Lately, it seems that there has been a wave of negative events happening around the world. It seems that almost once a week, I wake up, grab my cup of coffee and open one of my social media apps only to see that there has been some sort of act of hatred and terror happening. This often leaves me feeling numb.

It doesn't seem real, but it is. I feel as if there is nothing I can do. Sadly, it is true that there is little to nothing I can do about stopping terrorist attacks. The best I — or anyone — can do is to simply get out there and start helping others. That’s not to say to immediately start a raging movement and try to change the world overnight. Just go do something nice for friend or family member. Do a random act of kindness. Do some volunteer work.

It is not uncommon, in times of world terror, to feel as though your problems are not serious.

Here is a list of 20 friendly reminders during this not-so-friendly time in the world:

• Everyone’s body has body rolls when they sit down
• “A face without freckles is like a sky without the stars.” We can thank Natasha Beningfield for this one!
• Your biological clock does not dictate your life choices
• Your feelings, your gender, your sexuality, your opinions and your tastes are all valid even if someone opposes them
• When you feel overwhelmed by the thought that you cannot predict anything that is going to happen, look to the calendar. Point to a date, any date. That day is something that you know is definitely going to happen.
• Public libraries still exist.
• Proper nutrition is vital.
• Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.
• Don’t let nostalgia get the best of you
• You are not lazy for sleeping an extra two hours, your body probably needed it.
• It is 5 o’clock somewhere!
• Positive thoughts create positive things.
• Your favorite thing is a thing. Imagine your life without it.
• Smiles are contagious.
• Crying is OK.
• You are allowed to feel proud of yourself for things that might seem silly to other people.
• You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for.
• You need to do what is best for you in this moment.
• Stand up for yourself because you matter.

There are very, very bad situations occurring all over the world on an almost weekly basis. It is times like these that we must come together, differences aside, as a community.

In a world where there is so much sadness and so much to be afraid of, good things do happen to people. Romance is still something we can find even if we're not consciously looking for it. - Kathleen Quinlan