Happiness is a Journey

Last month, I had the honor of attending a long time friends' wedding.  As I've mentioned here before, weddings don't get to me anymore, but the theme of their wedding was a message that has stuck with me to this day. 

"Happiness is a Journey."

 Crop top & skirt: Bebe
Heels: Enzo Angiolini (Nordstrom Rack)
Clutch: Coach Sunglasses: Forever 21
Watch: Michael Kors Bracelet: vintage Rings: Forever 21, H&M

All my committed relationships were long-term so I always related happiness to being happy WITH someone.  We'd experience life together and be happy.  But what happens to that happiness when you break up?  You try to find someone else to be happy with...

I've been single for 3 years now.   In that time, I've experienced different views of singledom - being newly single but on and off with the ex, completely single, single and interested, single and hesitant, single but exclusive, single while pregnant and now a single mother.

 

Happiness turned into a feeling I got by making others happy.  I wasn't being fake or changing myself for others...but really tried to be selfless, considerate and understanding.  It really felt good.  To trust, give freely without expecting anything back.

By being completely unattached for a year and a half and finding a new way to be happy, I realized that the "happiness" I felt before Ian was usually temporary, short lived and conditional.  It was a high I had to feed.

My journey alone during the past 20 months has been tough but so very rewarding. You really can't experience happiness without going through pain, disappointment and sadness.  You don't find yourself if you don't lose your way.  Most importantly, I learned that happiness isn't simply by being WITH someone, but BECAUSE of someone.    

I found happiness by 

being and giving the best of myself to those who deserve it...

my family, close friends and Ian.  

I'm sloooowly venturing out to finding "my one"...hoping to share my happiness, my journey.  So far it's been interesting, frustrating and hilarious.  Wish this single mama good luck!

<3

Melissa