Every once in a while we all feel down, and we need reminders to make us feel better. Photos are the perfect way to do that; they capture all of our happy memories and hold them still. Photography is the only language that can be understood by anyone and everyone in the world. I have a few personal favorites that are always my go-to photos to remind me of my happy memories.

1. Photos of my best friends and I.

Although this photo was captured a few years ago, it is one of my favorite memories with a few of my best friends. We have all moved on and gone to different colleges now, but we keep in contact every day, and still manage to see each other despite our busy schedules. Photos like this remind me of all the amazing friendships I have built over time.

2. Photos from vacations.

Going on vacation is something that everyone loves to do. Traveling to see a new part of the world with some of your best friends creates some pretty great memories, when I look at this photo I am reminded endless amounts of laughter and fun we experienced in Mexico.

3. Summertime photos.

Who doesn’t love to be reminded of the warm summer sun, and days of no responsibilities? Summer is my favorite season because I get to spend my days with my friends, and not have to worry about when my next homework assignment is due.

4. Photos of family.

My family photos are usually dysfunctional, as you can see. However, they never fail to make me laugh, and remind me how lucky I am to have such an amazing and supportive family. (This includes all my family, not just the people in the picture.)

4. Photos to remember loved ones we have lost.

Death can be a sad thing, but remembering your loved one is not. My grandpa passed away when I was very young but every time I think of him I think of how he watches over my family and I day after day. This thought is comforting, especially when I feel down.

5. Photos that represent “firsts.”

This was the first ever photo taken with my college roommate. Thinking of firsts reminds me of how things change over time, at the time this was taken we had just met a few weeks previous, and now I can’t imagine my life without this wonderful lady.