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Life

15 Signs It’s Just a Bad Day, Not a Bad Life

Some days you wake up feeling like you’re on top of the world. Other days it feels like you’ve landed on the very bottom with an impossible climb ahead of you. Going through bad days is normal. It’s part of the human experience. But it’s always important to remember that no matter how terrible one day may seem, these feelings are only temporary. Besides, you wouldn’t be able to appreciate the good days if that’s all you ever had. Here are some reminders that it’s just a bad day, not a bad life. 

1. You’re constantly struggling, which means you haven’t given up

Whether it be school, work or personal relationships that are causing issues, you persevere. You don’t simply lay down and accept fate. You get up and try again.  

2. Your problem-solving skills are constantly being refined

You’ve tried to fix things by using a method that totally backfired. Instead of admitting defeat, you figure out another way. 

3. You didn’t get the internship or job you really wanted, and that rejection didn’t destroy you 

You’re feeling disappointed and hurt, but you recognize that this isn’t the end. You know that better days with other opportunities are coming.

4. Your fridge has no food in it, but you can afford groceries

It’s always disappointing when you open the fridge after a long day and there’s no food waiting for you. But if you can afford to pay for groceries, you’re doing pretty well in life.  

5. You feel like a failure, but you just hope things will get better

That bad test score will not haunt you for the rest of your life. Neither will tripping on stage during a performance or breaking up with your partner. Hope can and will get you through the times you feel like your world is ending and give you the clarity to see that these feelings are only temporary. 

6. You don’t like your job, but you have a group that supports you 

Having a support system is crucial for getting through bad days, whether that be your family or friends that feel like family. You know that your family is there to listen to you when you need to vent, offer advice and support you if you decide to take a risk and find a new job. 

7. You had a hard day at school or work, but you can afford to treat yo self

Treating yourself to Starbucks or lunch out on a day when the stress is overwhelming can be just the pick-me-up you need on days when everything feels out of your control. 

8. You feel frustrated and angry when you think about all that’s wrong in your life, but you’re able to deal with these feelings during a vent session

You may be feeling upset and confused, but if you have the time and ability to do fun things like take a dance class or go out with your friends, you’re doing better than you think you are. Your friend can give you constructive advice and a healthier outlook on your problems. And dancing can help bring out those happy endorphins. 

9. You recognize the desire to run away from all your problems, but you stay and face them head on

It’s okay to admit that you don’t want to deal with issues that cause you unhappiness. But your actions are louder than your thoughts. Staying takes courage and maturity. 

10. You’ve spent too much time sitting in traffic and are ready to cry

It’s okay to cry and let those emotions out. Only when you allow yourself to feel bad can you move on and feel better. 

11. You appreciate the good days so much more and make the most of them

You know firsthand how awful bad days can feel. When the good days roll around, you don’t take them for granted.

12. Your bad days have made you determined to take charge of your life

You realize that you alone are responsible for your own happiness. If something goes wrong, it’s the universe giving you a silent nudge that something needs to change.

13. You’ve experienced more bad than good days lately, indicating that good days are on the horizon

Nothing lasts in life. Both good and bad must come to an end. You’re going to make it to those good days. 

14. Your fears are causing your bad days, which is a sign you need to dream bigger

Your dreams should always be bigger than your fears. They should be bigger than what you think is realistic. Only then will you see that you’re stronger and more capable than you realize.

15. Always keep the faith that things will get better

It’s okay to be sad, but don’t let it consume you or make you believe things will never get better. A positive outlook leads to a positive outcome. It’s only when you lose that faith that you truly have nothing.

Brianna DiPanni is a senior at Assumption College. She is currently majoring in English with a concentration in Writing and Mass Communications. She is a self proclaimed book nerd, Zumba enthusiast and shopping addict. When her nose isn't stuck under a book, Brianna also enjoys baking and spending time with her friends. After graduation, Brianna plans on pursuing a career in writing and working for a fashion magazine.