It's okay to be stressed. It's okay to be anxious. It's okay to be nervous. I can't even lie- this school year has hit so hard, and it's my fault, I think that I have signed up to be apart of every difficult class, every time-consuming program, every tiring activity that I could think of- because I love my activities much. I love being busy, I love being surrounded by people, and I love being apart of extremely fun, exciting, rewarding activities. But I can't lie, I am definitely a little bit drained- maybe a lot a bit. But I know that everything that I do, it is worth it.

The hours, the stress, the frustrated tears, and the running ragged days. But it's fine, everything is fine. I mean it, I'm not just trying to provide solace or comfort, I'm right there with you. I see you working hard, doing your thing, accomplishing those goals! You have got this. And I just want you to know that if you ever think about giving up, please don't. Even if it is simply on account of me- don't give up. Everything is going to get better. Those nights when you're at your worst, your deepest and darkest times. It's gonna get better. Stars cannot shine without a little darkness.

Stress is so abundant for people these days. It's like you're always trying to outdo everyone else. Sometimes we even lose sight on what really matters, because we're so focused on trying to beat the people around us that we lose attention to detail and forget that we should be worrying more about ourselves than others. If there is one quote that completely resigns with what I'm talking about, it's gotta be this: A rose doesn't worry about the flowers blooming beside itself. It simply blooms.

Life is about taking it one step at a time. If I were to think about all of the work that I have to do this year and everything that is about to happen to me, I think that I would go absolutely crazy. But- I choose to move forward gracefully, taking life one step at a time. I focus on the individual things. I put my phone away, and focus on the environment that I'm in, and the people that I'm around. To get rid of unneeded stress, you really need to take a second, take it all in, be grateful in the moment, and reflect on where you are in life. We have no time to stress, guys. We just don't have time for negative vibes.

Be so busy watering your own grass that you have no time to check if someone else's is greener. Focus. Be in the moment. You only have one life, so you may as well make the most of it. Don't sweat the small stuff- and no crying over spilled milk!

Whenever something happens to you, consider the Rule of Fives. Will this matter in five minutes? Hours? Days? Years? This trick really helps to put everything into perspective and to determine whether the situation is really all that deep.

Funny enough, it almost never really is that deep! Take a look around- life is amazing. It is what it should be. And please remember, even in your worst moments:
It's a bad day. Not a bad life.