Resilience

As the end of the year is fast approaching I know that I am definitely being worn out from everything that has happened this year so far so I thought I would post something to help both myself and you guys to get back up on our feet and to be ready for the busy season ahead.

This year for me personally has been the most challenging year I have ever experienced. Being in my final year of high school and with the big dreaded HSC exams looming above my head I think it would be a bit of an understatement if I said that this year hasn't been stressful. Along with facing issues at church and also a family emergency, it hasn't been easy to pick myself up.

There are a few things that have really helped me this year and I wanted to share these things to you guys so that hopefully it will help everyone to bounce back!

• Family - I have no idea what I would do without them. They have been there for me the whole time and have understood my pain, frustration and struggles. Admittedly, they have been the sponge for all my burdens, my tantrums, my stress and all my ranting. Not only have they continually supported me and gone above and beyond to provide me with whatever I need but they have also cut me so much slack for things I haven't done and the times I have failed or disappointed them. I know some people are not that close to their family but I think it is so important to develop a relationship where you can openly talk about all your issues and share some of your burdens so that you are not struggling alone.

• Friends - Although I think a lot of my friends were actually not aware of this but I have leant on them for so much support especially during my struggles with church. They have cheered me up time and time again and given me so much help. Even though I couldn't give back as much to them they helped me with school work, they have made me so happy and most importantly have given me so much good advice. If you're not comfortable with sharing your struggles with a big group of friends, find one or two people who you are closer with and when you feel like you are struggling they will pull you back up and be there for you.

• Living with a motto - I truly believe that living with a motto has made the biggest difference. For me I live by "everything has a meaning and reason for happening" and therefore when I am having a difficult time I know that there is a reason for it happening whether it be a sign to me that I need to change something or a way for me to grow and mature. Creating a motto for yourself is helpful because it enables you to always reflect on what you value and the way you should live your life because often while we are going through rough times we forget how to help ourselves to pick ourselves back up.

• Treat yourself - When I am going through a rough time I think it is important to treat myself to make myself feel better. For example I personally love food so I will take my family to a meal out and just pull myself away from whatever I am struggling with and spend some quality time with my family and eating some great food. Or if you are into shopping, to create a list of things you want to buy and then reward yourself with it (of course within reason!). Or if you just enjoy relaxing, try a pamper night where you can take a nice relaxing bath, maybe a face mask, maybe a bit of Netflix and just some general good quality time to yourself.

I know especially for everyone currently in year 12 it's hard to even think about stopping the worrying and stressing about exams and I know that you guys have all had some hard times this year but taking time out to just breathe and reflect is a great way to improve your mental wellbeing and just your general outlook on life.