Dese'Rae Stage has spent the last 15 years collecting and sharing stories of survival through her project called Live Through This. As a suicide prevention advocate and therapist, she started the initiative after noticing that meaningful conversations about suicide were not happening in society. The project includes interviews with people across the United States who have survived suicide attempts, and Stage herself is part of the collection. Through this work, she has created a supportive community and shared her own story to help others feel less alone and to reduce the emotional weight they carry. New research based on more than 16,000 responses to a Reddit post asking survivors what kept them alive has shown that small joys play a crucial role in survival. The study was led by Professor Philip Resnik from the University of Maryland's Institute of Advanced Computer Studies, who analyzed the responses and identified common themes. These included caring for others, finding comfort in sensory experiences like music, video games, and TV shows, and maintaining a sense of hope for the future. The research suggests that even small, everyday pleasures can be powerful tools in helping people stay alive during difficult times. Psychologist Rebecca Resnik, who has worked on similar studies, says these findings can guide how mental health care is provided. She emphasizes the importance of relationships, such as those with pets, and looking forward to events like prom or other milestones. Dese'Rae Stage agrees, crediting her children and her love of music for helping her survive. She keeps a list of reasons she wants to stay alive and things she is looking forward to, which she says helps her during crises. Stage believes that small joys can act as a lifeline for people in emotional distress. Her work with Live Through This and her personal experiences show that finding meaning in everyday moments can be a vital part of staying alive. The research and her advocacy both highlight that survival is not just about major life events, but also about the small, everyday things that bring comfort and hope.