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For all of my Parks & Rec fanatics, you will understand the reference in my title. Every year, Tom and Donna spend a day they call “Treat Yo Self” where they go buy expensive things, whether or not they necessarily need them.

Seven months post-breakup, I have embraced this philosophy a little, however, now it’s going to be my new mantra. Since I was new to relationships, I spoiled my former significant other, mostly because I’m addicted to Pinterest. I spent many hours in Michaels and if he chooses, he has a lot of kindling to use between all of the canvases I gave him.

Now I don’t regret my past relationship, but I realized how stressful long distance relationships are and how your choices and actions effect not only you but someone else. I was single for the first 19 years of my life, so being by myself isn’t new to me. I’m not looking for another relationship anytime soon.

Because now, I can treat myself to whatever I want and not have to worry about someone else. Or plan out gifts for a national holiday. On Valentine’s Day, I treated myself to a Baseball Lacelet with the coordinates to Fenway Park. I love it, and it goes great with my other Red Sox baseball bracelet. Yesterday, I bought a Kate Spade bag – just because (I still have a lot of tip money left over from working last season). Last week, a few of my friends and I went out to the bar, and I had the most fun so far that night, dancing until 1:00am.

There are roughly two months until graduation, and I’m doing everything I can to make sure that I’m going to enjoy my time left at school. Formal is in a month, and I’m looking forward to the glorified prom with alcohol and wear my $13 Marshall’s dress. I’m still looking for jobs and hope to find one I’ll actually like, and I’m going to start applying to the masters program soon.

I wish I had embraced this philosophy earlier, however, I did need some grieving time. Breakups are hard, but it definitely helps to have a great friend group who will help you along the way and encourage eating your feelings with ice cream.

I never really understood why people said you have to find yourself after a breakup, but now I’m a believer. You spend so much time with someone else that you practically become one. Your entire life becomes that other person, at least that’s how it was for me. And then all of a sudden, it’s all gone, and you’re left to pick yourself up. It’s okay to see yourself at your worst, but know that better things are coming your way.

So, if you were recently broken up with or are just another single lady, remember to treat yo self. Take care of yourself, be good to yourself, and buy that pair of shoes or handbag – you’re worth it.