50 Reasons to Stay.

I know the feeling of being tired and not knowing if there's life beyond the struggle you're facing today. I know what it's like to desperately search for answers and reasons to go compared to reasons to stay. I know how weird it feels when you finally break and ask the ones you love if they would notice if you died or how they would be impacted. Though my struggle is different from yours, we share the feelings of doubt, hopelessness, frustration, curiousity, sorrow, and shame. We have the same question, and we just want an answer that isn't cheesy. Reasons to stay alive...Are there any? I've compiled a list of 50 reasons to stay. 50 reasons that convinced me to stay.

1. That first sip of your morning coffee as you watch the morning coffee.
2. Breakfast and new adventures with your friends.
3. Pumpkin spice season.
4. Going on rides with your dog and going to the dog park.
5. Recovery... Because what if things do get better? I can tell you that it does get better. The question is not if, but when.
6. Your mom smiling and telling you how proud she is of your accomplishments.
7. Hearing someone tell you that they love you, and they actually mean it.
8. Your heart is beating and you have a purpose bigger than you realize. Go find it and make the world a better place with your gifts and passions that only you have.
9. Your story gives other people hope and your story can save lives.
10. Everything is temporary-pain, depression, hard times are nothing but temporary. Grow through this hurt and it will pay dividends down the road.
11. Going to Waffle House late at night with your friend to talk about life.
12. Reading a good book and sharing it with people you know.
13. Listening to a good podcast and sharing it with people you know.
14. Being able to say "I made it."
15. Coffee and warm chocolate pastries.
16. Hugs, especially hugs that last longer than 20 seconds from someone you love, cherish, and miss.
17. Believe it or not people do care about you.
18. Making someone else smile.
19. Going to bookstores and coffeeshops to enjoy the atmospheres.
20. Wrapping yourself in a blanket like a burrito and watching Netflix.
21. Graduating college and pursuing your dream career.
22. Receiving compliments from my boss and co-workers.
23. Finishing a passion project.
24. Cooking and trying new food.
25. Meeting new people and building relationships.
26. Naps after working hard, and then waking up to eat a bowl of cereal.
27. Long hot showers.
28. Becoming financially independent.
29. Accomplishing fitness goals.
30. Proving haters and toxic people in your life wrong and being the exact opposite of what they said you would be.
31. Having the choice to go against the grain and not be another statistic. You are more than a statistic.
32. Traveling the world.
33. Know your struggle makes you stronger and even gives you a competitive edge in life. You can bring more to the table because of the wisdom you gain from your struggle.
34. Long trail runs in the fall.
35. Solo road trips.
36. Getting that tattoo you always wanted.
37. Staying in your PJ's all day on a cold winter day.
38. Experiencing a breakthrough after working relentlessly and seeking wisdom.
39. Comedy shows.
40. Watching the sunset after a long day.
41. Coming home after a hard day at work.
42. Going to bed early and sleeping in.
43. Pinterest and Pinterest recipes.
44. Receiving a letter in the mail from a friend you haven't seen in months.
45. Sisters, they may be mean, but they always seem to pick you up at your lowest point.
46. Breathing a sigh of relief
47. Cool October mornings.
48. Dressing up for a networking or business event and feeling confident.
49. Realizing you do matter, and so does your life.
50. Looking at yourself in the mirror and feeling beautiful.