With all the hype with the Netflix show "13 Reasons Why", I want to share 13 reasons to stay alive. On the show, Hannah Baker did not get to see all the beauty life had to offer, she thought her life was over. It does not have to be like this, there are ways to get help. You deserve to see the beauty in life. While it may be hard now, one day it will get better. Here are 13 Reasons why you should stay.
1. The blue sky
The sky is above us. Whenever you see a plane flying, a bird soaring, cotton ball clouds, etc, you are always looking up. The sky is a constant reminder that we should always look up in life. Even if it rains and the sky is dark and gloomy, the sky shows us that once the storm is over, no matter how rough it was, the sun will shine again.
2. Oxygen
Oxygen plays a huge role in keeping us alive. One element on the periodic table, keeps us living. Isn't that amazing? When the oxygen enters your lungs, it is telling your body to keep breathing, air is coming. So on those days where you are rushed with anxiety ridden breakdowns and you cannot breathe, remember that the oxygen is going to continue to enter your body, each and every second so you can continue to stay alive.
3. Flowers
Flowers are a wonderful example on how people are. Flowers start off as a small seed, planted into the ground. Then they sprout and sometimes even look like weak weeds. Over time, however the flower soon defeats the odds of animals eating them or a lawnmower running over them and they become a beautiful flower that stands tall. We all start out as the small seeds, ready to conquer the world. There may be times during your growth that you will feel weak and have to get through many rough times. In the end, you will become that flower that stands tall and grew from the experiences you faced.
4. Stars
Up in the sky I mentioned earlier, stars sparkle in the night sky. They are out even when it is pitch black or cloudy. You may partially see them, but they are there. Stars remind you that you can shine even in the darkest times of life.
5. Animals
Whether its your own pet or someone else's, an animal is the ultimate boost of happiness. What is a better feeling than seeing a dog with his/her tail wagging or a cat cuddling on the couch. If it is your pet, an animal is there while you are having your rough times. They make you feel warm and happy again. Animals are here to make humans stay happy and alive.
6. Music
Music gives us a sense of feeling. Music puts into words the things we cannot. When anyone is feeling down, they turn on some music to get them through the day. Music helps us in our darkest times. Let the music go deep into your soul as you listen to the beauty of any song that was made.
7. Hope
We all need it, we all have it inside of us even if we don't think we do. You have to dig deep inside of you to find it and once you do, you will be so grateful you did. You are going to realize you need to stay alive because you have hope for the future.
8. Strength
We all posses this as well. We all have the strength and courage to hang on. You should stay alive because you have all of this strength to continue on despite your struggles. You have gotten so far already, keep hanging on.
9. Time
Time is precious. While some have a pessimistic view on time, we should be grateful for the time we have. Each second that you are breathing, you are truly living. And I think that is an amazing thing to stay alive for. Each minute is yours, make it good.
10. Books
Even if you are not a reader, reading a simple poetry book or a book filled with pictures and descriptions of the world is such an amazing adventure. When you open the colorful spine, your mind becomes open to these adventures and you relate to characters and you feel less alone, all while your sitting down. It is an amazing feeling.
11. Quotes
These motivating one sentence phrases can really make an impact on someone. Quotes motivate a person to feel better despite their struggles. Read a few quotes once a day and I guarantee you, you will feel so much better. It will ease your pain in your time of suffering.
12. People
I do not mean the person that has hurt you. I mean the person or few that you consider special in your life. They know you're such an brave individual and they wish you would see it to. These people are rare and we all have at least one, if we are lucky more than one. Stay alive because you are wanted and are never alone in your battles.
13. Me
Stay alive, for me. We are all in this together. No matter what we go through in our lives, we all an reach out and help one another, even if we cannot relate exactly to the pain. If you are reading this and are struggling, I am reaching my hand out to you, reach for mine. We all can get through this life together and stay alive. We can see all the wonderful things life has to offer us.
We are all wonderful individuals and it is time everybody sees that. Do not let others influence you that you are not worthy. Be your own person, defeat your inner demons. Remind yourself that you are not going to end your life, you are ready to live your life.
If you ever feel like you cannot hang on, there is help for you.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
