75 Reasons to Recover and Keep on Living

I once read a quote about appreciating and living for the small things in life. I started to write these things down and it developed into a list of reasons to keep on living and stick with recovery, even when I don’t want to.

Reading through this list helped encourage me to keep on going and work hard in my recovery. I really recommend writing one of your own, but for now I thought I’d share my list.

Reasons to keep living:

1. Myself.

2. There’s so much for me to still give to the world.

3. Travel.

4. For the times I feel like I’m on top of the world.

5. Christmas.

6. I am worth it.

7. Watching sunsets and sunrises.

8. Because I have so much potential in life.

9. To have my own family.

10. To prove to myself I can.

11. To see the seven wonders of the world.

12. Movie marathons.

13. To start a new hobby.

14. To read all the books I can get my hands on.

15. To be able to help others.

16. Lazy Sunday mornings.

17. To raise awareness for mental health problems.

18. Because I’m unique.

19. Making memories with people I love.

20. New adventures.

21. To witness new inventions.

22. To make pointless art.

23. To be able to say I made it.

24. To rediscover and fall in love with myself.

25. To dance like there’s no tomorrow.

26. Playing in the snow.

27. Fireworks.

28. Pancake day.

29. There’s so much I don’t want to miss out on doing.

30. Spur of the moment trips.

31. To meet amazing, new people.

32. Ice cream.

33. Writing.

34. Reading.

35. Road trips.

36. Making crazy memories.

37. Singing as loudly as I can.

38. To rewatch and quote your favorite movies.

39. Pizza.

40. For laughing so hard my sides hurt.

41. Hugs.

42. Because people care about me.

43. Chocolate.

44. Stargazing.

45. Walks on the beach.

46. I can change lives.

47. Fluffy blankets.

48. To become my own hero.

49. For the day my smile becomes real.

50. Hot bubble baths.

51. Every day is a new day to change my life.

52. Bonfires.

53. There are so many people who would miss me if I wasn’t here.

54. Seeing people fall while iceskating.

55. Music.

56. To be able to do the things I’ve always wanted to do.

57. To be able to grow old with loved ones.

58. Scrapbooking.

59. Pets.

60. Tomorrow is an opportunity to start fresh.

61. To learn a new language.

62. Random acts of kindness.

63. Surprise parties.

64. Saturday morning cartoons.

65. Puppies.

66. Shopping trips.

67. For the time I will be so glad I’ve stuck through it and kept on living.

68. To achieve my dreams.

69. To explore.

70. Drive-in cinemas.

71. Comedy shows.

72. Food fights.

73. Powder paint fights.

74. To be able to live my life how I want.

75. Because I deserve a long and happy life.

There is always a reason to live and while it may not be clear right now, there always is.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741.

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Thinkstock photo via Grandfailure.