Take a deep breath.
It’s going to be OK.
Let me say that again – It is going to be OK.
I don’t need to go into detail about how crazy of a week this has been. Or last week was. Or the week before that. Basically, the past month has just been rough. For everyone. Let me say that again. Everyone has tough times. I’m sure we have all heard the saying, “Be kind - for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Well, that battle can be anything from school work to heartbreak to medical issues to family concerns. That may seem a little dramatic, but like I said earlier — we don’t know what people are going through. Whatever it may be, though, to each of us in those moments, it seems like the most important thing in the world. And it is. It really is.
Yes, tests are important. Yes, graduate school applications are daunting. Yes, credit card bills are exceedingly high. Yes, my bank account is impressively empty. Yes, breaking up is hurtful. Yes, going to the doctor is scary without your mom. All of these battles are important. However, they do not define you.
Hear me out.
No, that grade you make on the test you have Monday won’t decide your future.
No, you won’t end up on the streets if you don’t get into the graduate school of your dreams.
No, money isn’t everything.
No, you won’t be broke forever.
No, your happiness isn’t defined by another person.
No, you are not alone.
These battles are important. They are all consuming of our time, energy, and patience. However, we are strong and enduring and adults. This is the time in our lives when reality sets in. We are not children anymore. We can break down and cry and simply shed the tears that need to be shed. That is OK. Then, stand up and keep going. Weather the storm head-on. It’s not the problem that defines us, it’s how we handle it.
So remember to be kind. We are not the only ones going through hard times. Don’t try to one-up someone with your battles. This is college; no one is getting proper sleep, everyone is drinking too much caffeine, and all-nighters are a norm. Instead of mentioning how tired you are, ask your friend how they are doing. How was their day? How was that test you knew they had? Is there anything you can do for them? The smallest gesture can go a long way in terms of how people react to you and how you feel about yourself.
Take a deep breathe with me.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
It’s going to be OK. This isn’t the end. You will have a million other battles after this one. Don’t let this one hard week, or even hard month, bring you down. Not only will you encounter another one, but guess what? There will also be a good week and a good month. You will have long periods of time or even small moments where you are blissfully content with life. Those are the moments that matter. Those are the ones you need to hold on to and treasure.
As the sun is about to rise over the library after my last all-nighter this week, I am content with the knowledge that I will eat Bluebell this weekend and watch "Scandal" with my friends. Those are the small and yet amazing moments that make these battle worth it.
