Are You Emotionally Available?

Endings are never easy, and getting back out there can be a daunting task for some people. But, if you’re reading this, you have already taken the first step in the right direction!

You have the “want” to meet someone new and you are working with IJL to meet new people, but is your ex still occupying an itty-bitty space in your head? Before you start a new relationship it is important to take steps forward, get past your last relationship and become available for the next.

It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since the breakup, if you find yourself carrying the baggage of your ex, we have a few suggestions to help you fast-track yourself into becoming emotionally available.

Take control of what you can control.

You control YOU and ONLY YOU! That includes how you move forward - so take some time and work on yourself. Focus on positive self changes that inspire your personal growth and happiness, including wants, desires for you as an individual and your next relationship. Happiness should come from within, your happiness should not be dependent on another. Yes, in a relationship you combine your happiness, but both people's happiness should be able to stand alone too.

While working on yourself is the time to identify tendencies, traits and habits that mesh with your ideals in a relationship. Going on a date with a confident, focused “you know who you” are and are looking forward to the idea of getting to know someone new. It’s like starting a new masterpiece with a blank canvas - anything is possible!

Free time? Never heard of it!

Keep yourself busy with a full calendar packed with the life that you want to live -- have a day-to-day plan, to-do list or something that inspires you to move forward, grow and LIVE!

• Immerse yourself in something new, Whether it be a new hobby or exercise. Getting out there won’t just keep you busy, it will introduce new people and ideas.

• Focus on your friendships. It’s the ideal time to be with your friends, catch up with old friends that you haven't seen in a while or may have even neglected because you were busy being a couple.

• Be open to all new opportunities - come from a place of YES and give everything a chance, at least once.

So, get yourself in alignment with who you are - and set yourself up to be ready to meet the next Mr. or Ms. Right. When you are happy with who you are, it’s easier to see yourself with someone new. Make yourself present, truly embracing the world of dating, and the world of dating will open itself up to you too. Take that chance and put 100% of yourself out there – you never know who will be your next, next!