Life. It’s stressful, overwhelming, filled with obstacles, and precious all at the same time. During the hassles of everyday errands, classes, work, and really... just well, life in general, I find myself beginning to stress over things that in the end truly have no meaning. Honestly, there are the smallest things that we fall apart over every single day. Whether it’s a flat tire on your way to work or a horrible breakup with a guy you thought was “Mr. Right,” ask yourself something before you start to completely fall apart. Is this event going to define my success? Will this trial affect my true happiness? I can promise you that if it’s a flat tire or a boy that has you thinking it’s the end-all-be-all, then maybe you should skip this article altogether because I clearly cannot help you. With that being said, it’s a hair flip. Now, am I telling you that life is simply a hair flip and that everything will come naturally and you should stress about nothing? Of course not. That would be inhumane. However, life stresses over the small things begin to consume us and for what? Life’s true challenges shape who we are and only make us stronger, yet the “mountains we make out of molehills,” for lack of a better phrase, will only give us frown lines and wrinkles (skin care only does so much, people). The trials that shape us are the things that should remind us to flip our hair behind our shoulder and move on.

Maybe your summer classes are tedious and maybe you are taking another shot at some information that seems easy to others, but you find yourself struggling. I promise you, it is a hair flip. You are not defined by a number on a piece of paper nor should you measure your success accordingly. Of course, this does not mean that you shouldn’t take these things seriously, but don’t stay awake at night dreaming about that math quiz you failed. Instead, grab the bull by the horns and flip your hair over your shoulder, because you are one smarticle particle!

The next time you find yourself beginning to stress over something minute, just ask yourself, “Is this really detrimental to my life?” “Will this define who I am?” “Is my life over?” If you answered yes to any of these questions over the content you didn’t understand in class today, your flat tire, or the person at your school/work that doesn’t get along with you… well then, I really cannot help you. For those of you who answered no, let’s try the approach!

Is your favorite fast food restaurant out of your ice cream flavor? It’s a hair flip.

Is the mean girl at your school talking behind your back? It’s a hair flip.

Is your coworker giving you a hard time? It’s a hair flip.

Is your ex-girlfriend/boyfriend with someone else now? It’s a hair flip.

I find myself becoming overwhelmed with the smallest things in life. That math quiz I didn’t do so hot on has me thinking I won’t ever be successful. Wrong. That boy you like at school who never pays you any attention has nothing to do with the fact that you aren’t special or worthy. Not getting that job that you wanted or that internship position in an awesome city has nothing to do with the fact that you aren’t capable. All of these things, friends, are hair flips. These small tiny obstacles are treated like such big hurdles in our minds, but why? Take it from the biggest worry wart there is, some things are just not worth it. While things like academics, careers, and relationships can play a big role in our lives, there is only so much we can control. You are in charge of your own happiness. You are in charge of the level of success you can achieve, and I can promise you that that amount is not limited. Only you can control achieving true happiness. Do not allow yourself to worry about what could, what might, or what has already happened. Those things will shape you and help in developing your character. Yes, you capable, intelligent, beautiful, worthy individual, have control over your own ship. Will you let one small iceberg stand in your way? Absolutely not. Let this be an encouragement to work hard, but to save the frown lines for another time. And if you can’t control it? It’s a hair flip.