Optimistic Nihilism. Kind of a big word, well two words rather. Optimistic nihilism is the combination of two things, a personality type of optimism, looking on the bright side of things, and nihilism, the belief that life and things around us have no intrinsic value.

  I am an optimistic nihilist, it has set me free.

  Before coming to terms with my meaningless existence, I was obsessed with what people thought of me, I cared about fitting in and making sure people thought highly of me. But then I realized that it doesn’t matter, because nothing matters. I decided to be myself, and I have been much happier.

  The funny thing about having an existential crisis, and coming to terms with it, is that life becomes a lot more fun when you realize that technically speaking, you can do whatever you want, there is really nothing holding you back but personal inhibition.

  I’ve decided to be fully and wholly myself, because in the end we all die, unfortunately, or maybe fortunately. Things are temporary – relationships, feelings, pain, it’s all temporary. I think that’s a really beautiful part of the human experience.

  Nihilism can be scary. “If nothing we do matters, then why do anything at all?” you might be asking, and to that I say: “Because it’s fun.” The optimism in optimistic nihilism is really what makes it less scary. I might die, but I’m gonna have fun before I do. I’m determined to have a good time while I’m alive.

  Life can be rough, it can push you over and kick you when you’re down, but part of my philosophy is knowing it’ll be over. Everything is temporary, pain is temporary. If you just keep breathing, you can get through it – you can and you will.

  If you don’t keep breathing, you die. But everyone does eventually. So it goes. Part of my philosophy is knowing that while we all die, it’s better to be optimistic. People may leave, but do not cry because they are gone, be happy they were ever present in the first place.

  Life is fleeting and beautiful. A lot of people don’t realize that, but it’s quite beautiful how fragile we all are and how unpredictable life is. Each day is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.

  Learning to cope with all of this is difficult, but once you have, it’s truly wonderful. I live my life freely, no longer easily upset. Bad things happen, so it goes. I get hurt, I won’t be in pain for long.

  Appreciate those around you while you can, but do not fear them leaving, live each day as if it were your last, be your best self and never change for anyone.

  Life is too short to be miserable.