Do you ever have those days when life just sucks? You blew a tire on the highway, you're late to work, and your boss is on you about some minor mistake you made six months ago. Sometimes, life gives you a big middle finger right in the middle of something important, and it does suck.
This time last year, I was struggling with the transition to college. I was on a color guard team I definitely did not feel like I belonged on, my grandmother was dying of brain cancer, and I had a newly discovered anxiety disorder. I ended up in the hospital twice, and got my first "D" on an assignment. I was drowning in lemons, so to speak. Life was giving me the ultimate middle finger when I was supposed to be having the time of my life.
So I went to counseling. I had been to counseling before, but not this way. Before, I saw a school counselor, who I felt judged me constantly when I was in a place where judgement shouldn't happen. This time, I saw someone who could relate; a college student, eager to help, not yet bored with their job. And he did help. Honestly, I was utterly amazed at the difference a caring counselor could make on a single life, let alone mine. He gave me some of the most important advice ever, and he helped me learn to love myself and not live in fear and loathing all the time.
From the rather miserable, under-confident person I was in September of 2015, I have become someone much more comfortable in talking to others and sharing things about myself with others. I learned so many things in the year since life dropped quite a dramatic set of bombs on me, and I'd like to share it with you.
First of all, be unapologetically you. If people judge you or are mean to you for being you, then they aren't people that should be in your life. You know the phrase, "cutting people off?" Take that seriously. Negativity is just not something you need. Instead, surround yourself with people who accept you for all your highs, lows, quirks and talents. Make friends with people who love the fact that you can juggle, or appreciate your complex view on foreign affairs. You should never have to apologize for or hide who you are.
Another piece of advice I have recently tried to start living by is simply, "choose happiness." Sure, you got a flat tire on highway this morning. But that hot guy stopped to help, right? Yeah, you were late to work, but you missed the morning meeting about how to Cc an e-mail, which you already knew how to do. Basically, try to take the best out of every bad situation. I know it can be tough; trust me. But if you can make two good things out of three bad events, you'll feel much better than if you thought of them as completely horrible and unsavory. Whenever I would have a bad day, my mom would tell me to tell her about one good thing that happened. It always got me to focus on the better parts as opposed to being constantly morose about the worse parts.
Don't give up on yourself. No matter how hard it may seem to get through the day, I know you can do it. If you're feeling sad, binge some cat videos or rent Finding Dory. Honestly, the best way I've found to cheer myself up is complimenting others. Simply telling someone they have on a cool shirt is enough to make their day sometimes. It's awesome to see how happy you can make someone else, and it always makes me smile when I can lighten up the world a little bit.
Lastly, always do something for yourself, even if it seems selfish. I call it my "Happy Action of the Day." Today, for instance, I went and decorated a mug with my friends. It doesn't have to cost money; your "Happy Action" can simply be taking a walk, or a bath, or listening to some songs from 2004, or petting a dog you meet at the park, or calling your little brother and talking to him about Star Wars for half an hour. There's plenty of options. I believe it's important to put your happiness on a level of importance, and just doing one thing a day that makes you happy can boost your overall mood tremendously.
No matter how you slice it, there's no one perfect formula for total happiness, but I've found that these tips work well for me in leading a more positive, healthy, happy life. If you're struggling to find something that works, try this. But, if all else fails, there is always cheese bread.
