With all the bad news pummeling us every day, it is all too easy to fall into a pit of despair. Sometimes I think that everyone in the world is on Prozac, and looking around that world provides plenty of reasons why so many people seem to need those antidepressants. The world can be a difficult and depressing place, and simply finding a reason to hope can be quite a challenge.

When despair threatens to take over, however, I find it useful to take a step back and look at the inspirational things in my own life. What I have found is that inspiration is closer than I thought, and it often shows up in unexpected places.

Chances are that your life also contains plenty of inspirational moments. Those inspirations may come from members of your family, coworkers, friends, or even from those you don’t know. As I list the inspirations in my life, I urge you to look at your own life and find inspiration within your own world.

Some of the people and events that continue to inspire me even in difficult times include:

The boundless energy I find in both the young and not-so-young. In my own circle of friends and acquaintances, I am inspired by:

A young coworker who works a full job and a part-time job while attending college at the same time

A middle-aged relative who has returned to school full time after retiring

The many people who go out of their way to help me when I need them, and the ease I find helping others who need my skills

The amazing spirit that has helped so many of my friends deal with, and triumph over, the health challenges they have faced.

When I worry about the state of the world today, I just think about these inspirations. While the world will always have challenges, the ability to see those challenges as opportunities can help you gain a fuller understanding of the world and our place in it.