As I am approaching finals, I have found myself becoming so overwhelmed and stressed out that I've been going through so many negative thoughts lately in my head, asking myself what am I doing? Why can I not get the concepts in the classes that I struggle in. I have been feeling so stupid lately because I have been feeling like no matter how hard I try I still have not been able to grasp the concepts I need to. After going to countless office hours with my professor in Microeconomics for example, and working in groups with my peers to help me better grasp the material, I still find myself struggling and completely lost. These negative thoughts have bothered me so much that they have made me think about if I am even cut out for college...

However, when I sat myself down and allowed myself to calm down and breathe and think, I realized that I really have no reason to be complaining about my grades, and situations in my life that bend me out of shape. I needed to remind myself of how fortunate I really am, and that changed my mindset completely. I come from a secure and loving home with two parents and two older sisters who would die for me if need be. I have a few friends who hold me down and are there for me when I need them most, friends who do not get jealous or bitter when it comes to my successes, but who applaud my efforts and are proud of and happy for me and my goals and all that they know I am going to do in the future. Last but not least, I am in the right state of mind, which is more than anyone could ever ask for.

There are so many people in this world who would kill to have my life and all of the resources and network of people that I have. It is a luxury to have what I have, to have parents who are paying for my college tuition, to have been given the opportunities that I have been given. There are people who would kill to have even one parent, a sibling, a stable home, a friend, the ability to go to school without having to worry about bills to pay. I am in a bubble of people who love and support me, and if I get a shitty grade on an assignment or I make a mistake or fail over and over again, I at least know that I have those people and resources to fall back on, and it's not the end of the world.

Maybe you should think about what you do have and what you should be thankful for, instead of all that is not going well for you in your life. If you are approaching finals right now just stay positive and remind yourself of how great you are. Give yourself time to be by yourself and practice self care, whatever that means for you, whether that's reading a book, watching a show on Netflix, or even simply taking a nap.

Look in the long term, the shit that you are doing right now may not be your cup of tea, it may not be where you want to be, but you have to take your situation into perspective and remember that there are so many people who would love to be in your shoes. Remember that God has already instilled all of the tools and knowledge that you need to succeed in life, and everything will work out for you at the end of the day no matter what.

So I say to all of you, have faith, give yourself more credit, keep it moving, keep grinding, and remind yourself that you are too blessed to be stressed. :)