The world can feel like a cruel place. I’ve had tough years when my physical and mental health have been awful, and it’s been hard. However, despite all of the pain and difficult times, I’ve learned to see the world in a different light, in just a few small ways. Although it’s easy to let negativity consume you, I try to remember that there’s more to life than the struggles I face. Therefore, here are four small things that you can feel grateful for even when times get tough, whether you’re struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or just need a reminder to stop and appreciate the good things around you.
1. Music
Music is pure joy and simplicity, so be grateful for it. You don’t need to move, think, or focus. You can just enjoy the sounds. When you feel lonely, you can sing at the top of your lungs without worrying about what anyone else thinks. What’s more, you can always find music that matches your mood. Music can make you smile or help you override your pain, or let you vent your feelings through someone else’s words. There’s actually some great medical proof for what it does to your brain and its emotional and physical impacts! Who knew something so seemingly simple could provide such beauty to the world?
2. Nature
A great thing that happens when you stop rushing everywhere – especially when you’re forced to stop and take a step back is that you can sit and experience the beautiful world in which we live. The phrase “stop and smell the roses” may sound cliché, but it really is a wonderful thing to do. When you slow down, you can see the beautiful flowers, watch the wind move through the trees, and follow a train of ants as they scurry across the ground. With the busyness of life, it’s easy to be distracted, rush through the days, and ignore how intricate nature truly is. When our bodies fail us physically or emotionally, though, we can really be grateful for how incredible the world actually is.
3. Social Media
Although everyone loves to hate social media, sometimes the “mindlessness” of it is actually a blessing. When you’re overwhelmed to the point that you can’t hold onto a single coherent thought, you don’t have to, thanks to the endless stream of mindless amusement at your fingertips. On nights when you can’t sleep, you can let the hours tick by with the constant distraction of memes, videos, information, inspiration, support, and silliness. You can vent anonymously or find advice from those who know exactly what you’re going through. You can follow the lives of friends you haven’t had the energy to meet up with in a while. A constant source of entertainment when you need it.
4. True Friendship
Unfortunately, it’s a sad truth that friendships can fade fast once we reach adulthood or times get hard. Many people are living busy, fast-paced lives that we can’t keep up with or have stuff going on we don’t know how to relate to. With limited time or energy to socialize it can be tough, and at times, feel lonely. However, sometimes this helps us really appreciate the beauty of the few genuine friendships we do maintain. Be sure to appreciate the friends who willingly put their energy into communicating, consistently try to understand you, and stand by through the hardships along the way. People who genuinely love and care about us are a truly wonderful part of life.
While we could spend all day listing the negative aspects of our lives, the truth is that the world is a better place than we often give it credit for. Take time to be grateful for all of life’s seemingly insignificant wonders today and every day.
Featured Photo via Pexels
