When trying to manage all of the different aspects of our lives, it can become difficult to allow the beauty of life to enter into our lives. Late and restless nights can are accompanied by long, drawn-out days that brings us no authentic joy. Our calendars are packed with work, school events, social hang-outs, but no time for ourselves. When did life become so busy, to the point of forgetting about all of the positive things it can offer us?

I’m no exception. Doing things in life while forgetting about dedicating time for ourselves has gotten easier over time. I find myself focused on schoolwork, making social plans, and working. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my friends. But, sometimes with all of the other things that are going on in our lives, we dedicate too much time to those around us, and not enough time for us.

Each day, life offers us with so much that can often be overlooked. We’re alive, and it’s time to start actually living. Life has so many beautiful aspects that it can provide us with, but these can go unnoticed based on what is going on in the world around us. Even on the coldest days, you can look around and see life everywhere. For example, when walking to class, instead of looking down at your phone, look up and see the beauty that is being presented right in front of you.

I am grateful for this life. Although it seems easy at times to think that life is going against you, it really can be beautiful. Just think about your body. Even on your worst days, it keeps you alive. Every day, the world has so much life, even with the tragedies that happen. People keep living on, despite the hardships.

We only get one chance at living this life. If we spend too much time focusing on the negatives, and if we spend too much time consumed with other people’s lives, we can forget about the beauty that our own life provides us with. When you feel like nothing is going right for you, just remember that God created you for a reason. He believed that the world needed someone like you because of all that you have to offer.

The next time you’re feeling stressed about work, school, or whatever is present in your life, try to take a look around outside. Pick out five beautiful things that you see. It’s important to remember that although what you’re stressed about matters to you at that moment, life can be so much more than that. As a college student, it can be difficult to remember this, but it’s always something to keep in mind.

Never let the stress or craziness of the world distract you from the beautiful life that you are living.