Danielle knew she couldn’t live in denial any longer.

Her past regrets were catching up to her, flooding her with memories. The weight of them felt nearly unbearable and threatened to drown her.

Danielle had spent her younger years drifting into a dangerous pattern of dating.

For as long as she could remember, she had put herself in unhealthy relationships. She had hoped the men she dated would make her feel wanted, loved, and cared for.

Each time the relationship fell apart, she’d tell herself it wasn’t that bad. She made excuses, shoved the hurtful memories aside, and tried to forget.

But they couldn’t be forgotten. And now they were relentless, like waves pounding her against jagged rocks.

She made excuses, shoved the hurtful memories aside, and tried to forget.

Then Danielle came across Andy Stanley’s Love, Dates, and Heartbreaks from Your Move. She wasn’t sure that she believed in God, but the pull to watch it was so strong that it felt sacred.

Andy talked about pressing pause on dating—not forever, but for a full year to grow and heal.

Danielle considered the challenge. What if she stepped away from dating, on purpose? The idea terrified her—and filled her with hope.

Could a year without dating give her the space she needed to reset, to get mended and whole? What if she focused on figuring out who she really was and what she truly needed?

A year without dating felt like a bold path—and the right one.

Realizing she had nothing to lose, Danielle said yes to the challenge.

At first, she felt excited and free. This would be her year to journey toward healing.

The pull to watch it was so strong that it felt sacred.

Then, all at once, the memories rushed in. With each one, Danielle felt herself reliving the hurt and heartache.

But in the pain, Danielle began to see her past experiences for what they were: a longing for love that sent her searching for it in empty places.

Without the easy distraction of dating, Danielle began to sit with the hurt, sadness, and fear of being unwanted.

And in that quiet surrender, God began to mend her heart.

All at once, the memories rushed in.

Healing isn’t easy, and Danielle has faced plenty of battles along the journey. But in place of unhealthy dating habits, she’s encountered something new: God’s strength to pursue wholeness.

She’s also found unexpected gifts and surprises along the way.

With no dates filling her nights, she’s spending more time with family.

When applying and interviewing for new jobs, Danielle has seen God guide her with glimmers of hope. She’s poured more energy into launching a new career. And she’s happy to be on the path to living out her life’s purpose.

Plus, she feels more emotionally grounded.

“I have never been happier to date myself,” Danielle says.

“I have never been happier to date myself.”

Danielle is still in her year of no dating. She wonders what comes next. But for now, she’s trusting that God will bring the right person into her life at the right time.

Until then, she’s more reflective and observant while journeying on her path of healing and discovery.