It seems as though in today's society the goal is to be more stressed than the person sitting next to you. Time and time again we answer the question of, "How have you been?" with the response of, "busy". When I witness these actions I can't help but think that this idea of 'thinking we need to be stressed all the time' is not healthy for any individual.

Why is it so important for us to feel that we are doing more than someone else? Why do we put ourselves in high-stress situations and take on more than we can mentally handle? I think these are the questions that cross everyone's mind. I'm sorry to say that I do not have an answer for you, but here's something to think about.

My desktop background says, "Breathe. Everything is working out". I glance at the quote on a daily basis. I changed my desktop background to this when I was feeling very overwhelmed at college, even though I've graduated, I still haven't changed it. However, I look at it differently now.

It used to be a reminder that I need to take the time to actually breathe and come to an understanding that everything will be okay. Now, when I look at it, I think about how God is working through me to make a difference in this world. That's the "Everything is working out" part. The "breathe" part tells me that I need to remember that everything that is happening in my life is in God's hands and he will take care of me no matter what.

I am at that stage in my life where I am transitioning from college into the real world. I spend hours applying for job after job on LinkedIn. During this process, I always think to myself, "What job would I thoroughly enjoy? What am I passionate about?"

I serve at Windsong Farm Golf Club and have planned a trip to Amsterdam in August. Right now, this is what I enjoy. I love serving people who I have grown to know and I have a passion for traveling. I know that I am in the right place. The point is to find something you love and give it everything you have.

Overall, I've come the realization that everyone is dealing with stressful situations in their life. In my opinion, stress levels continue to grow for individuals. I have two pieces of advice for those who are dealing with stress.

1. Let go and let God do his good work. He is taking care of you.

2. Make sure you are enjoying what you are doing. Life is too short to be anything but happy.

Stress is going to come and go. But please, don't make yourself sick over it. Take time to enjoy what you are doing and recognize the little things that make you smile. There is so much that this world has to offer. Don't waste your time on trying to be more stressed than the person next to you. Next time someone asks how you've been, please have the courage and the credibility to say that you have been great, and happy.

Xoxo,

Anna