I recently posted this photo my good friend and favourite photographer Sanjin took, as my private Facebook profile pix, and got an interesting comment about it in my inbox: "You're glowing; you must have finally found someone who makes you happy." It was a well-meant comment by a friend, but it did make me think. Yes, I am happy. I feel great in my skin, my heart is content, I'm healthy. And I guess it's true. For over a year now, I've been in a beautiful, magical, supportive and loving relationship with - myself. That special someone is me. Finally. But, as far as romantic relationships go, I am more single than ever.

As a former serial monogamist and a fun-loving (man-loving;) flirt who falls in (and out) of love quickly in between more serious relationships, and will turn her life upside down and take giant leaps of faith or blindfolded jumps into an abyss for romance, this is all rather new to me. I'm not saying I was never single for a longer time, of course, I was, but there was always a fun, exciting story to tell and/or something/someone to be (over)analysed. Whether it was a recent encounter on my many travels, a new development with an old flame, or a drama with an ex, I always kept close friends entertained with my love life. A few months ago, after hearing me say: "No, nothing's happening in love life department" one time too many, a good friend seriously asked me if I was hiding something, a forbidden love affair with a married man perhaps? She knows I would never do this, yet she thought it was still more plausible than my "nothing is happening" answer. 

Of course, between those movie scene-worthy moments I entertained my friends with, there was also much heartbreak, and each one took a toll. But, every time I fell, I would get up. Every time my heart was broken, I would duck tape it and was ready for more. Romance was like a drug, and one relationship cured the gap and pain of the previous one(s). I thought it was me being fearless in life and love. It took me a while to see what was hidden beneath the surface. 

After my last failed relationship, when I recognised the same stories were repeating with, what seemed utterly different men, I realised the culprit was me and that something needed to change. I put my duct tape away, gave my heart time to heal, and decided to focus on myself without distractions. It was time to lay new foundations, detox from the old, and cleanse from this cluster of old energies, some older than myself, still lingering on. It was time to take responsibility for my own heart and happiness. And, to be honest, it wasn't a mental decision at first; it was more a feeling of enough. It felt in my body like there was no more space for anyone else than me; I felt like my heart needed to relearn love for myself before it loved anyone else again.

Psychotherapy helped. Yoga and everything I know about body, mind, and soul did too, but when you need to dig a deep hole, you need someone to hold a light torch as you explore. You need someone who knows what can be encountered in those dark corners. To tell you what you see with objectivity and to explain to you why it's there, to hold a mirror, to guide you when you need guidance and finally, to help you build new foundations. Today, when people struggle with things and come to me for help, the advice is always the same - therapy. Find someone who will guide you through the dark corners of yourself, hold space when you crumble, show you your shadow and light, and help you integrate both.

On the surface, I was a fun-loving free spirit, a fierce warrior(ess). But beneath, I was also a lost little girl in need. A princess in a pink dress, as I called her, a part of me locked in a dark tower, hidden from daylight. I disliked her pink dress, thought she was weak, and hated when she came out and messed things up for me. It took me a while to see her light, accept her shadow, and love her, that stupid dress (I picture her in) and all. It also took a while to see and accept the flaws of the fierce warrior Self, to take off the armour without fear. I needed to learn to love and accept all of me, to understand and accept my past, to lay new foundations and plant new seeds for the future. 

Now I enjoy my company and will choose it over a superficial connection any day. Most days, I accept and love all of myself, and I don't need someone to fill that void. I still believe life is about the connections and relationships in our lives, but I now try to be more conscious and connect out of love, not out of need. It is only from this space of wholeness that we can genuinely connect with others. I am closer to this space, but I know there is still a long way to go.

And I know this story doesn't finish with 'The End' but rather with 'to be continued…' The integration and love for myself and the world I feel right now will be tested repeatedly. But I feel I am ready. 

So... to be continued... ;)