If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone utter "I don't care," my college education would be paid for. Here is the problem: you do care. You care a lot. So much, actually, that you would rather come off as cool and detached than caring and human. I understand that there are many bad things happening in the world right now, just like I am sure there are many bad things that have happened to you. Maybe something awful just happened 10 minutes ago. But that still isn't an excuse to shut everyone else in your life down. If nothing else my mother has taught me will stick for the rest of my short time on this planet, this will: put everything into perspective.

I myself am terribly guilty of being stubborn and impatient, so when something doesn't go my way, it's as if my life is over. I let it ruin my day, making me, quite frankly, miserable to be around. Yes, I know, I probably sound like a real peach. You're most likely the same way. This is what I have learned about not getting my way, though: the sun will rise in the morning, the stars will keep on appearing, and the world will continue spinning. There are around 7.4 billion people in this world. I must be narcissistic and selfish to think I matter that much. Yet, you probably feel the same when something as stupid as a slow walker ruins your morning. "How dare they waste my time?" Newsflash: get over yourself.

In terms of perspective, it is critical to lead a balanced and healthy life. When something happens, whether it be tragic or frivolous, I stop and think to myself. Do I have 10 fingers and 10 toes? Do I have two functioning eyes that allow me to see everything from the waves on the beach to the birds in the sky? Is everyone in my family healthy? Does my six-year-old brother have to worry about losing his family due to constant war like many others his age have to? Have I received an outstanding education? Do I have rights so many in this world do not? Because I can appropriately answer yes and no to those questions, my problems feel small and pathetic compared to what many others face on a daily basis.

I am not belittling anyone's situation--I'm just trying to remind us all that we are blessed in so many ways we do not think of. Your feelings are valid simply because they are your feelings. Don't let those feelings take hold over your life, however, when you can rise above them. Save your energy for the ones that truly matter, and, in the meantime, use that energy to help others who cannot answer those questions the way they should.