It's summer time. Time to relax, enjoy some sun and good vibes… Right? Well, that can be easier said than done. Just because the school year is over doesn't mean all the stress and heartache from it goes away.

Emotional baggage is HEAVY. Not like, oh man, I just benched 300 lbs kind of heavy. Like a, my soul is draining from my feet into the ground and taking me with it. That kind of heavy. It takes a toll on you in a different way but still has very negative effects.

So how do you deal with it?

Occasionally you can't help laying down and having a good cry. Puffy face, ugly sobs, the whole enchilada(who knows, maybe you're stuffing your face, too). Maybe you binge watch a Netflix show. Or you're making slightly better choices and pouring that energy into a new gym routine(good for you). These can all be good ways to physically deal with emotional turmoil or stay distracted at least, but you're only delaying the inevitable.

You have GOT to DEAL WITH IT.

Definitely keep finding outlets that help you physically, but make sure they are ones that aid in releasing the bad vibes, not retaining them. I find it helps me to keep a journal. It's a good way to pour it all out and really get to the bottom of what is nagging at you. Whatever your method, once you isolate the core of what is grieving you, you need to figure out how to handle it.

A couple generals to keep you heading in the right direction:

-Whatever you do, keep moving FORWARD. Don't waste time turning around, staring at your shadow, or trying to change the past. It won't do you any good. What's done is done. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you can get on with your life.

-Set goals. This keeps you busy and focused on where you want to be, not where you've come from.

-Don't let your past define you. In the long run, it won't matter as much as the here and now.

-Learn how to love yourself. Nobody else can make you be happy. YOU have to allow yourself to be happy, and only you get to decide what will do the trick. Also, when you truly love yourself, you will be more confident and willing to serve others. Albert Einstein said, “Only a life lived for others is worth living.” I have come to understand for myself just how true that statement is.

And guys,

Just do it.

Don't let your dreams be dreams!

(Just trying to lighten the mood for y'all)

But seriously. What's stopping you? Just let it go. All the negativity, bad memories, mistakes, and pain don't have to hold you back unless you let them. Regardless of what others may be telling you.

I believe in you. Do you?