There comes a time for all of us where we feel down about ourselves and the things we are doing within our lives. This can happen on different levels, ranging from a grumpy mood because of a rough morning to start off your day, or a deeper sort of depression after a more intense loss or argument. These low times can also happen often, or not so often, leaving you with an unsettled feeling.

It’s okay. It’s okay to feel defeated at times, or feel as if you are not sure what the next move to take is. As stated before, this is something everyone goes through. A great example of this, is struggling with the balance between school, work, family and a social life. This is an area in which a lot of college, or working, individuals feel they are lacking, but the truth is that you’re are probably doing way better than you think you are.

Naturally, as humans, we are our own worst enemy. No one can get inside our heads quite like ourselves and convince us that we are failing in any area within our lives. With this being said I encourage you to reach outside yourself, find solace and confidence within those who love and care for you, and tell you’re you’re doing a good job. These are words of affirmations we all like and need to hear, whether it be from our boss, mom, friends, professor, or a coach.

With life being as hectic and busy as it tends to be for everyone, we all can use a moment to step back, take a deep breath and evaluate our successes in life. You may feel as if you are successful at nothing, or are struggling to get by, but the truth is we all can’t be great at everything. We all must experience downfalls and failures, in order to appreciate and recognize the successes in our life.

I know that hearing “everybody feels this way,” doesn’t quite solve your problems and insecurities, but it does prove that everyone can use encouragement and that you are not alone in this crazy thing we call life. What I hope you gain from this is perspective. I hope you see that it is true that we should treat others as we want to be treated, and that a few words of encouragement can go a long way.

Give yourself a pep talk and know that you too are stronger than you believe and smarter than you think. Remember that when you feel as though you are falling behind, or lacking motivation, it is likely that someone else you know is feeling the same way. Not only should you practice self-encouragement, but practice giving others encouragement as well.

Keep doing you, always keep your chin up, and never give up!