Choosing Myself: Healing, Loyalty, and Redefining Love
- Shanique
- May 2
- 3 min read

Choosing Myself: The Power of Being Single
There’s a lot of stigma around being single, but let’s be real: being single can also be a symbol of strength, growth, and radical self-love. Right now, I’m single—and honestly, I’m at peace with it.
After years spent in a long-term relationship with the wrong person, I lost parts of myself trying to hold it all together. Walking away wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I needed space to remember who I was before I gave so much of myself away.
Life After a Long-Term Relationship
When a long relationship ends, it feels like your whole world shifts. For so long, I poured my dreams, energy, and identity into someone else. When it ended, I had to rebuild—piece by piece.
And this time, I chose to prioritize the most important relationship I’ll ever have: the one with myself.
Taking a break from dating—and even from socializing—gave me clarity. In that stillness, I started hearing my own voice again. I rediscovered passions I had stopped doing, like writing and working out. I even started carving out a few hours each week to cook and bake, and it’s been pure joy. Being alone stopped feeling lonely. It started feeling free.
Learning to Trust Again
Since my breakup, I’ve had a few “almost” connections, but nothing serious—and honestly, I’m okay with that. Trust doesn’t come easy after betrayal. Being vulnerable again is hard.
But I’ve learned healing isn’t a straight line. Some days still hurt. Some days are full of hope. I’m learning to give myself grace through all of it.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? Protecting my peace is non-negotiable. I started setting boundaries with people who drain my energy—and wow, it’s been a game-changer.
Loyalty Over Love
One thing I know for sure now: love isn’t enough by itself.
I once heard someone say, “Loyalty over love,” and it stuck with me. Anyone can say they love you. Loyalty is what shows up when it actually matters.
Loyalty means choosing each other—especially when life gets messy. It’s being present. It’s being consistent. And I know now that the kind of loyalty I give is exactly what I deserve back.
Choosing Self-Love First
Right now, I’m choosing me. Healing. Protecting my peace. Growing.
Self-love has become my sanctuary. It’s not just about bubble baths and spa days (though those are great, too). It’s about speaking kindly to myself. Celebrating my wins—big and small. Accepting every imperfect part of who I am.
I even started a daily gratitude practice. Just three little things I’m thankful for each day. And let me tell you—those tiny shifts? They change everything.
Love Will Come—But I’m Not Waiting to Live
I believe love will find me again when the timing is right. But until then, I’m not sitting around waiting. Being single doesn’t mean I’m incomplete—it means I have the freedom to live fully, for myself.
I’m traveling. Exploring new hobbies like photography and reading more. Making new memories with friends. Studies even show that people who pursue hobbies report a 28% boost in happiness—and honestly, I’m living proof of that.
The Beauty of Choosing Yourself
Choosing to be single right now isn’t a failure—it’s a revolution.
It’s about choosing loyalty over convenience, peace over chaos, and self-love over settling.
Healing the past is messy. Growth can be painful. But becoming the woman I was always meant to be? That’s powerful.
If you’re in a season of singleness, hear this: there’s nothing wrong with you. There’s everything right about choosing yourself. And remember—choosing yourself is never wasted time.
I love the transparency 💞💞💞 the introduction of the strong you and your story 🦋🦋🦋