Camila Miranda is a Berlin-based Mender who inspires major wanderlust through her travel adventures. She loves astrology, healthy eating, and capturing special moments with her handy Instax camera. We asked Camila a few questions about heartbreak and she shared how her strong support system and self-care rituals helped her stay #onthemend.
If you think back to the first time you were heartbroken, what advice would you give to that younger version of yourself?
"I would tell myself to embrace the moment. While being heartbroken is not the best thing in the world, is a great moment to reconnect with yourself and do things that you really enjoy. Now is the time to finally live life without worrying about what others may think. Invest time in being healthier, happier and in love with yourself for once."
What has heartbreak taught you about yourself?
"I learned that I can do anything I put my mind into. Being heartbroken made me realize how strong I am and helped me to understand that I don't need anybody to feel complete. I started to take care of myself first."
What are your rituals during a breakup? What things/practices/people helped you mend?
"The most important thing for me was being surrounded by people who loves me. My brother and friends were crucial for me. They are the ones that can show you what love is really like. They will support you when you need to cry and also will be there to make you laugh. The second thing would be doing things that you weren't able to do when you were in a relationship. Being single gives you so much free time! Now I have time to workout, do yoga and even do crochet. So... do things that you love! Use this time to treat yourself."
Thinking back to breakups you’ve had, did you have any breakup vices (checking your ex’s Insta, etc) and how do you conquer them?
"Well, being a psychopath on instagram was something I did often when I was younger. Now I don't do it anymore. I just realized how harmful and unnecessary that was. If I really want to move on, I can't be using my time checking my ex's life. There's no point."
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about love so far in your life?
"I've learned that you need to love yourself first in order to be happy in a relationship. You can't be in a healthy relationship if you don't respect and truly love yourself. I know is cheesy, but is true. Love you and your life first."
Do you think exes can be friends? Do you stay friends with your exes on social media?
"Well... in theory I guess ex's could be friends, but in my case I prefer a clean break, so I am not friends with anyone of my ex's. I wish them a happy life though."
What keeps your heart open, despite the heartbreaks you’ve had in your life?
"I really trust in the universe and I am thankful for all my past relationships. I think all relationships teach you lessons and make you grow. Knowing that I am able to learn from every experience keeps my heart open. Single or in a relationship, I feel like I am where I am supposed to be, working on myself to be a better person."
What is your favorite song about heartbreak?
"For heartbreak I love Sunset from The XX. Actually, any song from The XX will do."
What is your favorite movie about heartbreak?
"Blue Valentine"
What projects are you currently working on, and looking forward to most?
"I love to travel and getting to know new cities so after my breakup I moved abroad, I left Chile and moved to Germany with my brother. That was I dream we had for so long and now is finally happening! I am also learning social makeup and astrology, and I am working on launching a YouTube channel with my brother to show our adventures in Berlin. I am just settling in so I am looking forward to see what opportunities this city has for me."
