Summertime: the time for sunshine, lemonade, and crystal clear waters. People are full of energy as they galavant around traveling, relaxing, and indulging in life's adventures. While for many it is a time of relaxation, summer can also be a time of stress -- which sometimes we fail to recognize. Life is always tossing obstacles of change our way, but summer often brings changes to everyone and it's up to you to decide how to handle the change.

For example, as summer begins, college graduates are fresh out of school and on the hunt to find a job -- especially considering their diploma can cost thousands in student debt. This can be a struggle though, as it is extremely stressful not having a definite plan for the future, financially or otherwise. Similarly, other college students are diving into internships. Although they are exciting, internships can also prove rather intimidating and cause a lot of pressure, not to mention adjusting to a new summer schedule. The simple change of going to school all year to trying frantically to provide for yourself is crazy.

Everything changes in the summer, whether it be good of bad. Honestly, I don't like it. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I am doing, but adjusting to the change is weird. Knowing how to handle these new, strange obstacles is confusing and actually confronting them can often be discouraging. However, it is imperative to know how to handle life's obstacles and be accepting of the fact that you'll always encounter change. I heard someone say the other day that, "the one thing you can count on being constant is change." It really rang true to me because I often like to hold the assumption that I can stay in my perfect little bubble, immune to change.

Nevertheless, change does occur, and sometimes, even if it is a good change, it can be extremely overwhelming. I find myself giving into my doubts and immediately resorting to discouraging thoughts. This is so toxic. How can I expect to progress with the rain cloud of pessimism constantly following me around?

I've learning to hold onto a few key affirmations that have truly changed my perspective on dealing with change.

Honestly, keeping busy is good. It's nice to relax in the summer, but keeping yourself busy with life's new challenges makes for a productive summer. I try to look at it as an improvement. I could complain about having so little free time or relish in the fact that I am making progress for myself. I am making a better life for myself and self-empowerment is seriously effective.

Finding a purpose truly lifted the ease of my life struggles as well. I felt so disorganized. I was a chicken running around with its head cut off. I started to prioritize; commitments come first and investing in myself came afterward. Surprisingly, this has managed to take up so much of my time. This summer is breezin' by.

Next, don't give up. I have seen too many people, myself included, with amazing potential who simply give up because of self-doubt. You can't give up so quickly because anything worth having in this life is never easily earned. This has been a true motivator. I know that if I can overcome this, I will be better and happier for it. You will go through so many struggles, but those struggles will take you to where you're meant to fall in life.

Have faith people. Have faith that the obstacles in your life will soon pass. Know that your hard work is never forgotten, and you reach great heights if you just trust your abilities. It is easy to fall into a pessimistic mindset in the face of change, but know you are not alone. Change will always be a factor in your life, accept it, conquer it, and believe in yourself along the way.