If you guys have read my past articles, then you know that I lost my dad over a year ago. I can’t lie, these past fourteen have been very hard. I went through a lot of big life moments like senior prom, my 18th birthday, graduation, and college move in day without him. I would have given anything for him to be there in the photos, grinning that big goofy smile of his. Though this last year has been difficult, I have chosen to stay positive and not let the bad things that have happened to me make me sad, bitter, or angry. I don’t always feel positive, and I have days when all I want to do is curl up in my bed with the lights off and do nothing. However, I am happy to say that those days are far and few in between. I do have to work to stay positive, but I am lucky to have three really great reasons that keep me going.
These four ladies above are a big reason I have been able to stay positive these last couple months. My sister, my mom, my Mimi, and my Auntie Noonie are four of the strongest women I have ever met. They are always there for me no matter what and they keep me laughing. The five of us can spend hours just sitting around a kitchen table snacking and laughing until our stomachs hurts. Each of us has experienced difficulties and hardships, but we are all always there for each other. These amazing women have proven to me time and time again that no matter what happens to you, staying strong and positive is the best solution.
People say that your high school friends won’t be your life-long friends but I disagree. Not once this year did these girls leave my side, and even though we are spread out all over the country, they are there for me whenever I need them. They can instantly tell if I’m having a rough day and they know that some days are going to be harder than others. They never fail to send me texts or call me to make sure that I’m doing okay. These girls have helped keep me positive by making sure I’m always having a good time, even taking me on spontaneous adventures. It is never a dull day with them and I look forward to our next adventure.
The last reason I have to stay positive is for myself. Though my friends and family are great, if I can’t convince myself to stay positive then there is no way I could do it. I am able to stay positive by constantly telling myself that there is no reason to be sad about the life I have, or what life has handed me. I am truly blessed for the life I live and I spend each day celebrating it. I had the best dad in the world, and even though my time with him was cut way too short, just the memories I have of him are enough to keep me going. He would not want me to spend the rest of my days being sad or angry at the world.
I am a strong believer that living your life with a positive outlook is the best way to live it. Everything happens for a reason, so why not celebrate each day as it comes and learn to look at the bright side of everything. Being positive is something I constantly work on but it’s worth it. As long as I believe that and I surround myself with people who make me happier, then I will be able to live my life to it’s fullest potential.