In today’s chaotic, violence-ridden age, it can be easy to picture the world as a horrible place. While we live in a frightening time filled with headlines of natural disasters, mass shootings, and political unrest, in order to keep pushing through, we must remember that there is still beauty out there. By sharing this beauty with others, we can make our lives a bit better.

1. Volunteer

The best way to help the victims of unfortunate circumstances is to donate time and resources to areas in need. Find a cause that speaks to you. By volunteering, you will meet selfless individuals who will inspire you and prove that most people are inherently good. In this fashion, you can be a direct agent for change in the issues that are the most important to you.

2. Call someone you miss

While at college, I’ve learned that calling my family and long-distance friends brings a smile to my face every time I do it. Sometimes, when I find myself focusing on the negativity, I need to call the most wonderful people in my life to assure myself that many like-minded amazing humans exist on this planet. Your best friend, your mom, your dog... so many fantastic beings inhabit Earth. It can’t be all bad.

3. Speaking of dogs, go pet some!

We all know petting dogs is a stress reliever. Need I say more?

4. Watch a sunset

Although simple, I have always found it humbling to sit outside as the sun is setting, taking in the colors of the sky and the buzz of the world around me. Simple joys are vital to our happiness, and the quiet act of enjoying nature can provoke much-needed reflection.

5. Make a new friend

It could be the girl you sit next to in lecture, the boy you see in the hallway every day or a member of a club you’re part of. The point is, the more people you befriend, the more you notice that there are many good people out there.

6. Make a list of positive moments in your day and only the positives

When you look for positive, you will find it. By training your brain to stop dwelling on the negative, you will find yourself much more content with life.

7. Complete a random act of kindness

An act of paying for someone behind you in the drive-thru or buying your best friend a bouquet of flowers out of the blue can be so simple and bring a smile to someone’s face. Be the reason for someone’s happiness today.

8. Try something that scares you

Whether it's skydiving, speaking up in class or calling that boy back, the best outcomes fall just out of reach of our comfort zones. By venturing outside this zone, we can find the thrills everyday life offers. Imagine a time when you tried something you were afraid to, and it worked out hugely in your favor. Risk equals reward and we have to remember to reward ourselves.

9. Turn off the news

I’m not urging you to stop following current events. I’m asking you to stop torturing yourself with every last detail. Instead, go out there and do something about it.

10. Keep living

Don’t stop living your life because you fear for what the next day may bring. Keep doing what you love before you lose sight of what drives you. Your passions light your fire, and what this world needs right now is people standing up for what they are passionate about.

Accepting reality is one thing, but challenging the negative stigma around the present evokes thought and inspires others to do the same. The ripple effect of optimism seems to be what society truly needs in what appear to be some very dark days.