It’s the small things in life that make me happy.

I love watching the sunrise early in the morning, simply staring as the reds and oranges and yellows stretch their finger across the sky. I love leaving my house to go to school before the sun is up and being able to see the stars.

I love playing music during band, hearing the intricacies of the melodies and harmonies.

I love speaking a different language and imagining the people from other countries that I will be able to talk to.

I love playing with mind-boggling toys in physics.

I love spinning.

I love learning new things.

I love having a purpose behind all my actions.

I love a good night’s sleep.

I love meeting friends in the hallway.

I love hearing my name.

I love laughing.

People often ask me what makes me so happy. The list could go on and on. Basically, I love who I am, and every moment I have living.

I have decided to see the bright side of every circumstance, every person, and every possible imagining.

There is a bright side to every problem. Sometimes when you’re in the moment, you forget where you stand. So, step back. Take a breather. Look around you.

If you’re reading this, you can be grateful that you have eyes. If you hear someone else reading this to you, you can be grateful that you have ears. If you went to work today, you can be grateful that people trust you enough to give you a job. If you saw a friend today, you can be grateful that you have a friend.

I know hard times come. I’ve faced plenty of my own, even though I may not often show it. I’ve had tears fall down my face. I’ve felt the stress of balancing all the demands of life.

It is hard. But keep strong. I know you can do it. I know that if you try, you can see the light around you.

Next time something drags you down into that great, dark, miserable hole, look up. See all the light around you and tell whatever you hold dear, “Thank you.”

Life gets better.