I enjoy writing, there is something about putting your thoughts into sentences along with sharing them that just feels so liberating.

It really is not natural to be this open about your feelings and emotions, especially when I post it on most of my social media platforms, therefore a wide range of people can read them.

I feel though, if I can open one individual’s mindset towards life then my purpose on these blog-posts have been served.

I have said before and I mean it, I am on this earth to create a positive difference.

Exam season – the final month before summer kicks in and everything all comes in at once.

Last week, I probably had one of the most mentally draining weeks I have experienced in a long time.

It’s the end of April, deadlines are due. Exams are approaching. Friends are stressing because they won’t see each other for summer.

People like me, haven’t a clue what is the next step after college or (if you’re in the leaving cert).

‘So, what are you going to do now that you are finished?’

That’s a lovely question.

Now, I will forever find opportunities for myself and I have an idea what routes I would like to take, but in saying that, I am not sure which road to take first.

I was feeling down, un-motivated and questioned my own ability to maintain friendships due to being in a bubble of stress.

My coping mechanism sometimes when I feel a bit lost, is to avoid social interaction and I went home to Mayo for the week.

Do not get me wrong, I love my home and my family. But it did make me realise that really is not where I would like to be for the coming years of growing up.

My mother told me, ‘Alisha, I still haven’t a clue what I would like I would like to be when I am older.’

We are all in the same boat and although there are high expectations created for us, I’m sure whatever you decide to do next will lead you into a situation where you meet somebody special, an amazing opportunity or one good story for the diary.

Some other topics to take into thought this crazy exam season –

1. People will say many things but, in my opinion, actions speak louder than words. If someone claims to care / to have respect for you but does an action that clearly only represents their happiness, let that be because it is their life too.

You need to realise that it means you might not be a priority in their situation anymore and you know what, that’s okay too. You cannot shout from the rooftops and force somebody to act by your feelings.

Throwing your toys out of the pram will do nothing but make you look bad so try walking away with your toys, that will have a bigger impact.

Do not waste your time on this earth stressing about what could have been done.

2. You don’t understand why three essays are due on the same day with exams all within days after one another? I feel the same, let’s have a cry. (You may be crying at an under-lying issue) but if you need to cry, cry.

You need to rant? Just ask somebody can you rant away and just have that minute or two of ramble.

Giggly as can be? Bend over laughing and keep going until your sides hurt.

Do not suppress your emotions. They will only end up coming out anyways but at the wrong time.

3. Understand at some point, everyone is going to, or has experienced some sort of mental health journey.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

I am generally a happy and social person, so you wouldn’t really think, but even my anxiety even flares at the best of times, I am just good at hiding these things.

(To be honest, that even felt strange typing it out aloud.)

With one of the most stressful times of the year, our emotions are heightened.

The only way you can sometimes feel better is to feel assured, take a breather and a hug.

It may be a restless night, a panic attack, biting your nails, clenching your firsts, being on your own, finding your escapism or just over-thinking about the smallest of things.

Anyone on this earth could experience that on the daily, so talk about it. A problem shared is a problem halved. It will not sound any way strange because most of us feel that way.

Also, offer to be that person who listens. Be kind to those because as cliché as it sounds, you never know what someone else is going through.

When you try to be a good person also, you feel good too. Why not hit the two birds with one stone?

I want anybody who reads this blog-post to know that we may never have properly spoken before, my door is always open at any time for someone in need of advice or a shoulder to cry on.

4. A lot easier said than done, but please try your very hardest this exam season. Yes, many of things are due, things probably feel like they are crumbling around you.

You need to make sure your flights for the summer are booked, every artist decides to go on tour, your college house always seems like it needs to be hoovered and no matter how hard you try, a regular sleeping pattern will be a name you haven’t heard in weeks.

Real friends and loved ones will understand you’re busy and support your stressful time.

Do not give up on the final lap. Power through and the results will follow. If they don’t, you can always say you gave it your all.

All the best,

Lisha xxx