Let's face it, we all are broken. We all are puzzle pieces cut and designed in different ways and for different reasons. Everyone, even the happiest to be alive, are struggling with something, but some people are just better at hiding it. People have so much on their plates and carry the world on their shoulders. Some people carry heartbreak, while others carry guilt. Some people struggle with getting good grades in school, while others have a hard time making friends. We all are dealing with something -- even if some of us don't want to admit it. We all show a poker face while on the inside we are screaming and gasping for air. Us being perfectly imperfect is the most humane part of us. Our trials, the tears we cry and even the internal and external problems we face are the very factors that allow the design and shape of our unique puzzle piece to be made. It is what makes us who we are and helps us find the puzzle that are puzzle piece belongs in!

1. You are NOT alone!

Even in the darkest moments in your life, there will always be some source of light in your life. For me, it is my family, my friends, God, my miniature Dachshunds, music, reading and writing. For you, it may be your family, friends, a hobby or even the beauty of nature. You just have to find your light; find the things that make you happy, surround yourself with people who support you no matter what and think about anything that makes life worth living.

There are people in your life that will support you no matter what. They will be there to catch you when you fall, as a shoulder to cry on or even as an ear to listen to your life problems. If you don't have friends in your life that support you no matter what or support you for the wrong reasons, find a new group of friends. If your family doesn't support you, find a teacher or professor, family friend, or some one else that does. You are never alone. You just have to welcome people with open arms to care about you by simply telling them what's wrong or asking for help.

2. Fangirl/ geek out over the things you love.

For me, I fan girl and am absolutely obsessed with the shows "The Vampire Diaries" and "American Horror Story." I am in love with the characters (especially Damon Salvatore and Tate Langdon, because lets face it, who doesn't love Ian Somerhalder or Evan Peters). The plot line and the fact that I can escape from reality for a little while and yell and grin at the TV for a whole hour is so helpful. Now that these shows are on Netflix, I can escape from reality even longer. It is definitely okay in my book to escape from reality every so often by geeking out over a TV show, movie or book. Find what you geek out or fangirl over and embrace it! While you have to face reality sooner or later, it is always good to take a breather and a break from the obstacles life is throwing at you. These shows are two of the things that make me happy and when I'm having a bad day; after watching them I am filled with good vibes again.

3. Take in the beauty of nature and get some fresh air.

This may make me sound like a hypocrite, because I just started spending time in nature after receiving an Eno hammock from my brother and his girlfriend for a graduation present, but just going into nature and appreciating the beauty around you will make you feel so much better. Let me just say I can't get (Eno)ugh of my Eno! (corny joke alert). Whenever I am stuck studying or doing homework in my dorm, I take my Eno out to the wilderness. It is always good to get a change of scenery, so you don't get too stressed out or depressed when you have a heavy load of homework.

I also like to listen to the sounds of nature while walking to class, and I try to figure out where those sounds are coming from. This reminds me of how beautiful life is and how much life is worth living. I also like to slow down and take time to look at how the trees sway in the wind, or even listen to the birds chirping. If I just close my eyes and listen for just a moment, I can escape from my mile long to-do list and take in the fact that I am alive and living in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

4. Think about the good things that have happened to you in your life.

I like to keep a little jar beside my bed and each day I write on a little slip of paper one good thing that happened that day, whether it be amazing food that I ate that day, a compliment some one gave me, a good grade I got on a test or even something fun I did. I then read all of the amazing memories placed in my jar on every New Year's Eve.

5. Think about why you are thankful and write in a journal every day to pour out all of the feelings you have bottled up inside.

I also like to write in a journal everyday. On one page I write a list of at least five things I am thankful for. Thinking of things you are thankful for on a daily basis can give you perspective and it will make you feel happy to just be alive. Then, I write a journal entry about the things that happened through out the day to pour out my feelings and to find the positive sides of situations I have gone through, through out the day. Positivity and not bottling up your feelings are two of the main keys to happiness.

"Don't worry about a thing, because every little thing gonna be alright" -- Bob Marley

Remember, that you are loved and that you are worthy of being loved. No matter what you go through in your life, there is alway light at the end of the tunnel and everything happens for a reason. There are always people in your life that will move mountains to make sure you are okay, to be there for you no matter what and to help you. You just have to let them into your life with open arms! Remember positivity, openness, being thankful, reminessing about good memories, not bottling up your feelings and having people who support you no matter what is one step further to being happy. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you, if you do these things the journey will be easy and things won't be hard, but these things will prepare you to get you through any obstacle that comes your way! I hope you live life to the fullest and find your happiness somewhere along this journey called life!