Sometimes days suck, but most times succulents don’t. So, how can I make my life more like a succulent? A succulent. Primarily independent, resistant to harsh weather conditions, and adorable. In other words, the ideal role model. Unfortunately, their subjective perfection makes them difficult to emulate. Which is not to say I have not, will not, and do not try each and every day.

But what does this look like? Am I going to drop to the floor like Spongebob and try to start photosynthesizing?

Should I wear all green?

Or, what if I only drank water once a week to prove my incredible drought resistance?

No. Instead, I want to imitate what the succulent represents— a droplet of joy amidst everyday commonalities.

But, you may be wondering: how? And for that questions I’ve done what all the cool succulents are doing nowadays. I made a list.

Stellar Strategies For Succ(ulent)ess:

Do something small every day that makes you smile.

This can be anything from treating yourself to that absurdly priced Starbucks drink, to watching the sunset (which is actually quite incredible from Mudd Field).

Take true, uninterrupted, stupendous study breaks!

I know this one can be hard, especially with final exams approaching faster that a Draco Lizard can spread its arms and fly, but do it. Needing inspiration? Catch me on Olin 2 running through the bookshelves at around 2:27am.

Notice the small things.

Everyone is moving so fast, always with places to be, but stop, look around, and smell the flowers. Walking back to my dorm with my friend Zoë, I made her stop in the 30° weather (please note we are both from states that do not experience temperatures colder than 45°) so I could scavenge this rose.

And finally, realize that at the end of the day, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE. Like this succulent. This succulent knows what’s up.