There is no doubt about it: life is hard. Of course, life is varying degrees of hard for different people, but we all struggle. I am the worst when it comes to hosting pity-parties, so I've compiled this (incomplete) list of things that prove that we are actually doing okay. This list will in no way change the world, but it is what I use whenever I need to be reminded that the sky isn't falling and the world isn't ending.

1. You are alive.

I cannot tell you the number of times I've thought "I can't believe I've survived this long,I have no idea what I am doing" (sometimes it's the little things.)

2. You have not set anything on fire while cooking today.

It's a lot easier than one would think to be a dangerous cook even with just a microwave.

3. You have left your bed today.

I always count this even if it was just to go to the bathroom and then you get back in bed.

4. You have done at least one productive thing today.

This does include anything from beating your binge-watching record to writing the next great novel.

5. You made a mistake.

The overly cliche saying that "no one's perfect" is true and it is a sign that we are okay when we can make mistakes and it isn't the end of the world.

6. You learned from that mistake.

I am a firm believer in making the same mistake multiple times before learning from it; in other words, I am a slow learner sometimes.

7. You smiled.

If you fake-smiled today or recently, that counts. Smiling can make you feel happier and the fact that you are trying means you will be okay.

8. You embarrassed yourself.

This one seems crazy, I know, but whenever I embarrass myself and it feels like the end of the world I think about all of the times I have survived embarrassment and I will survive this too. (It still sucks though.)

9. You didn't break down.

Of course, you have to love the days when you don't break down, however, if you did break down, that's okay too.

10. You talked to yourself.

Someone or some magazine once told me that talking to one's self is a sign of a healthy mind, so talk away--maybe not in public though.

11. You said you were sorry and meant it.

Hopefully, you do not spend your days apologizing, but if you mess up and are able to honestly apologize, then you are better off than a lot of people.

12. You read this article.

You took the time to read this article and that is a success because you wanted help. If you look for help then you will be okay.