So, you're sitting there studying (or trying to study), but the words in front of you can't seem to absorb into your brain, because you've got a lot of other things going on. You're trying not to let the exhaustion of two jobs get to you. You're trying not to let the stress of planning a wedding bother you to the point of crying. You're trying to push your depression aside so that you can actually accomplish something for once in your life. You're pushing your personal sadness to the back of your mind so that it can't accidentally slip to all your friends that, hey, you're having a hard time, but they wouldn't know, because no one has asked how you've been.

You're trying to create positive change in your world. You're trying to advocate for social justice and equality. You're trying to fight for those who have no voice in life. You're supporting your family. You're creating a better future for your future child or children. You're smiling at your partner like they're the entire light of your life. You're giving them a chance to enjoy life like you'll enjoy it.

You're eating $1 cans of pasta and $0.35 Ramen noodle packets to save money for an apartment, or, at the very least, buying something you've wanted for a very long time. You're working out at the gym five days a week to lose that extra pound, because that's all that is left in your goal for the year. You're counting calories and cutting carbs, because your doctor tells you that that is the way to getting a healthier look about your body.

You're the girl taking on the world because the world told you that was a requirement to be successful and to be fulfilled in your life. You're an adult if you do all of these things, and do them all at once.

Might I make a suggestion if you feel miserable in doing everything? Might I suggest that maybe the world is a little wrong about what it takes to be an adult? To be a successful woman? A successful man? That the world may be wrong about the timeline of events for your life?

I suggest you take a two steps back and look at yourself.

If your image of success looks like high cholesterol because of the massive amounts of ramen noodles you're consuming because one pack is simply not enough, or it looks like depression, or it looks like crying on your bed at 2 a.m. because the weight of the world has caused another fight with the person you love, I believe it is time to take that world off of your body and put it somewhere else.

I'm not saying take your responsibilities and shove it, but it may be time to prioritize what's most important in your life.

To the girl taking on the world and feeling miserable while doing it, just know that you do not have to do it all. You don't have to follow the timeline of events in your life. Lots of soul searching can help you figure yourself out.

Living doesn't require being miserable, so please take care of yourself.