Whether you are a high school student, college or grad student, working full time or a parent, life gets tough no matter what point in life you're at. Applying to grad schools, trying to pass Algebra, or working towards your next promotion can put unbelievable pressure on someone. This pressure is often overlooked by outsiders, yet you will feel like you're drowning. Always know that even when you're surrounded by dark clouds and feel like you're going to break if anyone says anything to you, it only is helping you. Adversity defines us as individuals. Through each rough patch you come across, remember that you only will look back at it from a higher point. You will continue to move forward no matter how low you may feel.

Three sleeps; that's all you need to get over an immediate issue facing you. Of course, the brunt force of an obstacle will always leave you winded, but you're a toughie. Night one, be sad, that's the last night you have to mope. Night two, you've spent the whole day with a smile plastered on your face, even if it was faked half the time. Night three, you're already on your way out of the situation to a better position. It's ok to get knocked down, because the next time you face hardship you'll remember everything you've overcome so far.

So to the new parents, I'm proud of you for putting your all into a new life. One day you'll be sending that little baby off to college and that's all because of you raising them.

To the boy being bullied on the playground in elementary school, I'm proud of you for holding onto your childhood innocence when seeing how mean people can be so young. Soon you'll find people worth growing up with.

To the girl drowning the world out with music after a bad day, I'm proud that you have an outlet to pull you out of negativity; it gets better.

To the man who just got laid off, I'm proud that you have put so much effort into your previous job, now redirect that into continuing your career. Jobs come and go, but giving your all is how YOU grow.

To the person who is moving on, I'm proud of you for looking forward to what you deserve. Negativity is fueled in broken relationships, so good for you for keeping your head up.

To the student who feels like their professor is out to get them, I'm proud of you for knowing to put more energy into succeeding in their class. You're going to look back on this class senior year and smile at how much it sucked, but how you passed.

To the kid stressing over grad school applications, I'm proud that you care enough about your future to get anxious over your options. They're going to love you and you're a prime candidate even when you convince yourself you're not.

You have people around you watching you grow, even when you may feel like you're alone. Eat some ice cream, keep working hard to get where you want to be, and never see passing dark clouds as permanent. You can do it, you have been doing it day in and day out, and we're all proud of you.