I am going to be honest here and say that I’m writing this post for myself just as much as I’m writing it for you all. If there’s something I’ve realized in the past year, it’s that essentially nothing is in your control at this age. Granted, my personal situation may differ from that of others, but we’re all on the same page in terms of being about to enter the real world. This means making our own life choices, choosing our paths, fulfilling our own destinies – you get the picture. That being said, it’s pretty easy (and almost inevitable) to get pulled down and feel like you’re stuck. hopefully these tips will help you if you’re in the same boat as I am. 

1) Don’t isolate yourself. I know, this goes against all the laying in bed you want to be doing, but I promise you – being around others will make a difference. I’m very fortunate to have friends who are extremely in tune with how I’m feeling (it doesn’t help that you can literally READ my emotions on my face), so they go out of their way to get me out of the house when I’m not really feeling myself. 

2) Do something spontaneous. When you’re ‘stuck in the rut’, you tend to find yourself just getting through the days. Doing something new is a great way to avert that feeling, and it will really help take your mind off of things. It’s even more helpful if you bring someone along.

3) Do something that makes you happy. As cliché as this sounds, it’s very important. Having a sense of familiarity will help bring back happier feelings, resulting in a sense of comfort. For me, these things include: reading, taking pictures, and drawing. 

4) Ask for help. This is THE hardest thing you’re going to come to terms with. I may be more stubborn than others, but I have a really bad habit of being “too proud” (my best friend’s mom’s words) to ask for help. Think about it: you would want to know if your friend or family member needed help, so give them that opportunity. It will benefit both parties.

5) Stop being so hard on yourself. I’ll say it now – I am my own worst enemy. I have a terrible habit of blaming myself for just about EVERYTHING, and it’s really a horrible tendency. I think I would rather be at fault than blame someone else, so I find myself taking responsibility for a lot of things that I shouldn’t. This may not be to this extreme in your case, but just remember that getting through life isn’t easy. You’re doing a better job than you realize. 

I hope this post didn’t come off negatively. I think we’re very quick to avoid talking about things like this and to frown upon the darker aspects of life, but they’re extremely important in aiding in personal growth and understanding who we are. While my hardships have been extremely difficult to overcome (and I am still enduring many), I cannot honestly say I wish they didn’t happen. They are a part of who I am and who I will be in the future. I hope this was a beneficial read, and please feel free to come to me for help or advice. 

Very truly,
Taylor