1. Why am I struggling so much with school?

"Everyone else seems to be just cruising by. Am I that stupid?"

Have you ever been in a car and watched planes in the sky? They don't look like they are going that fast. And, the converse, when you are in a plane have you ever observed cars below that seem to be moving really quickly? Clearly, planes and cars are both methods of getting somewhere, but they have different purposes. Planes give you the opportunity to view the world from above. Cars give you the chance to explore back roads with the windows down as you blare your favorite music. You wouldn't compare one to the other, so why would you compare yourself to others in school?

Different learning, different classes, different goals, different backgrounds and interests, the list is endless. Comparing yourself to others in school is like comparing airplanes to cars, or as logical as comparing a horse to a cow. You are not other people, you are you. You are NOT stupid. Intelligence is not measured just off of IQ or a number. Intelligence is not based on others' comparison. YOU decide your self-worth. If you are trying your best in school, and know there is nothing else you can do...what more can you ask for?

2. What if the menu doesn’t have my diet options?

"I can't lose track of my diet with this one dinner. I have to make sure I pick the lowest calorie option."

Anxiety would tell you that one meal makes the difference between that size zero and obesity. We know that isn't right. Can't fun and enjoyable meals be a regular habit? Rather than a diet, why don't you just get on a healthy lifestyle? One night of enjoying time with friends and/or family will ALWAYS be more important than what you decided to eat. One moment of picking an "unhealthy" dish will NOT ruin everything. In a week, you won't remember what you ate. You will remember the laughs with your loved ones. Not that voice controlling every action you make.

3. Will my friends abandon me when I tell them I can’t go out tonight?

"I don't feel up to going out. But doesn't that make me lame? I can't lose my friends."

Do you have that friend who always answers your call when you need it most? Do you have that friend who you can count on to make you laugh? Do you have that friend that you believe would do anything for you and want nothing in return? Now, think of all those friends, imagine their faces, Would they ever abandon you? They are your friend because they value you, ALL OF YOU. They will always choose you, and they should value your choices. If they don't, I would advise reflection on your relationship. It's okay not to be the social butterfly all the time. You need to take care of yourself FIRST. Those who truly care will always stay. Always.

4. Why haven’t they texted me back?

"Do they not like me anymore? Was I too obnoxious or annoying? I really like them - why can't I just be in a great relationship?"

Worry does strange things. And most times, it is never right. So slow down. A text message is just a text message. That's it. You cannot create a great relationship over the phone and odds are - they haven't texted you back because they are unable to. Not because they don't want to or don't like you. If you are truly concerned, have a conversation with them in person. Create that human to human connection. That voice of worry will only cause you to blow something up or make a mess. If you want a true relationship, I would say the most important thing you would need to do is put down the phone and be honest with your partner to how you feel. This anxious bubble will only do harm.

5. Why can’t I live a great life?

"I am doing it all wrong. I scroll through endless, breathtaking photos of people living their lives. I want to be doing so many things yet I am still here in this boring apartment. I don't want to be wasting my life."