The past couple of months have been nothing short of stressful and anxiety-inducing. Between moving out for the first time and living with complete strangers, and starting classes at a university that up until now I had never even really set foot on, I have been overwhelmed and exhausted. My anxiety is (still) at an all time high, and the feeling that I am forgetting to do something or incapable of accomplishing the tasks ahead is relentless. However, these past few months have made me realize numerous things. Yes, it’s hard to go through major life changes of any sort, and yes, it’s even harder with an ever present anxiety disorder, but it’s manageable.

First and foremost, even the most stressful situations work themselves out. Whether it be the way you want them to or not, nothing is ever as scary as it first seems. Moving in with three other girls whom I had not known prior to this year was extremely nerve wracking. Would I like them? Would they like me? Am I too stuck in my own ways to live with other people? How am I going to manage not living at home? All of those questions cycled through my head and I wondered constantly how everything would play out. After only a week of living with them, all of my fears are now to the side. They are all wonderful and I was so worried for nothing. All you need is time and patience to let things work out for the better.

Also, I have come to realize that it is absolutely okay to rely on those around you. If you need help, there is no harm in asking. If you need to get something off your chest, talk to someone. You can still be independent and allow others to help you, because quite honestly everyone needs someone, and life is stressful enough without having loved ones by your side. You’re not supposed to go through life alone, and I have come to know this more than ever. While I have always been close with my family, these past few months I have leaned on them and depended on them more than ever. I truly do not know where I would be without them. They have kept me together and I cannot thank them enough for constantly supporting me and allowing me to still grow and be independent. Between them, my boyfriend, and my best friend - I have a solid support system who without, I would not be able to handle what’s ahead.

Lastly, I have struggled with anxiety for years, but even so no amount of prior experience could have prepared me for the stress that came with this. What I learned from that however, is that it’s okay. Everything will be okay. As you experience life, new experiences become easier. You worry, and you grow from that worry. While it’s not always easy, you always get through it. No matter how hard things get, even if you feel like you’re drowning, you can and will always get through it. Between patience and understanding, leaning on those around you, and challenging yourself to look ahead and see the greatness that’s coming, any moment is just that - a moment. It will pass, and you will be okay. Enjoy life, and just let it be.