One of my dearest friends was once struggling with extreme depression. I had known that he wasn’t in the best place mentally, but I didn’t know just how much he was struggling until he told me he was contemplating suicide. I didn’t really know how to react at first, but I knew I needed to be there for him.

For a while, he didn’t want to talk much about it. His reasoning was that he had nothing to stay alive for. This made me more upset than anything else. My friend, you do. There is so much in this amazing world to live for. You are so loved. Even if you don’t realize it. I promise you. You have so much to live for.

Here are just a few things.

1. Summer evenings.
2. The taste of ice cold water on a hot morning.
3. Warm showers with your favorite body wash.
4. Road trips with your friends.
5. Hot cocoa.
6. Cuddling a baby animal.
7. The first burn on a new candle.
8. The smell of old books.
9. Hugs from your parents.
10. Getting your hair washed at the salon.
11. The ocean.
12. Watching your favorite movie with a bucket of super buttery popcorn.
13. Fresh sheets.
14. Finding the perfect outfit.
15. Going on a walk and getting back in touch with nature.
16. Nutella/peanut butter.
17. Buying your first car.
18. Planting a flower or tree and watching it grow.
19. Your favorite music.
20. Going to an art museum and seeing a new exhibit.
21. Traveling somewhere new.
22. Going to the beach.
23. Nighttime adventures.
24. Mini golf.
25. Hanging out with kids.
26. Getting back in touch with old friends.
27. Learning a new instrument.
28. Furniture shopping for a new home.
29. Watching your friends get married.
30. Trying new styles.
31. Family reunions.
32. Putting on a warm sweater in winter.
33. Trips to the aquarium.
34. Staying up until 3 AM with your best friend.
35. Eating whipped cream fresh out of the can.
36. Macaroni and cheese.
37. Receiving letters in the mail.
38. Impromptu dance parties.
39. Landing the perfect job.
40. Fresh tea.
41. Breaking in a new notebook.
42. Completing your first marathon.
43. Falling in love.
44. Falling out of love.
45. Finding your life mate.
46. Discovering a new talent.
47. Discovering a new passion.
48. Your future family.
49. Your future self.
50. This moment. You are loved and you are important.

Never forget that this world will be changed if you choose to leave. You are valued and you have worth beyond what you may be able to see.

Life is worth it, my friend. We need you.