Life. It will hit you hard one day, in the knees, the exact spot that makes you fall to the floor unable to even imagine the next step being forward. Life. The next day, will shake your hand, pat you on the back and tell you how wonderful you did. In both situations, I hope that you know it's going to be okay.

There is a very cliche quote that goes a little like this: God gave you this life because you are strong enough to live it. If you do not believe in God, that's fine too. Replace God with whatever higher being you associate to the creation of you, and it still works - you were put into this life because you can handle it.

I've learned a lot, most specifically in the last three years of my life as I embarked on the sometimes dreadful, most of the time amazing, all of the time life changing journey that is college. I've learned a lot about others, but more about me, and even more about who I am trying to become. The number one thing I learned was from my first Residence Life advisor. While I sat crying over guy number one of what will be, for me, and for many, the seemingly endless list of guys (or girls if you swing that way, not my preference, but love is love) that will enter and exit my life, I didn't really expect my advisor to comment on my personal problems. But she did, she looked at me directly in my puffy, watery, red eyes, and all she said was "It's going to be okay." She proceeded to text me three days later and ask if I'd ever heard the song "Brave" by Sara Bareilles and I sure a heck hope she's reading this smiling, knowing she literally sparked the change that helped create who I am today.

So, with all of that, know that it's going to be okay. On top of that, and probably more important know that it's okay now. It's okay to cry. Pretty girls do in-fact cry, contrary to what that one guy once told me. It's okay to eat ice cream or anything that helps make those worries go away.

It's okay to fall for the wrong one, even when you think they're the right one. It's okay, and encouraged, to stick up for yourself and your beliefs. If you don't feel comfortable, than it's okay to not do what they want. Don't fall for their pressure, if they can't wait, than it's okay to question if they're the right one for you. It's okay to remember that there is a time and a place for everything... and everyone. It's okay to try again, and again, and again. It's okay to take 10 steps ahead, but also okay to go 5 steps back. It's okay to take breaks. It's okay to live life simpler, or not so simple - the best part is, you get to choose it all.

It's okay to be yourself and stay true to you. If you don't like to do something, than please, do not do it. But, it's okay to challenge yourself. Always remember, adventure is out there! It's okay to move away, but always make time to visit - you'll need it. It's okay to miss home, miss your parents, miss your friends, miss your dog. It's okay to miss those who can't come back - but I encourage you to find other ways to be with them. It's okay to believe in heaven, and acknowledge your angels.

It's okay to stand out in a crowd. Grandma always tells me, life is, in fact, too short to wear boring shoes.

It's okay to rid your life of toxic people. The ones who make you cry five times in one day. It's okay to be passive aggressive, on occasion, but do check your privilege. It's okay to quit a team, job, or withdrawal from a class; but in the same breath, it's also ok to fight for it and be proud of the results at the end. It's okay to let go of your past. Hold on to the important parts and people, but let go of those who've contributed nothing to your success.

It's okay to only have 5 "true friends." It's also okay to surround yourself with a plethora of people who are your friends and have one very best friend. It's okay to be alone too.

It's okay to test your limits, but always find your way back in. It's okay to stand up for what you believe and challenge others. It's okay to be happy with who you are.

Say "goodbye" to fears. Be brave, believe in yourself, and know that it is all going to be okay.