The state of the world has been a bit depressing lately, and social media has been filled with negativity. I'm not going to say it isn't warranted, and I am guilty of spreading my fair share. But in light of these dark and scary times, it is important to remember the things that are still good. If you lose sight of all the things you have to be grateful for, then the darkness wins. So lets talk about a few things and people we should all remember to appreciate.

First and foremost, be thankful for your parents. Alive or dead, kind or cruel, they are the people who gave you life. No matter the state of your relationship, you are the person that you are because of them. Never forget that. All families stumble and struggle on the path of life. Maybe you're arguing now, or they aren't being sensitive to the way that you feel, but they are still your parents. Maybe you never got along, or never knew them, or they passed away, but they are still your genetics and your life force. So always remember that.

Second, be thankful for your friends. I bet you complain to them endlessly every day and you take it for granted that they choose to be in your life. These people are not your blood, but they are often times as close as family. So accept your friends for who they are, and appreciate them for being in your life. You probably need them more than you think you do.

Be thankful that you have a place to live. I don't care if the pipes are leaking or you hate your furniture. If you have a roof over your head, you already have it better than so many other people, especially given the weather patterns and the temperatures of winter. Maybe you are not where you want to live, and you want to make a change. Maybe it's hard. But you can still do it.

Be thankful for books, music, theater, hiking, running, drawing, singing, sports, or whatever it is that gets you out of bed in the morning. We all need hobbies. We all need to be good at something. Even if you're only good at one thing in the world, be happy about that. It's something that's pushing you to keep going, that holds your interest when nothing else can. Hang on to that.

Last, be thankful for yourself, the person that you are and the things that you believe in. Right now, with the world the way that it is, we are all fighting to believe in something. But as least we're all still fighters. We keep going no matter what, and that's something of which you should be proud. Be proud of standing up for yourself, and others, no matter your beliefs or theirs.

Sometimes the world sucks, but we're all doing our best. Try not to drown in the negativity. You're only hurting yourself. And that's some tough love from someone who loves you, because I love you all.