Man, sometimes it feels like the world is stacked against you. Nothing you do turns out right. All your decisions feel wrong. You’re an outsider not fitting in. You’re out of place. You don’t get the punchline. Sometimes you feel like you are the punchline. You try to own it by saying it is not your day but the truth is you can’t remember ever having a different kind of day. This is it. This is you. This is your life. And the last thing you want to hear is “it’s okay” because you know it’s not okay. So, I’m not going to tell you that.

What I am going to tell you is to keep going. You keep moving. Even when you are discouraged. Even if you are exhausted. You keep showing up. Do not give up.

When you are tired find one beautiful thing to look at or listen to.

When you want to give up look at the sky and the horizon. This world is so big. Much bigger than you. Move around in it a little bit. Do something or go someplace new just to change your perspective.

When those thoughts of self-doubt and self-hate fill your mind make a list of things you are thankful for. Even if your list is as small as “waking up today” you make it and add to it tomorrow. If your list is 30 entries in a row of just “waking up today” then be thankful you have a list of a whole month you were able to wake up and have another day.

When it feels like no one likes you try smiling at someone. You don’t have to make chitchat if you don’t want to but you can smile quietly.

If you fail more than you succeed count your ability to rise as a talent.

If your hard days overwhelm you learn that self-care and self-regulating is a skill everyone must learn to do. This skill doesn’t just happen for anyone. Practice until you find what works for you. Remember, anything that takes practice means there is some trial and error. Keep working on it.

Maybe you already know these things but in case you don’t or have forgotten this post is for you. Hard days are going to come. We are all going to fail at some things. That by no means is the end of your story. Just the end of a chapter so turn the page and keep going.