren’t cut out for eachother anymore.
.-= mom taxi julie´s last blog ..Another one bites the dust! =-.
It’s so hard to give up something so comfortable– I think it’s very brave of you to realize you wanted different things.
Happy SITS day!
.-= The Lovely One´s last blog ..A Blessing =-.