It seems as though 2016 is the year that is kicking the crap out of us all. With horrendous tragedy and unimaginable loss around every turn, it has been a rather painful six months. That said, there is still so much wonder and beauty in the world. Here are seven things to remember when everything seems to be falling apart.
1. We are very small
While it may seem terrifying to think about how tiny we are in the scope of things, there is a level of comfort as well. Jupiter doesn't care if you pass your Biology lab. The stars don't remember the time you spilled coffee all over the cute person next to you. The universe doesn't mind at all that you skipped work last week. While our impact can be large, in the grand scheme of things we lead such little lives, that do matter, but the mishaps can be forgotten.
2. Edible cookie dough exists
A quick Google search yields hundreds of recipes and even a store where you can buy it premade! We live in a world where you can just eat cookie dough without your mom freaking out over the raw eggs. It revolutionizes slumber parties. Isn't it a wonderful invention?
3. The Internet
While it is often the bearer of bad news, The Internet has changed the course of humanity and opened doors that we had never dreamed of. We are more connected that we have ever been, and while to some that is negative I don't think that is the case. We can learn so much more. We can relate to people across the world. We can meet and fight and fall in love in ways that are so brand new. Plus, we can look at pictures of baby animals whenever we want.
4. Love is a renewable resource
Love is perhaps the purest of all human emotions. Not romantic love, not just that. But love for one another on the most basic level. Love for reading. Or television. Or art. Or anything and everything. And love ignites passion. Love leads to determination and drive. Love is the driving force of change. We are finally learning to use love to bring about the necessary changes to our world; we will see these changes through.
5. Kissing
Have you ever stopped to think about the absurdity of kissing? Human beings who have invented airplanes and traveled to the moon have decided that we will show affection for one another by pushing our mouths against someone else's. It's so silly! And it's wonderful. It is fun and messy and ridiculous. And distinctly human.
6. Lin Manuel-Miranda
The earth is billions of years old and somehow we live at the same time as this musical genius and absolute goofball. We are privileged to watch him take the world by storm. What more is there to say?
7. Tomorrow
No matter how heinous today. No matter what burns or falls. The sun will rise and we will get another chance. Tomorrow is always coming. We can wish for it but it always comes in its own time, it cannot be controlled. It is an empty opportunity that we seize every time we get out of bed. We are given a clean slate as soon as the sun comes over the horizon. Let's not waste it.
