I spotted a list of five harsh truths about life that I thought was pretty good – and accurate.

1. You are responsible for your own happiness.

2. The majority of your limits are self-imposed.

3. You can never fully prepare for everything life will throw at you.

4. You will mess up. The best thing you can do is learn from it and move on.

5. Your loved ones will not be around forever. Cherish them.

Another harsh and timely truth, if I may please amend the list with one of my own? No matter how many beautiful blooms you spot right now, there will be at least ten cicadas for each. Or ten times ten.

I cannot get over these things. They. Are. Everywhere. I knew they were going to be bad, based on everything I read, but see harsh truth #3.