My hectic schedule runs me to the point of exhaustion and keeps me stressed out. Having someone to talk with brings the relief I need.
College. Job. Money. Car. Homework.
Did I let the dog out? Does everyone have their stories in? When is the English book due? What time is the bowling meet? Have I practiced? What am I forgetting?
My life is one twisted merry-go-round, where the child’s ready to puke but his brother won’t let him off. My parents are divorced, so I’m switching houses every week. This calls for two schedules and constant communication. Some hefty honors classes plus band and journalism leave me with little extra time. Many times I go to bed with my head still reeling, trying to figure out how to get everything done and yet still do my best.
I always find second semester to be the most exhausting. There aren’t as many holidays or sporadic days off like first semester; classes start getting harder; and because it’s cold out, I find myself stuck indoors often. One of my major stress-relievers includes taking walks, so being cooped up inside makes me go a little stir-crazy.
Like any person, my life isn’t perfect. I’m a little messed up; there are problems with my family and my friends. I make mistakes and have to deal with the consequences. Everything I deal with can get stored up inside, like cleaning my room by shoving everything into the closet. One day when I open the closet, BAM! Everything falls on top of me.
Recently, I realized the extremely simple solution to this problem. I’ve become close friends with another person who is willing to let me spew my heart out anytime I need to. He’ll listen to my rantings, my fears, my hyper happiness and anything between. When he needs it, I do the same. Together, we keep each other sane. Nothing is so important to my well-being.
Some people think that if you talk about your problems with them, they have an obligation to solve them for you. Most of the time, that’s not it at all. I believe everyone needs a sympathetic ear—someone who will not give advice unless you ask, but who will listen. It feels so good to be able to express my thoughts and feelings without any restrictions, and also to be trusted with another’s.
I’ve been complaining to him about writing a column. I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to say. By talking it out, I realized what I was trying to say, and the words began to flow. I’m sure we’ll have a conversation about it now that it’s done.
Finish Latin, check math, practice horn, have editors read over column, look at college stuff, read book, find something to eat — But, most importantly, keep myself sane. And I’m doing that simply by talking it out.
