Life is not easy, nor is it fair. Sometimes getting out of bed sucks, and sometimes you don't even feel like eating (and for me, that's a big deal). It happens, and we have to learn to overcome that. We need to remember that life is a balancing act. You work, you learn, you have fun, you cry, you pet a cat, you're happy again. Keeping a fair balance is the only way that we're going to get through this mundane, but rewarding life of ours.

You work. Someway or another, you need to make yourself useful. Whether that be a part-time job at Subway, a full-time job at FSD1, a volunteer gig at the theatre, a full-time student, whatever it is, better yourself and better the community. It's one of the things that differentiates humans from other animals.

You learn. You've probably been to school in some capacity. Good for you. You at least know how to read. But that's not exactly what I'm talking about. I'm talking about learning new things through new experiences every day - through a Google search about a political policy, an honest conversation with someone you love, or a new song that really "gets" you.

You have fun. This is an important part of the balancing act of life. You have to find constructive activities that bring you joy, and that isn't always found in your work or your learning. I understand that completely. You have to find something unrelated to your work to bring you joy so that you don't burn yourself out. Do something like theatre, dance, playing an instrument, playing a sport, singing at open mics, or writing articles. Do something constructive that helps you get through this life.

You cry. You will be sad. And that's normal. You wouldn't even know what happiness is if you didn't feel sad sometimes, so embrace that sadness. It won't kill you, and it won't ruin your life. You won't let it because you're a human, and our brains are smarter than you'd think. Your brain will get tired and it'll make you sad, and it'll be okay. You may have a mental illness, and you may need to get help. It'll be harder for you, and I get that. But you'll get through it with professional help and constructive outlets.

You will get through this balancing act. You will keep it together. You are smarter than you think, and your brain is more powerful than you think. Keep your activities balanced and keep your environment peaceful. Be good to yourself and be good to others, and you'll keep it together just fine.