"Abby, you just got back from Mexico. What could possibly be wrong?" Well, a lot of things, and nothing all at once. Sometimes you can't stop the negative thoughts from taking over even in a completely fine situation. I got back from vacation, and reality struck me. It's had me in bed with no motivation. Sad for no reason. But I have to remind myself that this is only temporary. Here is what I remember when the world is crashing down on me, and you should too.
It's going to be okay.
This one seems obvious, I know, but I still need to be reminded sometimes. Everyone goes through hard times. I've been lower than I am now. I've been chewed up and spit out, and each time it felt like I would never get back up, but I did. Everything is a little overwhelming, but I will come out at the other end, and so will you.
Not everyone knows how to help, but they're still there for support.
So many people have asked what to do for me when I'm down. My roommate has tied herself in knots because she can't fix it, so she just decided to give me time. That's all anyone can do sometimes: listen, and give me time. It's okay if you see a friend struggling and don't have all the answers. Sometimes just knowing someone is there is what helps the most.
Take it one step at a time.
My mom told me this this week. "Sweetie, I know you need a job, and I know you have bills knocking at your door, but take it one step at a time. Build your reel, and graduate. That's what matters." And she's right. I don't have to do everything that needs to be done right this minute. When did I stop enjoying life and college and start being so scared? This is supposed to be fun and exciting.
Your family has your back.
Can you believe I forget this? I get so caught up in being an adult and feeling independent that I constantly forget what a big support system I have. It's okay that I have to ask for help. Your parents are supposed to worry. They're supposed to try to offer you money no matter how many times you say, "I got this." They're supposed to call you in a panic because you didn't text them when you got home. They're supposed to hang on the phone a minute longer because they know something else is wrong. Even my sisters worry about me. That's why Angela always sends me home with food and offers to get coffee to take my mind off things. That's why Ashley asks if I need a night out and asks what else she can do. Home is just a phone call away, and being an adult doesn't mean it stops being home. No matter how far away I go, they're still there, cheering me on.
You're still great at what you do.
I am still a journalist. I still love to meet people and hear their stories. I'm still someone's best friend, a sister, a daughter, an auntie. And you are still whatever it is that you love doing. When the world is crashing down on you, sometimes you have to be reminded of all of the wonderful things you are. You're not a burden. You're not a waste of space. You are whatever you decide to be in this world.
