When I was younger, I would questions why bad things happen to good people. I would wonder why natural disasters would happen and why cancer would exist. Coming from a Catholic background, it was hard for me to fathom that God would allow for such terrible things to happen. It wasn't until I was in high school on a school retreat that I realized everything truly does happen for a reason, and ever since, that saying has gotten me through the good and bad times.

First, people come into and out of our lives for a reason. People come into our lives to share their experiences with us. They teach us something whether we know it or not. I read a book this summer called "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Alborn, which I feel really explains how much one person can affect one's life. It is also bound for people to leave our lives. It may seem like a bad thing at first, but looking back, losing friends and family members makes a person stronger. Removing negative people in my life has made me so much happier these past few years. I have learned that by losing some people in my life, I was able to find some other amazing friends.

Second, it is okay for bad things to happen. Life is not perfect. In order to experience the good things in life, one must also experience the bad. It'll make you appreciate the happy moments so much more. The bad things in life teach us so many lessons and teach us to be strong. Each person is shaped by the bad experiences and memories they have encountered throughout their life. I've learned through this that one will never be handed something they can't handle. No matter what comes your way, you can handle it.

Lastly, it's okay to not know the reason behind something going on in your life. Just know that everything that occurs in your life is happening for a reason whether you know it or not. Eventually, that reason will reveal itself to you, and you will be grateful it happened.

So, why should you live life stressing about things? Once you realize everything happens for a reason, you will realize you cannot change your path- your destination and purpose- you will live your life more fully. Living this way will allow you to live a happier life. I can attest. Living each day to the fullest and not stressing about each little thing has caused me to enjoy life more and take each day one step at a time.