Lately, I feel like I've been living in a pinball machine. Just when I think I have everything under control and everything seems to be on the up and up, something comes out of nowhere and makes me feel unbalanced all over again. I feel like the world around me is moving so much faster than I can and it's like a continues game of catch up. It's in moments like these in my life that why are difficult, they help me to reevaluate what's important. So, I thought I'd share my ways of coping with the times in life where I can't seem to keep up and stay on top.

The first thing I do when I get overwhelmed is to list off 5 things I am thankful for at that moment. Not just general things, but really specific things that make me think hard and recall all the great in my life even in the midst of difficult times. It instantly transforms my feelings into being more positive and upbeat because I'm actively thinking about all I have to be grateful for and that makes me happy. For example, the other day in order to re-center my thoughts I listed 1. The hug I got from my grandma on Easter, 2. Driving around the lake with the windows down over the weekend, 3. How good my morning run was and that it was my fastest run in a long time, 4. How close I am with my mom, 5. How sunny it was these past few days. Being able to put more emphasis on the good and the things I have to be grateful for overpowering those feelings of anxiety and defeat.

Another thing I like to do is to be in the presence of those who put me in a good mood. When I need a pick me up, I know I can count on my friends, at home and school, and my family to pick me up. I allow myself to take a break from whatever I'm doing or give myself some time at the end of the day to hang with friends in our house or facetime the ones that don't live close. There is nothing that a call to my mom can't fix, she always helps to put me in a better mood and think about the good in every situation. Also being in the presence of my friends allows me to laugh and have fun and forget about all the responsibilities I have for even a little bit, to remind me that even with whatever life throws my way these people will always have my back.

It doesn't matter whether its big or small things, but if they can help you re-focus and remember all the good that's what truly matters. Listening to good music, watching something that makes you laugh, laughing with friends, calling your mom, and writing down the things that are most important to you are all things that can help you remember all the good in your life even when you feel overwhelmed.