Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Typical question to ask, but if you notice, a lot of people say half-empty. When you hit the bottom, it can be a good thing in disguise, because there is nowhere else to go but up. People's perceptions of a bad year can differ. People think they had a bad year if they did not accomplish anything or if people in your life start to leave.

This year has been tough and a lot of situations have made me ask myself, "Has anything good even happened this year?" For my friends and I, we all answered "no" right away because there was nothing good we could think of. Now, later in the week, I am sitting at my desk and realize there has. When everything has gone straight downhill, you have to bring yourself up.

I decided to think about even the small things that have happened that were good so far this year. Some of the things are:

1. I finished my first year of college with great grades.

2. I got along with my roommate all year.

3. My friends from home are still my best friends.

4. I got a full-time summer job.

5. I have friends and family who through no matter what are there for me.

These are all things that most people will be able to relate to. Although they may seem little, they are still all great things that have happened. When you start to think about how bad the year has been and how many people have left you in different ways, just remember good things have happened. Whenever I feel down or I am reminiscing on things that are sad and upsetting, I am going to say five things that have happened this year that are good.

If you can remember five good things that have happened this year, even if they are the same every time you say them to yourself, use them. Focusing on the good can truly help making it through the rest of the year and starting out fresh in 2017. Obviously, do not try to put all the bad things into a file in the back of your head to try and not remember it, because that is not the point. You cannot just pretend things have not happened. When days get tough and you need to stop thinking about the bad, say five things that have happened this year that are good.

Always remember that your friends and family are there for you and that most likely some of the bad things have happened to them to so share this "trick" with them, because everyone needs a little help from their friends. The people who stay next to you through thick and thin are the people who will always be there for you when you fall.

The day may be gloomy, but let the sun put a smile on your face.