Misstep and Recovery

Considering the last 48 hours, my life feels a bit like a roller coaster.
As exciting as the twists and turns may be, occasionally your cart will plunge into the inky darkness of an unexpected tunnel. You may know that soon enough, you will see the sunlight again and feel the reassuring warmth on your skin but for those few seconds, it may feel like your entire world is ending.

Three years ago, I parted on less than healthy terms with someone. I pushed away the memories as best as I could and moved on with my life. I became healthier, both physically and mentally and after going through the worst year of my life while that person happened to be around, I tried my best to recover. Halfway across the country, I left that part of my life behind. Until today that is.

Sitting in class, my phone went off and my heart dropped seeing this person's name across my screen. I don't even know why he was still in my phone at all but he was and I was greeted by a 42 second long voicemail. I got about 15 seconds in before I felt a panic attack coming on.

I am so thankful for my friend Ellie who sat with me in the hallway and talked to me until I could properly fill my lungs again. She spoke such a tremendous truth to me as well: that part of my life does not define me. That relationship does not define me. One misstep that was not my fault does not change how wonderful everything else in my life is. I won't let it.