Burdened with news and headlines of unthinkable tragedies, political disagreement, and maddening uncertainty, it is not an overstatement to say that the past few months (or perhaps year) have been increasingly concerning.
Whether it is the consistent mass shootings, the refugee and immigration crises, or the United States' budding friendship with North Korea, many may feel this sense of desperation and pessimism.
So take a break from all the drama that seems like too much to handle and read some advice from some pretty exceptional people.
1. Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. -Franklin Delano Roosevelt
2. We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. -J.K. Rowling (Albus Dumbledore)
3. We have the oldest written constitution still in force in the world, and it starts out with three words, 'We, the people.' -Ruth Bader Ginsburg
4. Don't give up or give in in the face of patronising ridicule, amused disdain, or being ignored. -Meryl Streep
5. This is important: to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas. The world is crisscrossed by roads that come closer together and move apart, but the important thing is that they lead towards the Good. -Pope Francis
6. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground. -Rosa Parks
7. You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. -Mahatma Gandhi
9. The essence of America - that which really unites us - is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion - it is an idea - and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. -Condoleezza Rice
10. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. -Martin Luther King, Jr.
So keep your heads up and remember to see the good.