For the past few weeks, I have found myself in a constant battle with school and homework leaving me no time for myself or time do things that I enjoy. The stress of college applications and AP classes have left me struggling to find reasons to stay positive and to stay happy. I have decided to use my position at the Odyssey to list a few things that can make us all, no matter how different our struggles are, smile and stay positive. Here's what I thought of:
1. Lady Gaga's new album, Joanne.
2. Dogs and Cats that have their own social media
3. Finding pennies in the school parking lot
4. Writing articles for the Odyssey
5. The smell of a fresh pot of coffee in the morning
6. Crunchy leaves
7. The semester almost being over
8. The Hamilton Mixtape is dropping soon
9. Dr. Strange is in theaters
10. Peppermint mochas from Starbucks
11. Christmas decorations already being put out
12. Smelling all the candles at Hobby Lobby
13. The air becoming colder as winter truly begins
14. The 2016 Presidential Election finally being over
15. Chrissy Teigen's twitter rants
16. The Special Books For Special Kids Facebook page (look it up)
17. Tiny sweaters for kittens and puppies
18. Buying half-priced candy after Halloween
19. Taking your socks off after a long day
20. Taking naps after class
21. Stranger Things season two teasers
22. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has a five movie deal
23. Finally being able to start wearing thick winter coats
24. Reading a new book
25. Daylight savings time
26. Meeting new people
27. Cupcakes
28. Sweater weather
29. Peppermint bark
30. Planning Thanksgiving parties
31. New headphones that fit perfectly
32. Starting a new TV show and loving it
33. Having a good song stuck in your head
34. Netflix adding new shows and movies every month
35. Relaxing in your favorite pajamas
36. Bonfires
37. The sound of a thunderstorm as you fall asleep
38. Gathering firewood
39. Raking a huge pile of leaves - then jumping in it
40. Bubble baths
41. Treating yourself to fast food
42. Seeing the sunset through the clouds
43. Looking at the stars
45. Finding money in the pocket of your jeans
46. New shoes
47. Sleeping late
48. Feeling refreshed when you wake up
49. Winning an argument
50. Looking forward to getting a package in the mail
51. Getting a card from a loved one
52. When kids draw pictures for you
53. Finally finishing something you never thought you would
54. Fireflies
55. Calling a family member just to talk to them
56. Getting the jeopardy questions correct
57. Playing a board game and winning
58. Wearing sweatpants and a comfy t-shirt
59. Finding a perfect hat
60. The Beatles
61. When babies smile at you
62. Complimenting a stranger and seeing how happy it made them
63. Typing on an old keyboard
64. New headphones
65. Pizza
66. All types of pasta
67. Watching funny YouTube videos
68. Getting a good grade on a test you thought you failed
69. Seeing the new Snapchat filters every day
70. Random acts of kindness
71. Finding someone who has the same interests as you
72. Having an intelligent debate, rather than an argument
73. Watching a new movie for the first time
74. Trying something new
75. Taking walks
76. Finally remembering that word on the tip of your tongue
77. Birthday cake
78. College acceptance
79. Getting new jeans that fit
80. Finishing a project earlier than you thought you would
81. Understanding a hard concept on the first try
82. Buying a new phone case
83. Winning a board game
84. Finding out that your favorite book is getting a movie
85. Fluffy socks
86. Scarves
87. Weird buzzfeed quizzes
88. Elf on the Shelf
89. Meeting new dogs
90. That first cup of coffee in the morning
91. Any type of pie
92. Playing a video game and beating your high score
93. Thanksgiving break!
94. Unity
95. Learning a new hobby
96. Getting a well needed haircut
97. That 'new car' smell
98. Weird hair color
99. Christimas being right around the corner
100. You are alive
With recent events, such as the election, having just happened, we find ourselves facing a lot of stress and unhappiness. I know that I have been having a hard time with my own struggles this holiday season, so I wanted to try and supply some well deserved happiness to all of my readers. I love you and we will get through this together.
