I was four years into my third serious relationship, and I believed with all my heart that this was it; this time would be different. I was finally on track to achieving the lasting love I’d always wanted. One day, after feeling betrayed in a moment of deep vulnerability and need, I had a familiar sinking feeling and I knew then that I’d fallen for someone who wasn’t “all in” with me. Here we go again, I thought. But I felt too invested to walk away, to face another loss. I thought if I only tried harder, if we tried therapy, everything could still work out. I’d keep thinking, could I be overreacting? What am I getting wrong? After finally parting ways for good, I realized my love life was like watching the same reruns on different channels, and I decided I was not going to go through that again.

Once I realized I needed to do relationships differently, I trained in heart-centered psychology and counseling studies to figure out why I’d been repeating the same mistakes. But knowledge wasn’t enough. I needed to do my inner work using different approaches and techniques. Since then, having developed my own system for living the love and joy I seek in my relationships, I now enter relationships with my eyes wide open. I know how to quickly choose who is worth my time, and I make decisions with confidence, clarity, and a sense of control. I no longer give my energy to “fix” subpar relationships. I’m thrilled with my results and so grateful I no longer settle for less than I deserve.

Sara-Ann Rosen holds a Master of Arts degree in Human Development Counseling (Marriage, Couple, and Family Track) from the University of Illinois, a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School, completed the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Program from the University of Massachusetts, is a Certified Astrologer through The Real Astrology Academy, and is pursuing certification in Functional Imagery Training from the University of Plymouth, UK.