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11 Things That Inspired Me To Want To Live

I had hit rock bottom but then I thought...

Feb 10, 2019

11 Things That Inspired Me To Want To Live

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After experiencing what was absolutely the worst year of my entire life, I started to feel lost. My health declined rapidly, my anxiety and depression were at an all-time high, I lost my grandfather; who was my best friend, and everything seemed to go wrong. While I was living in rock bottom, I was grasping for reasons to keep going. Big things or small things that made me happy became my reason to live.

Nobody really likes to admit that they feel like their life isn't worth living. Because they often don't speak about it, the subject becomes a sort of taboo. Maybe it's time to break some of the stigmas around mental health issues. So, I thought I'd share this list of things that inspired me to live as a way to show you just how important the little things are.

Whether these things be important or minuscule, they gave me enough happiness to see another day.

1. My four wonderful pets

On the roughest days, I asked myself one important question. "Would my dogs be sad without me?" Yes. Every time those goofy little fur babies made me laugh or smile, I realized that they would want me around. Just the excitement on their faces when I reach down to pet them was enough to confirm that they love me as much as I love them.

2. My art & writing

Sitting down every night with my sketchbook ready to draw or my laptop ready to write, there's an indescribable flame of happiness which is just enough to remind me that I can still feel joy. There are articles and artwork I haven't done yet that are just waiting for me to explore.

3. New seasons of my favorite shows

The excitement I feel when I think about Stranger Things' new season coming out in July always gives me motivation. Maybe it's silly and small but I realized that I didn't want to miss out on watching it. That kept me going.

4. My friends and family

Seeing how some people don't have the best support systems made me appreciate mine even more. They want me to keep fighting, they love me enough to support me; I'm blessed to have them. I want to make them proud, and that made me fight even harder.

5. The smell of new books

If that makes me sound like a nerd, so be it. Something about cracking open a brand new book gives me joy and when the joy I feel is limited, it's like a breath of fresh air. Another small thing to hold onto.

6. My newborn niece

Around the time I got sick, one of my closest friends became pregnant. Although she isn't my sister, her daughter will always be like a niece to me. Crying tears of joy when I saw that sweet little baby for the first time made me see that I wanted to watch her grow up. I couldn't miss out on that.

7. Beautiful sunsets

When the world seems grey and bleak, it feels like there is no color left in the world. Then, the sky looks like it's been covered in neon paint and I can't help but be reminded that beauty does still exist.

8. The chance at recovery

While roaming around in rock bottom, the idea that you might be okay somedays feels impossible. Sometimes it's just reading a story that restores your faith in humanity that becomes a small crumb of hope. For me, it was a reminder that someday I will be okay again, even if it doesn't seem possible.

9. Discovering new hobbies

Because I have been [and still am] pretty much bedridden, I had a lot of free time on my hands. I had time to focus on learning new things like photo editing, HTML coding, and graphic design. It made me realize that there are millions of things out there that I can still learn and it was a reminder that I could find joy again through passion.

10. Online shopping

Yes, I know, online shopping isn't the best coping mechanism, but who can deny that having a package show up at your doorstep is the best feeling in the world? Although material items won't ensure complete happiness, the joy I could feel from buying a new pair of shoes was a reminder that there was more joy out there for me to feel.

11. Someday finding love

One thing that has consistently kept me going is the thought that someday I could be in a wonderful marriage with a wonderful spouse and beautiful children. Living with my mind in such a dark place made me feel like I'd never be able to have that. I had to keep reminding myself that the life I want is out there waiting for me.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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11 Things That Inspired Me To Want To Live

I had hit rock bottom but then I thought...

1. My four wonderful pets

2. My art & writing

3. New seasons of my favorite shows

4. My friends and family

5. The smell of new books

6. My newborn niece

7. Beautiful sunsets

8. The chance at recovery

9. Discovering new hobbies

10. Online shopping

11. Someday finding love

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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