As a college student, I know that life can be stressful. It doesn’t help that I struggle with anxiety, and I sometimes perceive situations to be more stressful than they are. I think one of the things that has helped me the most, however, is thinking about the things that make me happy. It’s important to "stop and smell the roses", and this act many times helps to put things in perspective. Being able to go through and realize that there are things in life that bring me joy helps me know that the bad times aren’t permanent. Here are a few of the things that give me a source of peace in troubling times.

1. I am alive and healthy.

Not everyone has the luxury of living, and living well. While I may not take the greatest care of my body at times, it has my back for the moment and I’m doing pretty good. After a cup of coffee and about twenty minutes, I can say that I feel good when I get out of bed in the mornings. When I look at being alive, I’m happy.

2. I have people who love me.

Having people to fall back on is invaluable. I am constantly thankful for my mom, my family (including the otter fame), and my friends. When I’m down, they are there to help me in two ways. First, I can come to them with any issues I have and I know that these people will give me valuable advice and comfort me. Secondly, even if they are not around, looking back on these relationships and the joy they have given me already helps to remind me that "this too shall pass".

3. Dogs exist.

I think most people can agree that a good dog picture can make just about anything a little bit better. Just picture in your mind a German shepherd with its tongue hanging out looking up at you lovingly. Now if that doesn’t send happy signals rushing to your brain, you’re probably either evil or have a dog allergy. Nevertheless, the fact that such pure creatures exist never ceases to make me smile.

4. I'm going places.

If you’ve talked to me at all, you probably know that I really want to be a doctor. Going to class may be hard, but the end goal gets me there (usually). I love what I’m studying and I love the importance of it. Generally speaking, I’m pretty smart, and I can’t wait to see all of the cool things I’ll get to do in the future.

5. Things will get better.

The fact that I have been sad multiple times in my life is proof that things get better. You can’t have dark without light, just like you can’t have sadness without happiness. Feeling sad just means that at some point I’m going to be happy again. Even when it feels like the world is ending, the pieces will come back together and I’ll be happy. That knowledge makes me happy.