In Corrie ten Boom’s "Clippings from My Notebook" she writes, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” Although we may realize this in the moment, it is only natural for us as humans to be consumed by anxiety and all that is going wrong, even if there is so much that is going right.

When life is rough it’s easy to find the source of the anxiety. But, when life is going great, I have found that it is even easier to become nervous and apprehensive, even though figuring out why is so difficult and stems from our own self-doubt and worry that something will go wrong. Those days, those weeks, maybe even those months when everything is going my way, are the times where I feel as if I have a hunch that something bad is going to happen. Those are the moments where I couldn’t believe that the world would let me be happy.

I am tired of letting uncertainty control my life. I am tired of not believing in myself. But it’s so difficult. Failure is so disheartening and although I continually tell myself I will not let it destroy me, it still finds a way to nag at me. I’ve tried so much. I have tried talking to so many people. I’ve even tried looking for inspirational quotes and saving them on my phone to look back on, just so I could feel some sort of dominance over my anxiety. But, what I have slowly come to realize is that I can have people and quotes telling me that everything is going to be okay, but what I really need is myself believing that everything is going to be okay. There was no way I can overcome my constant worrying unless I relax, and unless I have confidence in everything I do and all that I am.

So, to all of you who feel the same way, for those of you who live passionately and live everyday working towards your dreams and aspirations, I have one piece of advice for you. Stop waiting for something bad to happen. Life is too short to worry. Sometimes I forget that during my arduous days of class, homework, sports and extracurricular activities. At times it feels as if all there is to do is worry. I need to learn this for myself and I hope so many others can learn this important lesson with me. Constantly fretting and letting anxiety control your life is no way to get where you want to be.

To all of you who are incessantly waiting for something to slip up and your life go back to a time where you felt numb and ineffective, continue to persevere. Create and dream and work your hardest. Anxiety cannot hold you back. Be everything you want to be without fear and dread. Your own thoughts can either be your worst enemy or an intelligent, bold and remarkable way to tell yourself you can take anything life throws your way.