Life is hard. But having a bad day doesn’t mean you have a bad life. There are people that come into your life while there are some people that leave — all for a good reason. Circumstances can grow out of control, creating a void that makes you feel like you failed. No matter what comes your way, know that once you’ve hit rock bottom, the only way you can go is up.

Let me tell you: You’re not alone. Here are 11 things to remember when you’re at a rough patch in your life:

1. Don’t overthink.

Sometimes, the biggest problems we have are ones that we’ve inflated in our minds. What’s the use in focusing on negatives that don’t even exist? I get that it’s easier said than done. When we put it into perspective, a small difficulty you’re facing right now will not matter even 10 years down the road. Life’s too short to stress about things you can’t change.

2. Things will get better.

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. There’s a rainbow after every storm. As the world keeps turning, life goes on, and boy, it’s moving fast. There will be ups and downs, and if life were a straight line, it’d be pretty boring. Think of something to look forward to each and every day. With those goals in mind, motivate yourself to make someone’s day, including your own, a bit better.

3. Everything happens for a reason.

You just might not know what that reason is at this point. At the end of the day, everything will fall into place. Be patient because good things come to those who wait. A stronger, smarter, wiser and more compassionate person will emerge if you trust that good will come out of your situation.

4. Don’t compare yourself to others.

The only person you should be better than is the person you were yesterday. Everyone has their weaknesses and strengths, but the beauty of each individual is their uniqueness. When you compare yourself to someone else, you’re diminishing your self-worth. But if you’re alive and reading this, you have purpose. You have the potential to change someone’s life in ways no one else can.

5. Appreciate the little things.

Listen to your grandma when she talks about her current knitting project. Accept every compliment made on your appearance (even if you feel like crap). Sing in public. Take a bubble bath. Call someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Cuddle with your pet. Re-read your favorite book. Play board games with your family. Smile. Don’t get caught up in your daily struggles that you forget how small things can make a big difference.

6. Write thank you notes.

Don’t forget to tell someone how appreciative you are of them, whether it be a teacher, a guest, a friend, a relative, etc. If they’ve made you a better person in any way, shape or form, they should know it. It also puts into perspective how much people really care about you.

7. Love people who think they’re unworthy of being loved.

This includes the teacher’s pet who answers every single time, the guy who never showers and sits next to you every day in class, the homeless person you walk by on the street or the shy girl who sits in Kent and eats her lunch alone. Everyone has a story, and it’s up to us to figure them out. If we are enclosed in our friend group, we miss out on extraordinary perspectives.

8. Make time for those who make time for you.

Too often, we get caught up in pursuing people, who ultimately don’t matter, for the perks: Reputation, money, acceptance… What happens is we ignore the people who do matter. Discovering your real friends can be hard, but in the long run, it’s absolutely worth it.

9. Don’t try to please people.

It’s OK to put others first, but don’t go out of your way just so they’ll be happy. If you’re harming yourself, that’s never a good solution. The truth is: You can’t please everyone. Be yourself, and do what makes you happy. You don’t need anyone’s approval to live your life. They have their own to worry about.

10. The sun will rise.

Remember, it can’t be the end of the world because it’s already tomorrow in Australia. “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” You can cry, but only for a little bit. Dust off your shoulders, remember that positivity outweighs negativity any day and tackle that mountain you’ve been climbing. Everything will be alright.

11. Have faith.

When you believe in yourself above all else, there are absolutely no limits to what you can achieve. Be confident in who God made you to be, and you’ll see that this rough patch in life is just part of your story. A scar tells so much more about you than flawless skin. Whatever you’re going through right now, know you’re not alone. Don’t let anyone bring you down, and you’ll make it out alive. I promise.

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