Life can be difficult, incredibly difficult, and at times it may seem like the easiest thing to do is just give up. So it's important to find the things in life that are worth fighting for and never giving up on.
1. Education:
Whether it's high school, your undergraduate, graduate school, or learning beyond the walls of a school--education is vital. The world is teeming with wonderful new things to learn, new skills to gain, or history to discover. Never give up on education. Finish school, go to as much college as you feel fits you, and then always seek to learn as an adult. Go to museums, read books, take classes about things you love; we live in a world that is bursting at the seams with things we can learn, so study up!
2. Adventure:
There are 196 countries in the world today. If world travel isn't in your budget, there are 50 states. Explore. Life is too short and too precious to spend it all staring at the same scenery and doing the same things. There's nothing wrong with living in the same place for your whole life, but make sure you see some of the amazing world's we're living in. Climb mountains and float rivers. Can't afford to travel? Find adventure at home. Try new restaurants, drive to nearby towns you've never been, make your life into an adventure. Don't look back at your life and regret how little of it you spent truly living.
3. People:
7.5 billion people call planet Earth their home. 7.5 billion. That is an astronomical amount of people, so don't give up on them. No matter how many boys break your heart or girls put you in the friendzone. Out of 7.5 billion, there are bound to be some bad seeds. And there are! There are plenty of bad people in the world. I don't even have to list any because everyone knows this, but people are also a wonderful aspect of human life. Forming community and bonds with people is amazing and is something that we shouldn't take for granted. So don't give up on people just because some of them suck, they are some pretty great ones too.
4. Change:
Oh boy, change is terrifying. They rearranged the kitchen at work once and I was upset for a week about it. The thing about change though, is that it is usually serving a greater purpose. Friendships or relationships end, we get fired, we move, people die. These things happen, the world around us changes constantly. It is absolutely terrifying, but don't give up on it just because it's scary. Even if it's scary and you're afraid of having to adapt, change can make us grow as a person, and sometimes that's all we need. So embrace change when it comes, it may just be for your own good.
5. Dreams:
We all have them. Whether we dream about a career, a relationship, kids, vacations, or puppies (although who doesn't dream about puppies); we all have dreams. Some are big, some are small, but they're all important. Life can be so good at squashing our dreams, and making us feel like they're unobtainable, but never give up on them. Hard work can make anything happen, and it is so important to believe in your future. So don't ever stop chasing your dreams and your passions. It is dreams that lead to brilliant breakthroughs and beautiful art. Dream big.
6. Love:
I know you've all thought it after a bad breakup. I give up! I'm never going to love again! All right, cool your jets, drama king/queen, you're going to find love. Like I said earlier...7.5 BILLION people! I know how incredibly easy it is to get discouraged about love when the dating life is so difficult, but timing is everything. Just because it isn't happening right now, doesn't mean it won't ever. So hold on lovers, your time will come. Besides there are more types of love than romantic. Love your friends, love your family, love animals. Just love with all your heart because it is the most beautiful thing humans do. And someday your prince/princess will come along.
7. Yourself:
This is the kicker. If you give up on this one, the other six won't even matter. With suicide rates on the rise, it is so important to never give up on yourself. Trust me, I know how easy it is to give up though. I have been there, but here's what I eventually figured out. There is only, and will only ever be, one of me. For all my good and bad qualities, I'm the only me the world will ever have, so it would be a tragedy to lose that. Not because I'm something special, but because I'm a unique piece of the tapestry that is being woven. Each and every one of you is incredible simply by existing. You are capable of much more than you realize and you have the power to impact the world and change people's lives. That power exists within each and every one of us and draws us together. You are not alone. Never give up.
I would like to take this as an opportunity to encourage anyone who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts to reach out to someone. A friend, parent, counselor, or a helpline. You are not alone in these struggles. Myself and countless others are fighting this battle alongside you. Never give up, the world needs you.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
