As you well know, there have been far too many devastating events that have plagued our world the past few weeks. Our nation is grieving, our people are frantic and our government seems disinterested. I have contemplated writing something about my thoughts on the issues, or what we should do moving forward, but let’s face it, what can I say that hasn’t already been said?
On the same note, there is only darkness and heartache everywhere we look and I, for one, do not want to contribute to it anymore. Below I have compiled a list of 10 things that don’t suck in hopes that we can take a moment to remember that there are purely good things in the world, despite the hatred and angst surrounding it.
1. Puppies
Obviously, these had to be first. I mean, basically, any baby animal is Number One in my book.
2. Ice cream
Oh, you’re lactose intolerant? Here’s lactose-free ice cream. Can’t have gluten? No problem! Do you like yogurt? Try it frozen! Any way you slice it (or scoop it), ice cream definitely doesn’t suck.
3. Nature
Look around you, man, it’s beautiful out there. Beaches, mountains, valleys, sunsets, all the things. The world is brimming with beauty that’s all at our fingertips. And you know, succulents don't suck either.
4. Sleeping in
There’s really nothing quite like turning off your regularly scheduled alarm the night before and sleeping until you wake up on your own time.
5. Summer time
The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and you may even have a little break from the regular routine. This is your time to kick back, get a tan and binge watch your favorite TV show. That seriously doesn’t suck.
6. Finding money
This needs no explanation. You found money in your pocket, how much better can it get?
7. Water
“Hallie, really? Water?” Yes! We take water for granted on the daily. We’ve got clean, fresh drinking water available almost everywhere we go, and it’s a big luxury in other places. All I’m saying is that water is great.
8. Making someone laugh
Man, what a feeling. You just brightened their day and in return, doesn’t your day look a little brighter, too?
9. Crushing your goals
Maybe your only goal for the day was waking up, and look at you! Out of bed and everything (or maybe not, but at least your eyes are open). Whether your goals are big or small, there’s definitely something to be said for.
10. Time with good people.
I tell ya, spending time with the right people can be all the change we need. If you’re feeling particularly down, surround yourself with your favorite people. I dare you to tell me the world doesn’t look a little brighter after some serious quality time (double dog dare).
So there you have it. Maybe those aren’t your personal top 10 things that don’t suck, but that’s not even the point, really. This article by no means is meant to downplay the struggle going on in our world, nor is it meant to attempt to ignore it. However, I think it’s important that we all take a second to remember the good things in life, recenter on what matters, and refocus on the things that give us life.
Darkness cannot fuel us. The more we dwell on hopelessness and horror, the more we breed it. So take some time for yourself today to remember things or people that make you truly, blissfully, and uncontrollably happy and tell them how much they mean to you. Let’s turn the tide on hate and violence and let love love. Give a random act of kindness and let your kind actions speak for themselves.
