Amidst exams and the stress of college, long days and longer weeks, we have to realize the enjoyment of the little things in each day. It’s easy to get lost in schoolwork, where reflections of the day only muster stressful feelings of what still needs to be done or grades that haven’t yet been posted. Even if you don’t worry that much about your classes, college still brings stress in other aspects and worrying about other things. We all need to start the day with positivity so here is a letter to encourage you all to remember the wholesome things of each day, a daily reminder to find happiness in the little things.
Wake up with a purpose and a smile, two essentials for tackling each day. Don’t wake up with worries from the day, two days, or any day previous. You can’t start a great day by dwelling on things that already happened, mistakes that you can’t change. Move forward and find comfort in realizing those moments have passed and aren’t a part of the present anymore. Love yourself and who you are now.
Think before you speak. I know sometimes we all say things that get interpreted the wrong way or bring about conflict, an unintentional end to an innocent beginning. We get caught up in how our words affect others after we've said them, so avoid unnecessary worry by choosing your words carefully, but not to the point of never saying anything. Don’t under any circumstances be afraid to say what’s truly on your mind. If something bothers you, speak up. Appreciate every good conversation and don’t stress over the ones that didn’t go the way you’d hoped.
Be strong and love everyone. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Wait three more seconds just to hold the door for someone. Doing things for others will inevitably light a spark, courtesy is a chain reaction. Making someone else’s day will unavoidably make yours too.
Find comfort in enjoying the little things in life. Be the only one smiling on a rainy day and laugh until you’re the only one still laughing. Spend the extra dollars on your favorite coffee when you need a pick-me-up. Never let anyone make you feel bad for doing what you love.
Let yourself live a little, stop worrying so much about what other people think. It’s easier said than done, but I guarantee that you’re the only one analyzing the situation, everyone else has already moved on. Accept each day for what it is. Never let stress take place of happiness. Don’t analyze your present mistakes; let the past be the past. Find comfort in the fact that we literally all make them.
Never underestimate the importance of a call home or a text to a friend you don’t get to see as much. Empower yourself, but appreciate the support from your friends and family. When you’re with people, be present. Put the phone down in those moments, everything else can wait.
Stop counting down the days until the weekend, a vacation, summer, or anytime you think will be better than now. Make today great. You miss out on the chances and laughs that could be today when you’re constantly wishing for something more.
