100 Reasons to stay alive

A list of thoughts that have helped me in dark times. They won’t all apply to you, but I hope that some of them might remind you of the good things to come.

If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts and need someone to talk to, please reach out to your mental health team or call the Samaritans on 116 123.

Here’s my list:

1. There’s a dog in your future you haven’t met yet.
2. Your friends will achieve things and you will be happy for them.
3. The next time you proper belly laugh.
4. A song you’ll love that hasn’t even been written yet.
5. One that already exists that you haven’t found.
6. One you’d like to listen to again.
7. A best friend you don’t know will be a best friend.
8. The next time you feel sand between your toes.
9. The sound of the sea.
10. Your next therapy session.
11. Finding the right therapist.
12. Your next good cup of coffee.
13. Your next painting.
14. A vegan alternative to bacon that hits just the right spot.
15. Cuddling someone you love.
16. The day you finally figure it all out.
17. Birds singing.
18. Ariana Grande’s next album.
19. Reconnecting with an old friend.
20. Justice.
21. A peaceful day that goes just so.
22. You’ll learn new things about the people you love.
23. You’ll learn new things about the world.
24. Progress.
25. A shooting star.
26. A really exciting storm.
27. The feeling of grass under bare foot.
28. An open and vulnerable chat that brings a deeper friendship.
29. An afternoon spent dreaming your big goals.
30. And the steps you take towards them.
31. A doctor who seems to really care.
32. A place you’ve never been yet.
33. A place you always meant to go back to.
34. A delicious home cooked meal, made with love.
35. Customer service so terrible it makes you laugh.
36. Customer service so thoughtful it makes you cry.
37. Working your way through the 100 greatest movies of all time.
38. Reading a book.
39. Something that goes so right it almost feels too good to be true, but it isn’t.
40. A gift.
41. A kind gesture you’ll do for someone else.
42. And one someone will do for you.
43. Finally getting on top of your chores.
44. Taking a deep breath.
45. Feeling alive.
46. Your next anxiety free day.
47. Your next payday.
48. Ticking the next item off your to do list.
49. Ticking the last item off your to do list.
50. A shitty poem you’ll write.
51. And maybe a good one.
52. The next kind message you get from a stranger.
53. Your next brand new pair of fluffy socks.
54. The perfect woolly hat.
55. Being scared of something but then it turns out fine.
56. Chocolate.
57. Good chips.
58. Eating them by the sea.
59. Being free from fears of Covid.
60. Hugging someone you haven’t seen in a while.
61. Handwriting a letter.
62. That thing you’ve been meaning to do, but you didn’t do.
63. Bumping into a friendly face.
64. A time the rain catches you by surprise that you don’t mind.
65. The next time you feel hopeful.
66. A trip.
67. The good news you didn’t know you were waiting for.
68. That feeling when you first walk into a bookshop you’ve never visited before.
69. New babies who will belong to people you love, who you will grow to love yourself.
70. Making a decision and being happy with it.
71. A moment when you feel important and valued and loved.
72. The next time someone surprises you with empathy and kindness.
73. A day when you can look back without fear.
74. Home.
75. Rainy days looking through the window.
76. Catching a falling autumn leaf before it hits the ground.
77. A moment of connection with a stray cat.
78. Watching people come together again after the pandemic.
79. The end of Donald Trump’s presidency.
80. Watching someone you care about fall in love.
81. Fresh air.
82. Starting your own business.
83. Passion.
84. Finding an exercise you love.
85. Washing your face.
86. The perfect hoody.
87. A real good stretch.
88. Finishing your project.
89. Knowing you made it.
90. A celebration you are looking forward to.
91. Getting things off your chest.
92. Warm buttery toast.
93. Watching the flowers bloom.
94. Stepping into a bakery.
95. A crisp sunny wintery morning.
96. The difference a good night’s sleep makes.
97. Stumbling upon something that brings up happy memories.
98. Feeling safe.
99. Looking back and seeing how far you’ve come.
100. Knowing deep down that you did that.

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