It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to live the lives we do. We often get consumed by insecurities, selfishness, and pride. Instead, we should take a step back and look at the many things we have to be happy about. Let yourself be happy; do not stress over things others would consider blessings. I texted 10 friends and asked them to each give my five reasons they will be smiling today, these are their responses. I want to point out that for many of my friends, coming up with five things was very difficult. People wanted to look at the big things, family, friends, but they did not think about the tiny things that are of so much use to them each day. The person to answer me fastest still took two minutes of genuine thought before answering fully.

1. Family
2. Kisses
3. Clean water
4. Beautiful weather
5. Corny Jokes
6. Having a job
7. Being alive, and present
8. The future
9. Sports
10. Health
11. Naps
12. Veggie burgers
13. A car
14. Brunch
15. An obtainable education
16. Modern medicine
17. Bicycles
18. Music
19. Technology
20. Arts and Crafts
21. Sunset
22. Freedom of religion
23. Gay rights
24. Conversations with strangers
25. Reading
26. Having a clean house
27. Thinking of all the things worth being grateful about
28. Phone calls with loved ones
29. Good memories
30. The freedom to express myself
31. Funny movies
32. A place to call home
33. Warm showers
34. Friends
35. A warm meal
36. Pets
37. Beer/Alcohol
38. Coffee
39. Surprises
40. Romance
41. Lazy days
42. Sex
43. Long drives
44. Clean clothes
45. Ice Cream
46. Birthdays
47. Long runs
48. Getting one step closer to your goals
49. Having all of your senses
50. Pure forms of love