Life is not perfect, and unfortunately, it never will be. There are going to be challenges, people to bring you down, expectations that seem impossible to live up to and just bad days in general.

When we discover these annoyances, the whining starts. It’s understandable to be upset – heck, it’s completely normal. Complaining only comes naturally to us. The problem is, we have a tendency to do this constantly. It’s complaint after complaint after complaint. Well, those need to stop. All of you Negative Nancies and Neds should try to switch up how you see things a little bit.

The truth is, we all have something to smile about.

It can be hard to see that when we’re drowning in homework, or fighting with friends, or the day just isn’t going right. It’s not as if you need to make the best of those situations, but try to see the positives in other instances.

Do something to make you happy for the time being.

If all else fails, go ahead and let some the tears fall. Even you guys, who claim to have no emotions, could go ahead and cry a little bit. After all, it has been proven that crying makes you feel better.

Each day is a chance to be whatever you make of it. Just because yesterday was a bad day, doesn’t mean today has to be one too. Each morning starts itself out with a clean slate. So, think about that when you’re cursing under your breath when the alarm blares its little heart out at 6:15 on Monday morning. You have the chance to make what you want of each and every day you’re given.

Maybe you and your best friend are fight- ing. Odds are that will work itself out – in the meantime, don’t stress. Or do something even better and don’t go off and complain. Enjoy the company of another friend or watch your favorite movie.

So here is all you need to do – observe those little things. Smile when your mom or dad makes you some Mickey Mouse pancakes on Saturday morning. Laugh at the awful jokes your friends try to crack at lunch. Sing loudly and obnoxiously when your favorite song comes on the radio. Get excited for that first snow day of the year. Even though life isn’t perfect, stop and take a look around to appreciate what you do have. There’s a lot to be thankful for.