Screw negativity. These two little words sum up the point I want to make to you all this week. If I could leave it at that, I would. I won’t, though, for two reasons. First off, let’s face it. No proper column exists that’s only two words long. Second, my aim here is to offer my readers advice on how to better their lives and become more awesomesauce. My newfound anti-negativity mind set has provided me with a great opportunity to help those who may be struggling with seeing the positive in life.

2013 was a fairly rough year. 2014 hasn’t exactly been a leisurely walk through the park. I’ll spare you the painful and gritty details. Just know that it hasn’t been easy. I know I can’t be the only one who’s had it rough lately. In fact, kudos to everyone who’s been through some sort of hardship and emerged victorious. Have a cookie. You’ve definitely earned it.

Here’s the thing, though. Rough times are a necessary part of our lives. I know that I’ve mentioned that little fact before, but it’s still true and still very much worth repeating. Move on. Let it go. Move past it. Moreover, come back stronger. Do more than that. In fact, come back smiling. It doesn’t have to be instantaneous. Change very rarely happens overnight.

On your next bad day, I want you to try something. Think. Don’t think about whatever it is that’s got you feeling down. Do, however, think about positive things. Whether you realize it or not, you’re a very fortunate person.  We’re all fortunate in one way or another, even if we don’t always realize it.

Another way to approach any feelings of negativity is to embrace the little things. Say something goes wrong. One course of action would be to complain. Sometimes complaining seems so easy, but that doesn’t mean we should! Take another route. See the bright side of life. Do something that makes you smile. Engage in a hobby that you enjoy. Go for a walk, be it around the block, across campus, through the park or otherwise.

Like I said earlier, screw negativity. Negative thoughts don’t do much (if anything) to improve our lives. It makes much more sense to cut out such thoughts, as opposed to dwelling on them. Forget it. Think positive. Move on, and most importantly, smile.

A simple smile can work wonders. It can make the world seem like a brighter place. In turn, you will feel happier. Give it a try, and never forget that you are awesomesauce.