Ironically enough, this blog was originally going to be pessimistic – that is, about pet peeves and things I do not enjoy. Instead, I want to take this in a more positive direction, and talk about things which make life fun.

For some in high school, their lives are not too peachy. This comes from a myriad of issues; however,  it can be fixed by the simple benefits of positivity. The Mayo Clinic¹ determined positive thinking and optimism provide health benefits, including:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to illness
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Better heart health and reduced risk of heart disease
• Better coping skills

Not only do you get to reap the benefits of being a better person, your psyche and your peers benefit as well. Your community benefits greatly, too.

Throughout the duration of my high school career, I have always been known as a pessimist. Constantly, I would complain about a peer, a class, a teacher, or basically anything under the sun. I was living in a “glass half-empty” world. My relationships, grades and life suffered greatly because of it. However, once I realized (through the help of therapy) I had a lot to be happy for, I saw a vast improvement in myself. Of course people still are skeptical when I express genuine praise for a person or thing, but it is legitimate.

On the bright side, my relationship with my friends, my significant other and even my family has improved so much since I started thinking positively.  One of the primary causes for my sudden change of heart was the realization that everyone’s time is finite on Earth, and – with that in mind – everyone ought to have an enjoyable tenure. So, I have taken it upon myself to make people laugh through puns or other assorted nonsensical things to ensure even a brief moment of enjoyment. I encourage everyone to do the same because you never know when you can make someone’s day a little better.

¹“How to stop negative self-Talk.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education

and Research, 18 Feb. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017.