Starting school again and getting back into the swing of things was harder than I expected. I knew it was going to be an academically challenging year, but I wasn't prepared for how emotionally drained I would be day after day. The combined stress of extracurriculars, athletics, academics, work, and random commitments was and is probably more than I should've taken on. However, I have a great coping mechanism-one that doesn't involve calming yoga or binge watching Netflix-I have phenomenal friends.
They're the ones who are always there for me, asking me how my day is going, reminding me of things I am constantly forgetting, cheering me up, poking fun at me, and just generally running through the great race of life right by my side. If I have a bad day, they make me laugh. If I have a good day, they listen all about it, even when I exaggerate the details. But most of all, they never put me down. Yes, they tell me when I might and do make a regretful decision and then make fun of me afterwards, but they are the type of people who value my importance and never let me doubt my worth for a second. I appreciate that more than anything, especially as someone who is easily affected by negativity. With them, I never have to pretend. They truly have my back, and they make even the hard and horrible days some of the best.
