The world is a scary place. Never before has that saying rang so true. It’s as if every time I turn on the television, bring up a website on my computer, or unlock the screen of my phone, a new saddening and tragic event has occurred. These pains and hardships, the more they occur, the deeper they dig. They dig and cut into life, yet there is something that will always stand, and it’s that no darkness can defeat the light. No matter how bad things get. No matter how sad, painful, or even heartbreaking, goodness and happiness will still be there. They are ready and waiting for us with arms wide open. I had this idea, “Hey, Parker, with all the sad stories and thoughts being shared, how about you put up a little piece of happiness?” You know what, that wasn’t a half bad idea, so today I will share with you a list I have came up with. A list to remind us that life isn’t bad, that only moments and instances in something much greater may be upsetting. That this life as a whole is a pretty great thing. So here are seven things that remind me that life is good, even when circumstances try to prove otherwise.
1. Friends
Whether it’s just one who is extremely close or a large circle of friends and friends of friends, this connection that you can have with someone is amazing. It is something that can take a lifetime to create or it can happen in a matter of seconds. Out of billions of people on this Earth, these individuals are the ones you choose to be close to. To make it even more amazing, technology of today makes it possible for a kid in Kansas to have best friends in Utah, Idaho, Minnesota, New York or even in a different country and be able to talk to them all in the same day and even at the same time even. Friendships are expanding, boundaries and prejudices are being forgotten. Friendships are a blessing and gift that can never be fully justified, at least with my abilities to put words together. Friendship is a happy part of this world.
2. Family
I am so grateful for family. Every up and down, every victory and failure, every step along the way, family is there. They love unconditionally, they show us a path to always become better, and they are people who will never give up on us even if it seems like the world has. Whatever definition you have for family and whoever you consider to be a part of yours, when life gets hard, turn to them. Through them they give support and care. I don’t know where I would be without my family and I know that whatever could happen in this life, I’ll never be without them. Family is a happy part of this world.
3. Love
Love. Need I say more? Of any emotions or action, love is the strongest. Love for someone or for something is what gets people out of their beds each morning. It’s the reason behind smiles, the purpose of art, and the greatest, most cherished weakness of mankind. It is because of love that many of the greatest changes happen in this world. Love saves lives, love brings light into the lives of others, and a love within yourself is contagious to all those around you. Heartbreak happens, and when it does it only makes love more precious and valuable. Love proudly, love often and spread love to all those that you come into contact with. If there is one thing that is missing from this world more than anything, it's love. More love will bring more joy. Love truly is the most influential and most powerful thing. Do not be afraid of it. Love is a happy part of this world.
4. Adventure
What is life without a bit of adventure? A rush of excitement, a feeling of anticipation and a gift of accomplishment. So often life completely absorbs people that they fall in a trap of just being and forget to actually live. The moment I shifted from existing to experiencing, life took on a new meaning. I’m not saying do anything and everything. I’m saying don’t let life get in the way of living. Take that trip, climb that mountain, run that race, or even ask that person out. You never know what domino effect that could initiate. There is so much around to be seen and done. All we have to do is make the decision to do it. Dive into all that you do head first, don’t hold back because you never know if the opportunity will present itself again. Adventure is calling your name, you better be there to answer back and be ready to buckle up for the ride in store. Do something you never would have imagined doing. Go out and help others. Bring happiness to the lives of others. When asked to go and do, proudly answer yes. As long as you remain true to yourself, you will find yourself in ways you never knew possible. Adventures are a happy part of this world.
5. Nature
The world is beautiful. Every tree, rock, flower, animal and aspect of nature is beautiful. Some of my greatest moments of happiness come when I’m surrounded by the beauty of the creation of God. The details and the beauty of all things is amazing. The beauty of the Earth has been the foundation of many great feats of accomplishment. Nature has caused man to look at a mountain and say I will climb. It has made people look at the sea and oceans and say they will cross. It has been painted, written about, sang about and recorded in every single possible way by mankind from the the very beginning. Nature is the standard for all things and is the comparison for all things. Beauty, majesty, meekness and even joy. Happiness and nature are partners of life that go hand in hand. The crystal of a snowflake, the leaves of a tree in autumn, or the cooling rain of summer. Nature is a happy part of this world.
6. Human Potential
It amazes me what us humans can do. We have created and destroyed empires. We have built building that have lasted for centuries. Generation after generation, we are able to make an impact that will live on for every generation to follow. We have cured disease, invented world changing devices, and survived through every hardship thrown at us. We are miracles, each and every one of us. Though at times it may be hard to believe and even cliché to imagine, each of us have the potential to change the world. If that is hard for you believe here are some examples. Abraham Lincoln was born to a poor family in a log cabin. Albert Einstein was dubbed a problem student and predicted to not go far in education. Even Jesus Christ was born in an animal stable and was the savior of the world. Anything is possible for us to accomplish. With determination, anything can be done. Just never give up, because there is so much that we can do. The potential of people is a happy part of this world.
7. Faith
The greatest and most influential part of my joy. Faith. Whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, or so on (excuse for any missed religious views. I only named a small portion of available examples), the commitment to the beliefs only bring about happiness. Because I know mine best, I will use it as the example. I am Mormon, so I am a Christian. My faith brings me joy beyond measure, comfort beyond belief and courage beyond comparison. It is because of my faith I can find happiness. Happiness through it and through all the other things I listed. Beyond the necessities of life, it is the one thing that I cannot and will not live a life without. Some may argue that it puts so many limits and blocks on a person that they can’t do anything. But they are wrong. I am able to more things and experience more things than anyone could ever imagine all because of faith. It is direction, guidance and hope. It is everything and it is the best part of my life. Faith is the happiest part of this world.
So there it is. My own personal list and opinions. You may agree, and if so, that is great. If you do not, then I challenge you to take the time to think, ponder and create a new and personal list for yourself. Beyond the sadness and tragedy, this world is amazing, and I do hope you can see that too.
