Sam Klein, Editor

There is hardly anything worse than the feeling of heartbreak.

No matter the situation, time spent together, or position within a breakup, here is your guide to maneuvering through such an uncomfortable and devastating feeling…

Let it out.

Breakups follow a similar process to that of grief. First comes denial, then anger with bargaining shortly following. Eventually, the sadness kicks in, but through it, the feeling of acceptance is reached. The emotions can circulate in a vicious cycle, ebbing and flowing as the days pass. Sometimes, these feelings hurt. Let them. Let every painful emotion pass through your heart and your mind. Reflect on the things that crush your spirit. Distractions help, but only temporarily. In order to reach true acceptance, one must cry every last tear out of their eyes, scream at the top of their lungs and punch countless pillows. Acceptance comes only when you let your body and mind cleanse itself of all negative energy.

Let it out into the air, to your mom, in a scream or in the shower. Sob if you need to, break things, shred pictures up. The most spectacular thing about you is that you are human, and unlike a machine, you can break down without the need for repair.

Time is your healer.

Some days drone on while others fly by. Some days are easier, while others are much harder. As you feel the things that you are meant to feel in order to move on, time continues. Time doesn’t stop, so you can be sad or angry. Time just passes. Eventually, there will come a point in time when you aren’t upset at the things that used to remind you of them anymore; you will think of them less. Eventually, you’ll heal, and time will have done its thing. It’s hard to look into the future and imagine a more peaceful version of yourself, but time will always provide light at the end of a long and foreboding tunnel.

Stay soft.

It is easy to grow resentful following a breakup, especially when circumstances seem to justify it. But in a world where you can be anything, be kind. Speak only of your former partner in a way you wish they spoke about you, for even if they are just angry thoughts, the words remain equally impactful. Learn to forgive. Not for them, but for you. You deserve every ounce of extra weight placed upon your shoulders, not by you, to be lifted. Don’t let the heartbreak harden you. Continue to believe in love, in companionship. Never lose sight of a heart of gold by hiding behind a cold exterior.

Discover who YOU are.

The process of healing is for you and directed by you. What makes you smile, laugh? What fills your heart with joy? Do more of what you’re passionate about and if you don’t know, find out! Life is too short to dwell on somebody when there is so much love to give to yourself instead. Love yourself. As hard and as deeply as you possibly can. Just do you. Who cares as long as it makes you happy? Do whatever it is that you want. You don’t need to justify what fixes a heart you never broke but are trying desperately to mend.

Take care of yourself.

I know it’s hard to eat right now. It’s hard to go to class and get work done. It’s hard to even muster the courage to crawl out of bed. But celebrate every little thing. You brushed your teeth this morning? You’re doing amazing! You made your bed? You’re on fire! You did your homework? I’m so proud of you! The worst thing you can do is focus less on yourself because someone else is preoccupying your beautiful mind. You cannot focus on healing if your belly is empty and your space is a mess. Take it one step at a time. Make your bed or go for a walk. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you make taking care of YOU a full-time job.

Know you are enough.

No matter what has happened, know you are always more than enough. You are worthy of endless love and compassion. Your heart deserves to be cherished, and maybe right now you are the one who is supposed to cherish it. Keep your head and standards forever raised and don’t let anyone dull the sparkle you so beautifully possess.