2016 has been rough year, to say the least. Between the horrific nightclub shooting in Orlando, the fact that our two presidential candidates take to Twitter to battle out their differences and the deaths of superstar artists and athletes such as David Bowie and Mohammad Ali, it seems like all that has been happening in this world recently is hateful, alarming and just plain sad. On days where I feel like everything is hopeless, I try to keep these little ideas in mind.
1. Nothing lasts forever
I saw a quote on Facebook years ago that has always stuck with me: “Everything in life is temporary… if things are rough right now, don’t worry, they can’t last forever.” Remember that everything, even your worst nightmare come true, will end.
2. Start with yourself
People want to change the world, and they see the world as something that should be changed. If you look at yourself, and change to be the best person you can be, you have already made a difference in the world. Set an example and be someone that others want to be like. You can start a chain reaction with just a little change.
3. See the beauty
“Think of the beauty still left around you and be happy.” Anne Frank wrote this in her diary as she hid from Nazis during World War II. A girl who hadn’t felt the sun shine on her face in years, who lived in a country where she was targeted simply based on her beliefs, believed in the good in people and the world. That will forever amaze me, and I hope it forces people to see the good in their bad situation as well.
4. Be grateful.
The scariest part about life is that there are no guarantees. One day, you may wake up to see that the people and things that you love are no longer around. I have never let a day go by without telling my family, my friends and even my dog that I love them. Knowing that someone is happy that you’re in their lives is the best feeling ever. You never know what a kind word can mean to someone.
5. Love will always overcome hate.
One of my favorite bands has a song that goes, “Always love, hate will get you every time.” I believe that being kind and loving people for who they are can really impact the world. Look at the Orlando shooting; rather than fighting back with words and violence, the gay community united together in love and grief. A terrible thing happening doesn’t mean your reaction has to be just as awful.
2016 is not the first year full of tragedy, and it certainly won’t be the last. It really can be hard to stay positive and hopeful in times where it seems like nothing else could possibly go wrong. Love, understanding, optimism and hope are the most powerful weapons in hard times, and they can only heal, not hurt.
