Recently, my roomie and I decided this seasonal depression thing everyone is experiencing is getting out of control. So, we want YOU to use these helpful tips to smile!
Back when I was 4 foot nothing and simultaneously missing my two front teeth, my third grade teacher used to refer to my wacky self as, “smiley.” I smiled all the time. About everything. I’m sure it bothered lots of other, negative, bratty eight year-olds who had to put up with my overwhelming happiness, but hey, I just liked showing off my crooked, pearly whites, okay?
From this being super-happy-thing all the time, I got used to simply smiling about lots and lots of things! Granted, I was a little spoiled growing up in the sunshine state where those UV rays emitted happiness, and my future susceptibility to skin cancer. Now, fast forward a few years and in the Michiana permacloud, it can definitely be difficult to find that ray of sunshine with every fallen snowflake (every, single last one that just keeps coming and coming and coming).
It’s that time of the year where concerned moms send happy lights to their daughters and we all sit around saying nothing at the brunch table. (Seriously…that’s when ya know something’s up.) But it’s fine because life is way too short to be negative and frowny all the time. So pop a lollipop in your mouth and read up on how a gal (and a dude) can take in all the great things while being in a funk that comes along with that awkward “is it spring yet?” time of the year.
1. Notre Dame’s Basilica always has an open door.
Seriously, it’s like our own Sistine chapel right at our fingertips. Even if you aren’t Catholic, I could bet a large sum of my savings that sitting in Sacred Heart Basilica gives you some sort of calm, happy feeling. Sometimes, sitting in silence and clearing your head is all it takes.
2. YouTube has a plethora of throwback songs.
If that doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will because everybody loves a good throwback jam session. When you’re stuck inside, there’s no better time to remind yourself why your tween years consisted of an obsession with “The Tide is High.”. (Yes, I DO pull a Lizzie McGuire and dance around my room with a hairbrush in my hand when I hear it. And I’m pretty sure even my roomie judges me. But so what?) I can bet that most ladies at ND had a slight obsession with Ms. McGuire at some point in their childhood, so let me just refresh your memory.
In response to anyone who is questioning why I think this is of relevance to happiness, my response:Â
(Honestly, I just totally miss 2005)
2. We get to see these sights every day.
ND and SMC are arguably two of the most unique, prettiest campuses in America. A golden dome and a castle? I’ll take it.
4.  We’re allowed to have pet fish.
Honestly, the “work” isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. King Louis has brought joy to my roomie and I and changing his water once a week is a small price to pay to have that extra company! (Really though, have you ever seen a beta fish attack its reflection? Come to LeMans for a good laugh!)
5. Friends here are friends forever.
(Aww) Embrace that. Brotre Dame maybe, but we definitely appreciate the comradery in each and every student at this place. (Who needs Greek Life, anyway?) We are absolutely a special group of people; happy and friendly when we aren’t in this anti-winter funk!Â
6. You’re healthy.
I know it seems redundant, but honestly, if you’re able to walk around campus in a blizzard without falling flat on your face, you’re doing something right! Although, even if you do fall, at least you can get back up! Next time you want to complain about that long walk across campus, think about that long walk some people have to take to find a sip of clean water. Drastic, I know, but it’s true.
 I know we’re all over the snow and sick of those everlasting fevers (LOL depending on the context) and colds, but build a snowman, pour a cup of tea, and get out of the funk!
Crack that pretty smile I know you have and make the most out of every day in Notre Dame, Indiana. After all, spring is JUST around the corner!
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Hannah Drinkall is Saint Mary’s College Contributor to Her Campus Notre Dame.
Photos provided by the author