Looking for a New Normal

We all go through different stages in our lives; some are filled with joy and others can make us feel alone or lost. Such is the case when you’re in a relationship—whether it’s newly budding or long-term—that comes crashing to an abrupt halt. It can seem like your entire world has come undone, and when you have to reload, it can be hard to figure out what to do.

When someone’s been in a relationship for a while, it can feel like a strange kind of limbo to be suddenly single again. “Who am I without them” may become the question ringing in your head as you struggle to adjust to the changes and find yourself reeling from the sudden change in circumstances. Suddenly, the normal you had become used to has fled and you’re thrust into a new reality. Your schedule is likely to be disrupted and something that seemed like a safe space is now gone.

You can’t force yourself to just “get over it”—you need to take the time to properly process the situation, grieve its loss, and remind yourself of the capabilities within you that are going to help you overcome the break-up.

It’s important to use this time as a chance to reflect on yourself, building upon the skills, talents, and qualities that you possess. Everyone goes through rough patches in life, that’s where resilience and strength comes in—don’t underestimate the power within you! Let your experiences cultivate the type of person you want to be and what path you want to take.

Of course, it’s essential to remember, you don’t have to completely restart from zero. You still have yourself, friends, family and other cherished relationships to lean on for support, plus any hobbies or interests that were lost during the relationship. Now’s the chance to reconnect with yourself and all those things. Most importantly, it’s time to allow yourself time to heal. That might come in the form of taking a trip, trying out a new hobby, or even visiting a therapist if your mental health is affected.

By diving into the areas you’re passionate about and investing in yourself, you’ll find yourself creating a new reality to dwell in. There will be moments where you think back to what once was and miss it, but that doesn’t mean you have to go back—it means you’ve been through something incredible. Remember, whatever challenges you are facing, you are strong enough to rise up and create a new normal for yourself.