I get it: Life can be hard sometimes. In fact, sometimes the world can feel like one big ball of crap that just keeps getting bigger and bigger, spinning farther and farther out of control, eventually leaving you broke, breathless, and down right beaten. Or so I've been told.

But have no fear! I'm here! With a list!

Seriously though, if you're looking for someone to give you some sort of magic instructions to suddenly make everything better, then I'm not your girl. I can't offer you true happiness and I can't give you peace, not in a million years, and certainly not in one article. What I can do though is give you moments, little things to make you smile as you're fighting your way through that uphill battle of yours. Life may not be perfect, but I'm going to prove to you that it doesn't completely suck. Here's how.

1. Family Feud

Steve Harvey, the hero we need AND deserve. Bless his sweet soul; this divine host knows exactly what every single player is thinking when he says, "we asked 100 married women to name their favorite part of their husband's body," yet he still acts shocked and scandalized when someone FINALLY says it. And OF COURSE it's on the board, Steve. In vastly unstable times, this may be the exact type of certainty that we need.

2. Record Stores

In a world gone digital, it's sometimes nice to see good ol' brick and mortar standing strong. But not only that, record stores, and the world of vinyl in general, aren't just maintaining ground against the evil convenience of things like Tunes, but actively taking territory, reintroducing us to the technology that our parents held so dear. In a world gone crazy with progress, they've decided to take a meaningful step back. How badass is that? Not to mention, there's something uniquely wonderful about the one store that you call home, above all others (love you Sound Garden). If you haven't found your's yet, I encourage you to keep looking. Every city has at least one record store, sometimes hidden in the most unexpected of places. You don't even have to buy anything. Just step on in and take a good luck at the future quaking in its boots.

3. Wawa

Do I even need to say anything else?

See Also: Hoagiefest

See Also: Buffalo Chicken Mac'n'Cheese

See Also: Heaven

4. Inside Jokes

There's nothing inherently funny about them. In fact, maybe it's just a couple of random words that send you and the people that you care about most into a breathless fit of laughter. It's a group of talented, intelligent, young women laughing uncontrollably at "hand feets." It's hardworking, driven, college students losing their minds when they hear "I miss the old Kayne". It's whatever means something to you and your friends, and literally no one else. It's magic in its absolute simplest form, and it's one of humanity's purest achievements. We're all such wonderful weirdos.

5. Bo Burnham

Thank god someone finally understands that it's okay to not be so damn happy all the time. This wonderful standup comedian has made a name for himself by presenting the real, sometimes challenging, effects of insecurity and anxiety with gut-wrenching humor. You laugh, then you think, then you laugh again. All the while, you're not being talked down to. Whether you can relate or not, you're being trusted with the most personal parts of someone you don't even know. And judging by the fact that he's come back with another special (it's called "Make Happy" and it's on Netflix, so, if you haven't seen it yet, go, what are you waiting for?) I'd say that you handled that responsibility pretty well.

6. Driving with the Windows Down

Okay, so you need a few things to make this one happen, like a car, and, I guess, windows. But even if you don't have a ride yourself, I can imagine that you know someone with a car, or at least a fast tractor. Even a nice bus ride will do in a pinch. However you decide to get around, there is something incomparable about taking in a nice day through the wind whipping around you. Maybe even leave those puppies down as a storm begins to approach. Let the rain hit your face. Remember that some things actually are in your control. Hold on to that feeling.

7. All of the Things that You Wish I Had Added to this List

I'm big enough to admit it: I'm not perfect, and this list is seriously lacking. Where's that show that makes you laugh so consistently? What about the scones from the bakery down the street that taste like your childhood? How could I have possibly forgotten the way that you felt at your first concert, or when you met your best friend, or when you push yourself to run one more mile, even though you think you can't?

See, I didn't actually "forget" any of these things. I just couldn't fit them. There are, scientifically speaking, about one bazillion things in this world that make life worth living. I could never capture them all here, and you would never want me to. I said earlier that I wasn't the person to tell you how to be happy. Truth is, that person is you. Life is still crappy sometimes, no one is arguing there, but the real key to overcoming that crap is just remembering the things that aren't crappy to you, no matter how small they may seem. Put them all together, and they start becoming something truly formidable. Crap beware.

So that's it, that's the secret to taking back some footing in the avalanche that is life. It won't fix everything, but hey, as far as secrets go, it doesn't completely suck.