my favorite reason to be okay
Every so often I get kind of depressed and/or anxious about... the human condition, the state of the world, a lot of things really. I feel like I can't help, like nothing I do matters. I've learned that, as much as this feels like a problem I should "think my way out of", it usually isn't and the best ways to feel better are often embarrassingly mundane actions, like exercising or drinking water. (I am fortunate to not have had more serious issues that might require professional therapy, medication, or other such interventions, to my knowledge; if you do, I suggest seeking those interventions if at all possible.)
Still, here is one story I think to myself that makes me feel better more often than other thoughts:
There are thousands of people like me in various ways, near and far across the world, whether I know them or not. When I decide to do something, however small: eat one healthier meal, go to the gym once instead of doomscrolling, make a tiny donation, and so on... I'm making the decision partially on behalf of those thousands of people; I'm inputting into the universe that people like myself are people who will make that same decision.
Going to the gym that one time probably won't save me specifically. But statistically, it'll make at least one of those thousands of people live longer and healthier. And I want that; it's a meaningful difference to me. I want people like myself to have more time and ability to achieve their goals, because, if they're similar to myself, their goals are like mine too.
Some of those people similar to myself are probably sick or have some other acute crisis right now, and can only focus on themselves or perhaps someone close to them. I've been in that situation in the past. But, while I'm able, if I am fighting on their behalf for the goals they might want after they resolve their personal problems; then when if I do get sick or incapacitated, I have a reason to believe that other people like me will keep fighting on my behalf.