In life, we go through many stages. Happy stages, sad stages, stages of accomplishment, stages of growth, etc. We probably rave more about the happier stages in our life more than anything. Like the time you won the third-grade spelling bee even though you thought you were a terrible speller, or the time you got into the college of your choice, or even the time when you had your first kiss (let's pretend these are always happy moments and are never awkward lol). Your parents probably like to talk about how you made the Dean's list or how you're studying abroad next semester, and your friends like to talk about how you finally turned 21, how awesome your party was, and how many jello shots you took. All pretty fun and happy stages in life. But who talks about the sad stages?

The part in your life when you fail your test, or when you and your boyfriend broke up, or when you lose a loved one. A stage that leaves you in a little bit of a mess for a while. A stage that may have you guessing, 'How will I make a comeback from this?' or 'Will it ever get better?'. A stage that leaves you laying in your bed, alone, crying in the dark, at night. This is the stage that someone needs to speak up and say 'it's okay, the sun is going to rise in the morning."

Recently, I went through a lot of loss in my family. Losing both of my grandfather's less than six months apart has really taken its toll on me as much as I hate to admit it. I am not ashamed of it though, it is just part of a sad stage I am going through. If there is one thing I have constantly been reminding myself of though is that things are going to be okay, and life will move on to a happier stage soon. Although, like many others I'm sure, I am not one to really want to talk about my sad situations, which I guess is part of the reason we don't. Instead, when we are going through the sad stages in our life we should keep our heads up and think about all the good times before and the good times ahead.

When you're sad about failing your test, just remember how you kicked butt enough to get into the school you're at, and look forward to killing the next test instead. When you and your boyfriend break up, look back and appreciate that time and the lessons learned (rather than being bitter because you obviously liked him at one point)and take this time as a time of self-growth. When you lose a loved one, look back on all your memories you shared with them, and look forward to making more with the family that still loves and surrounds you.

Wake up in the morning when the sun rises (and if it doesn't pretend it does- rainy days are honestly my favorite), and even if you're stuck in a sad stage in your life just know that there is so much joy to come after.