We all have had our fair share of experiences throughout our lives, whether you are young or old. Some may be good, others may not be so good. That is where things get interesting because, even though we are all so different, we actually are the same when it comes to dealing with the struggles that come with this life we are living.

Now, everyone probably defines the word "struggle" a bit differently, but it is all somewhat related when you sit and think about it. The worst part about going through tough times is that they typically hit you from out of nowhere and when you are least expecting it to.

For me personally, I know I have been through a few unfortunate situations so far in my life and I am only 21. With that in mind, I know that life is going to throw me even more struggles as I continue to grow up, but for now, I am just focusing on the present. I recognize that my so-called struggles may not be nearly as devastating as others, but they still matter and mean something to me.

Over the last few weeks, my family and I have been dealing with an unexpected situation that is affecting us all in different ways. Grief is a huge process that most people fail to realize. Everyone deals with loss in different ways. Some days are better than others. Some days everything seems to be good, but then others it is like running into a brick wall of emotions that you cannot seem to ignore. But I have to learn to understand that all of that is OK and I am only human. My feelings matter, and so do yours.

The point I am trying to make is that everyone is always going through some shit, pardon my language. You never know what kinds of struggles people are dealing with every single day, just like other people don't know what you are personally struggling with. But all of the struggles that are thrown at you help shape you into the strong person you were born to be.

At the moment, the pain and sorrow seem so overwhelming that you wonder how you will get through all of it. You might start to question your entire life up until that specific time. And you know what, you probably will never get the answers you are looking for. However, as time continues to go on, you will reflect on these times because they will allow you to help someone else who may be going through a similar situation. That's at least what I believe and that is what true strength is.

So, whatever you are feeling or experiencing in the moment, let your body do what it needs to do. Always make sure to take care of yourself in the process because self-care should always be a priority and when your emotions are out of sync, that is when you really need to be mindful of your mental health.

One of my favorite sayings incorporates the idea that tough times don't last, but tough people do and I will always stand by that. God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, so whatever you are struggling with right now, just now that you will get through it. It takes time and that's OK. You are allowed to feel the way you do and never be ashamed of that. Your struggles don't define you, they simply allow you to grow and become stronger than you were before.