For the first time in my life, I actually feel alone.

Everything around me feels so lofty and superficial, as if it can fade and disappear in an instant.

When someone extremely close to you feels devastated within their own problems, and you find that there is nothing you can do to help, what do you do? Sometimes the answer is to just be there. They say that you should just be an ear to listen to their worries, but to not let it affect you. Is this actually possible? Is it possible to be so cold, as to not let someone's torn emotions not take some toll or part in any of yours? On the contrary, it is unpractical (and possibly unreasonable) to let your emotions control your life.

There are things that need to be done. No one will do them if you just sit there and cry. Cry for what? Someone else? How does that help them? How does it help you?

It doesn't.

Just listen. Be there. Take a deep breath, and swallow it. Do what you need to do, and focus. Wallowing in the moment will not do any good to anybody.

Sometimes, you have to be that pillar of support. You just have to choose what material you are made out of. Will it be sand, or will it be granite?

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A piece of advice I heard recently from a successful professional is a technique in managing a busy lifestyle is to compartmentalize one's life. There is a time for academics. There is a time for family. There is a time friends. There is a time for yourself, your health, and your disabilities.

With that said, there's a time to be silly, and laugh. And there's a time to cry. Allot some time for all of the above, but don't intermingle them, and you'll find yourself healthier and more productive.

I think I'll try this.

In the end, you've only got you. Take care of what you've got.