Let's face it: life is hard.

Between school, relationships, societal pressures, and a host of other obstacles, the struggles we face on a daily basis, be they big, small, or somewhere in-between, can often seem insurmountable. In a culture dominated by the deceptive public personas of Instagram and Facebook, however, we are often expected not to acknowledge this fact.

Many of us- myself included- tend to sweep our struggles under the rug and continue with business as usual. We put on a smile, reply "fine" when asked how we're doing, and convince ourselves that we're telling the truth.

But sooner or later we all reach the point where we have to acknowledge that things really aren't fine. And that's okay.

So for anyone who might be struggling right now: It's going to be alright.

It might not seem like it now, or next week, or even in a year. But eventually, it will be okay.

My own personal experience is proof of this.

Two months after I had graduated high school and just a week before I was set to leave for college, I was involved in a serious car accident that nearly took my life.

Two days later, after being unconscious for upwards of 48 hours, I woke up in a hospital bed with severe injuries to my face and head, no memory of what had happened, and the earth-shattering news that I would have to take a year off before attending college.

In just a split second, my life had been turned upside down. The following weeks and months consisted of a huge variety of obstacles and struggles I had never imagined I'd have to face. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, I was just about as far as you can get from okay; in fact, I was devastated. But things got better.

I couldn't have known it then, but everything turned out okay. In fact, it was more than okay. Once I had recovered from my injuries, I was able to travel, work, and pursue interests I wouldn't have otherwise discovered. I taught myself guitar, started singing more often, and eventually began writing songs. I learned so much about myself and the world, and by the time I left for college, I was a completely new person, one who was ready to take on the next chapter of my life.

Now when I meet people, they have no idea that just a year ago I was in the midst of the most difficult struggle of my life, and they have no idea that the person standing before them today was profoundly shaped by that struggle. This is in one way or another true for nearly everyone you meet.

Which brings me to another point: You're not alone.

Every single person you meet, no matter how put together they may seem, is dealing with their own personal struggles. These struggles could be big or small, similar to yours or vastly different, but regardless, they exist.

At the end of the day, no one can honestly say that they're "fine" all the time. That includes family, friends, acquaintances, strangers - and you. But eventually, you'll be able to tell people that you're doing fine and mean it - take it from me.

So keep your head up. Remember that at the end of the day, the world is a beautiful place. And know that no matter what, you'll get through this.