Heartbreak SUCKS. Like, face-in-a-tub-of-ice-cream-while-binge-watching-bad-reality-TV sucks. And if you're in your late twenties or early thirties, chances are you've gone through your fair share of Ben & Jerry’s. Maybe it was a long-term relationship that crumbled, a situationship that ghosted you into oblivion, or maybe it was just a really intense connection that fizzled out. Whatever it was, it hurt like hell.

And that's okay. In fact, it's normal to feel all the feels after having your heart broken.

But here's the thing: you're not going to be stuck in that pit of despair forever. You're not going to let heartbreak define you. NOPE. You’re going to rebuild and rise like a phoenix from the ashes of your dating life! The key is to take it step by step, one day at a time.

First things first: allow yourself to grieve

When you’ve had your heart stomped on, it’s best not to "power through" or pretend you're fine. Cry it out. Eat the ice cream. Listen to sad songs on repeat. Conduct the inevitable failed-relationship post-mortem.

The point is that you need to acknowledge and actually feelthe pain you’re experiencing before you can move on and heal from it. Heartache finds its way to manifest one way or another, so it’s healthiest to face it head-on.

Next: start taking tiny steps forward

Once the rawness doesn’t feel so intense, slooowly ease your way back into your normal routines. This isn't about undergoing some massive glow-up or suddenly becoming a totally different person who’s over all that’s happened. It's about doing small, manageable things that make you feel a little bit better each day.

Reconnect with your friends. Rally your support system, your cheerleaders, your partners in crime. Go out for brunch, catch a movie, or just spend time with people who make you laugh.
Rediscover your passions. Remember that hobby you used to love before you got all wrapped up in coupledom? Pick it up again! Or try something new! Take a cooking class, join a book club, learn to play the ukulele. Who knows, you might even meet someone new … though don’t rush things. This is about YOU TIME.
Embrace solo dates. Take time to treat yourself! Go to that museum you've been meaning to visit, see a concert, or just enjoy a quiet dinner at your favorite restaurant. It's okay to enjoy your own company. In fact, it's essential.
Practice self-care. Prioritize your mental and physical health. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly. Want a little pampering? Take a bubble bath or get a facial. Even a short walk in the park can make a world of difference.

Bottom line? Take the time to focus on YOU and YOU alone

It’s so important post-heartache to figure out what you want, what you need, and what makes you happy. Trust in the belief that this experience can be a catalyst for growth. I’m here to tell you from personal experience that it can be an opportunity to rediscover yourself and create the life you truly want.

So, take a deep breath. You've got this. And remember, you're not alone. ♥️