As young people growing older in a turbulent world where uncertainty and self-doubt plagues the majority of our decisions, it can be near impossible to have a positive outlook on life or the future. Stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent among teens as we continue to combat a global mental health crisis.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and it is important to spread awareness among youth. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults aged 10-34 (Jed Foundation), and these numbers have increased over the past few years.

Today, I encourage you to take a step back from the baggage burdening you and begin to come to terms with our imperfect, messy lives with all of their uncertainty and complications. So – for five minutes – I implore you to read this article and reconnect with these powerful and sincere reasons to embrace life.

Brief Disclaimer: If you are seeking support for yourself or a friend, dial or text the 988 National Suicide Crisis Lifeline. There are crisis counselors you will be able to connect with 24/7. This article is not a substitute for professional help and should not be read as such.

1.Spending time in nature

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Reconnecting with nature is priceless. Watching leaves change color during autumn, sledding or skiing during winter, and hiking in the spring are all unique aspects of life's beauty. You are immersed in a setting unique to your experiences and surroundings.

Being in green, open space and connecting with nature’s colors, smells, and sounds can promote a healthy lifestyle. Nature has the soothing power to ground you in the present, tethering you to simple joys such as catching a leaf in your hair or biking a trail through dense foliage. Nature brings fresh possibilities and ever-changing landscapes. Taking leisure walks, scanning the sky for constellations, and having picnics on a sunny afternoon are treasures that are worth exploring.

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2.Laughing with loved ones (or yourself)!

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I can't be speaking for myself alone when I say that the best laughs are the ones that make your stomach ache. Sharing happiness with the people you value most in life is precious, and nobody has the same laugh or sense of humor as you! While not every day results in bellyache-inducing laughter, we live for moments where we can unwind around people that make us feel whole and at peace with ourselves.

We live for moments where laughter colors our day and allows a smile to bloom on our faces. Think about the last time you shared a laugh or smiled alongside someone you care for (and it can be yourself!). Imagine yourself treasuring more moments just like them, making memories and space for personal growth.

3. Dancing to your favorite song

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Whether it be in the shower, on your way to school or work, or quietly in your head to motivate you before a jam-packed day, there is a special place reserved for music. Music gets us moving and can comfort us in our quiet spaces, and these moments may seem mundane but that makes them even more important. Your favorite artist doesn't care about your off-key karaoke; they are connecting with you through lyrical beats and relatable verses. It's a fact that doesn't need much substantial evidence to hold value: music adds depth and joy to our lives.

4. Feeling Emotion

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Emotions form the backbone supporting our humanity. Our emotions allow us to connect with others and ourselves as we interact with the world on an intimate level. To feel is to interact with life's tumultuous phases and form opinions.

When we create art, make music, or play sports, these avenues of self-expression nourish our emotions. As teenagers, our emotions are often viewed as unpredictable and drastic. People may try to probe: Why are you so sensitive? Why are you happy for one minute and frustrated the next? Navigating complicated emotions and anxieties can be stressful, but these expressions contribute to our personalities and identities. Through emotion, we are able to live rather than just survive.

5. Eating your favorite comfort foods and drinks

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My favorite cafe order is a cold brew coffee with brown sugar and oat milk, but pumpkin bread, tiramisu, and bagels will never fail to brighten my mood. Talking with friends or family over pizza on movie night or eating ramen while watching a comfort show are small yet potent aspects of life that bring us contentment. Imagine what you feel when you are eating your favorite food – where are you sitting, and with whom are you sitting with?

Do you enjoy your own company? Imagine yourself at ease and beneath the covers of a weighted blanket on a rainy day, holding a steaming mug of whatever makes you feel cozy. Imagine you are steeping yourself in life's edible delights.

6. The Thrill of the Unexplored

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Many teens are insecure about their future, myself included. We have to figure everything out, from college applications to resume-building to cramming in leadership experiences before we feel prepared for growing out of our adolescence. But there is beauty in taking risks and learning.

Learning can be thrilling and full of adventure. With each new day, you can see the world through a fresh perspective and open yourself to novel experiences. Traveling, introspection, new hobbies, and going out of your comfort zone to make memories – life is an infinite puzzle box waiting for your purposeful pathway through its maze.

7. Making Others Happy & Fostering New Friendships

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You are a part of so many people's lives, directly or indirectly. You matter to people in ways you may not be able to grasp or understand, which means you might help others find value within themselves. A compliment goes a long way, and those kindnesses create ripples in a large ocean lined with potential.

Remember the last time you complimented someone, held the door open, or gave a gift at a birthday party. You could have made someone's day, and every day you interact with new people and foster new connections, you might be the reason for someone's smile.

8. Accepting yourself as you are

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Life may be awe-inspiring and wonderful, but it is normal to be overwhelmed because life is a constant challenge. We are not made to be perfect, and forgiving yourself for regrets or mistakes – and learning to establish boundaries – is not a one-day process.

Self-acceptance is a journey, and there is no way you can discover just how much potential you contain without tapping into these beautiful aspects of your personality.

So, I will leave you all with one of my favorite quotes by the poet Rumi: “The wound is the place where the light enters you.”

Don't forget to nurture your inner light. Your life is valuable, and know that you are loved.