A line from one of my favorite Kelly Clarkson songs seems especially relevant lately. It’s from her song “The Sun Will Rise,” on her Stronger album.

“… Somehow my clouds disappeared, somehow I made it here, maybe just so you could hear me say the sun will rise.”

I’ve seen my fair share of heartbreak. Around this time last year I was in a totally different space still devastated from my latest breakup and disappointment from a person I’d spent years loving and giving my whole heart to. It took me a while to climb out of that coma, but I’m happy to say it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.

I now have someone in my life who shows me every day what it means to really love someone, and I don’t think I’d appreciate it as much if I not experienced the opposite side for all those years.

Recently, several of my close friends are experiencing their own traumas, struggling through their own breakups, makeups, and life-changing decisions regarding their current relationships. I’m now the one doling out the advice and I can’t help but see so many of my previous obstacles playing out in their lives.

I listen and try to shine some light on what seems like a very dark dismal path, but I also understand that no one can make a life-changing decision, for the better or for worse, until he or she is ready. So for now I’ll continue to be there providing unconditional support and love in any way I can. My purpose might be just to remind them that my clouds cleared and so will theirs’.