Flying Solo and Loving it
By Gary Picariello
Poets since time eternal have penned an endless stream of words waxing philosophic about the pain of a broken heart and romance gone awry because you know, breaking up is hard to do -- at least, that's the word from Neil Sedaka. Spare me if I don't cue the violins. We've all been there. And if that includes you, don't worry: You can still maintain some control on your grieving and relationship-trauma, still be left standing on your feet at the end of the day and be better for it.
Not a Party of One
You're not the only one who has been thrown on the tracks. I'll never forget when Mary Sue decided to go to go to the prom with someone else. I was heartbroken. OK, maybe not heartbroken but I was sure irked about having spent money on a corsage. But I digress. An article in PsychologyToday.com explains that "Allowing some time to grieve is perfectly healthy" and also encouraged. Recognize it, deal with it and move on. Which is exactly why I punched Bobby Joe in the nose and then enlisted in the Army. We all know that a relationship is an investment of time and energy (and probably money) but just like the economy, you will bounce back.
Time for That Bucket List
Relationships, oddly enough, take up a lot of one’s time. As the relationship matures the “me" things turn into "we" things and some of the activities you enjoyed the most simply get put on the backburner. Finding yourself suddenly single provides a great opportunity to do the things that interest you once again. Doing anything is actually better than doing nothing. So get that bucket list in order and just do it before you lose another day of your life.
Head Out the Door
It is SO easy to stay indoors and wallow in pity after the crash-and-burn phase of the abruptly-ended relationship. The solution for staying healthy after a breakup? Head out the door. Take the first step. Getting out forces you to set a schedule and a minimum of downtime that involves self-pity.
A New Day, Baby
Of course it is hard. Your long-term plans just got derailed but you can turn the negatives into a positive. You CAN stay healthy after a breakup by keeping organized, making goals and following through. It’s time for a new day and the day is now all about you!