We’ve all had those moments where it seems getting out of that pit of despair would be an epic journey, if not impossible altogether. Some of us, more so than others, have seriously contemplated permanently faltering into the sea of abyss by committing suicide. While I personally have not struggled so severely that I wanted to end my life for good, I know several people who have felt this way. And I am also aware that love and words of support alone are not (always) enough to save a help – but they can sometimes help. Nevertheless, we all could use encouragement and reminders of why we should stay here on this planet.
1. To see another glorious sunset
2. To witness another sunrise
3. Because you matter
4. So you can pet a dog and have it lick your whole face
5. To feel the breeze on your face
6. To taste the sweetness of an ice cream sundae
7. So you can hear a child’s innocent laugh…
8. …And one day have children of your own that will laugh gleefully with you
9. So you can finish the end of a really, really good book
10. To listen to your favorite song at top volume with your eyes closed
11. In order to make a difference – “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” –Ronald Reagan
12. To fall in love
13. To have a good cry and feel worlds better afterwards
14. To laugh so hard that you can't breathe
15. For your parents
16. Because this world is beautiful, and you're a part of it for a reason
17. To meet new friends that show you the world from new perspectives
18. For all the times you feel happiness swelling in your chest and you can't control the size of your grin
19. To feel the squish of wet sand between your toes
20. In order to explore the world
21. To smell sweet, freshly-cut grass
22. To see a full moon and wonder if there's other life out there somewhere
23. So you can wish upon a shooting star
24. To kiss someone like you mean it
25. Because people care about you and want to see you prosper, grow, and discover yourself
26. So you can take cute Polaroids of moments you'll cherish forever
27. To drive your car down the streets with the windows down, the radio blasting and the wind zipping through your hair
28. To experience a concert and sing at the top of your lungs
29. So you can look in the mirror and think, "Wow, I'm beautiful."
30. Because you deserve to celebrate another birthday
31. So you can smell the earth after a rainstorm
32. To bake cookies with your friends
33. To party your butt off at the club
34. To appreciate nights in watching Netflix, whether solo in the comfort of a fuzzy blanket or in the company of loved ones
35. So you can discover talents you never knew you had
36. In order to experience the raw pain of heartbreak because, even though it hurts an incredible amount, it's a crucial part of the human experience
37. For yourself
38. To go for a run and feel the soreness in your calves and the aching in your lungs
39. So you can hug and be hugged
40. To smell the blissful aromas of your favorite foods
41. Because life itself is beautiful
42. So you can overcome obstacles you never dreamed you would be able to tackle
43. To stargaze and have nothing on your mind except the twinkling lights
44. For the magical feel of holidays like Christmas
45. So you can people-watch and be in awe at how different yet similar we all are
46. For late night talks on all things philosophy and other subjects that will blow your mind
47. To be able to smell the addicting odor of playdough
48. Because you want to see your friends grow and become better people
49. In order to have the wholesome "human experience" we call life
50. So you can see a rainbow and realize that, at the end of the day, there's hope.
Stick around. Get help. You are loved and it's worth it.
