In present times, it's hard not to fear what our future entails with all the tragedy occurring around the globe. Time after time I see people focusing intently on the negativity going on around the world, which is quite understandable. I believe we do have reasons to fear, but in times like these, it's essential that we remember there are still some things worth holding onto. As a wise hobbit once said, "there's some good in this world... and it's worth fighting for" (Tolkien reference for those uneducated in fantasy literature). Without further ado, here are some "little" things that make living a little better.
1. Literature
I know not everyone is as big of a bookworm as I am, but literature is a pretty awesome concept. You take one person's imagination and thoughts into a fabricated story, and through their words their legacy lives on. We have access to the thoughts of poets and artists whom passed thousands of years ago, and through this we see how the human species has evolved... and the ways we haven't. Either way, literature can captivate us into a form of escapism or educate us on anything we desire. Appreciate your first world access to these literature pieces, because others would love to be surrounded by so much knowledge.
2. Art
Art is another example that resembles the same concepts of literature. It demonstrates how we as humans express ourselves... and it can be overwhelmingly rewarding when many people relate to the same pieces. It's interesting — we all seem to be quite different with different cultures and languages, but we still stand in awe in the presence of fine art created by the artists of the Renaissance or feel connected with people who appreciate the same "beauty" as you do.
3. Music
Okay now it just appears I'm listing off the arts but how could I not use music? Music has to be, by far, my favorite thing in this world. It has and forever will be my one muse that takes me away from all the sorrows of the world. You get lost in it, and seeing humans bond together through appreciating the same music is a beautiful thing to witness. It's something that makes you connect with people instantly, and you can make inferences on someone's personality by the type of music they listen to.
4. Sunrises & Sunsets
We aren't guaranteed much in this world... but one thing has always been and always will be true: the Sun will rise in the East and set in the West each and every day until the last days of Earth's existence. Not only that, but it's a spectacular sight to be able to witness. No sunset and sunrise are the same — it's a new beauty to feast your eyes on each and every day. From cotton candy skies to fierce yellows and reds, appreciate our beautiful painted skies.
5. The Ocean
I know it's not just me alone on this one... the ocean is a beauty and a force to be reckoned with. Its vastness resembles the abyss of our cosmos and seems to be never ending when looking out from one point of it. The fact that gravitational attraction from the Moon causes tides and the wind here on Earth causes waves should give everyone an appreciation for the coexistence of our planet and the cosmos. The ocean has been the muse of many and is full of endless beauty and life that often isn't appreciated enough. (also the fact that phytoplankton contributes to 90 percent of the Earth's conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen and allows us to breathe but EH). Always feel lucky to be placed on a planet that has such a compelling force on it.
6. Lazy Mornings
I don't think we appreciate lazy mornings enough. Sitting around drinking coffee, appreciating the company of others or the company of ourselves. There's a lot of hustle and bustle in this life, and sometimes you just need to slow down. Make breakfast and binge your favorite show with your favorite person in your robes.
7. Road Trips & Traveling
There's so much beauty in this world, and it's time to get out there and see it. The world might be in a scary state right now, but don't let that stop you from experiencing it. Whether it's walking the cobblestone streets that Picasso once tread or visiting Hobbiton in New Zealand, sometimes it doesn't even matter where you're going — it's who you're with.
8. Nice Strangers
In a time of worry, we don't go out of our way to speak to strangers anymore. We awkwardly dodge interacting with others by burying our faces in our phones. You never know the conversations you could have with someone or what someone's been through until you hear their story. Sometimes, one interaction with a kind stranger will change how you perceive the entire world and life. Try to smile around people and be kind — you really have no idea how far this can go for those facing difficult times
9. Overcoming Yourself
Our own minds and our own selves are truly are worst enemies. Overcome your prejudices, overcome your negativity.
10. The fact that you can make this life ANYTHING that you want it to be!
Maybe this one isn't so little... maybe none of these are really little honestly. But I think people forget this too often. There's a basic structure of life that our society tries to make us believe. "You must do this to make something of yourself, you must be this, be conformed" etc etc etc. Who the hell cares what anyone else is doing or saying if you're making your dreams come true. With enough work ethic, you honestly can be anything you want to be. Do anything you want to do. See the world, be the hero, eat A MILLION cheese fries (third one I guess is more of a personal aspiration... also might be exaggerated BUT YOU PEOPLE GET THE POINT). It's never too late to start over new. Learn a new hobby, move to a different country, be whoever you desire to be. This life is yours and you don't need the rest of the troubles in the world taking that away from you.
