Could tell me about a time when you felt overwhelmed?

I don’t think I’m alone when I say that, since leaving high school in 2013, I’ve felt somewhat overwhelmed trying to adjust to ‘adult life’ and managing the responsibilities and social pressures that accompany it. As a 17 year old, I only concerned myself with trying to fit in with the other kids and maintaining adequate marks in my classes. Admittedly, this time had its own pressures – popularity being the most salient element of day-to-day life. Who did you hang out with at lunch? Were you invited to the latest house party? Did you have a girlfriend yet? Whilst this was stressful in itself, I was aware that everyone else was in the same boat and my group of tight knit friends kept me in check.

However, things have changed since, what I now realise, were the stress free school days. Sticking to the same analogy, we have now ‘abandoned ship’ and I’ve found myself struggling to stay afloat without the safety raft that was Craigmount High School. Seeing those with whom you shared a classroom, travelling the world, getting married and achieving success in their respective careers is of course wonderful; however, it serves as a constant reminder of the progress you have made in the period since. In a world where we now aspire to ‘Instagram influencers’ and reality TV show stars as our role models, its important to remember that social media is not an accurate representation of an individual’s real life, although, having said that, this serves as little consolation when you see that Joe Bloggs has gone from picking his own nose at lunch to travelling Thailand with his wife while taking a sabbatical from his executive position in a matter of a few years.

Whilst I understand that this does not represent the majority of my high school peers, it can be difficult to avoid comparisons and to stay focused on your own life. I have found it far too easy in recent years to live by my own misguided mantra, “if I don’t try, I won’t fail” and avoid taking any risks. The bucket list that I created as a teenager remains largely untouched whilst I count the years tick by. (Older readers will roll their eyes knowing that, at the time of writing, I’m approaching my 24th birthday). However, the feeling remains and I understand that, to overcome this feeling of being overwhelmed, I need to work on my motivation and mind-set in general. I need to do what I want to do, eliminate the fear holding me back and commit.

So, I’ll leave you with this. Carpe diem. Seize the day.