Hey folks!

This week's article is quite personal for me, but I am excited to share with all of you what has been going on. Some weeks we have amazing weeks and it feels like we are on top of the world, but then there is other weeks that are just terrible to say the least. We all know these weeks--questioning our entire lives, crying in-between classes because we are stressed beyond belief, and not to mention drinking unholy amounts of coffee. We've all been there.

I have had a rough week if I am being completely honest. There were times this week, where I was fighting back tears because I was second guessing myself and so plagued by my mistakes. It is such a hard place to be, there is so much discouragement and you are left alone in your thoughts where darkness lies.

However, there is light and a sense of peace in the darkness. This week I have felt amazing comfort in my God as well as friends around me. People that didn't even know what was going on with me comforted me and just listened to me in this tough time. The problems that I was going through did not necessarily go away, but certainly seemed much smaller than before. I have begun to feel a sense of peace.

Now, maybe some of you have had a bad week and are still in a tough spot. I would like to give some suggestions that I have found helpful to stay encouraged in the midst of the storm.

The first thing that has helped me is to seek the counsel of friends. Let's make something clear: there are friends that you hang with and have good times with. However, there are those friends that are with you through absolutely everything. These are the friends you need the most during this process.

Another suggestion I would have is to pray. God hears us, every part of us and He wants to lavish upon us His peace that surpasses all understanding. This helps us to overcome our doubts and fear. For those of who do not believe in that peace, seek it out and find God, He has been calling you for a long time.

The final thought I would give is to do something to take your mind off of the particular situation. Whether that is working out, playing music, or hanging with friends. Do things that relax you. The worst thing you can do is stay fixated on your mistakes or how bad your week is.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Face this week with the peace of God.