ADVERTISEMENT

Though bad things certainly do and will continue to happen, life isn’t as bad as you might see on the news. The world is full of beauty, kindness, talent, and awesomeness—you just need to be willing to look for it. Sometimes, a small reminder is all that it takes for us to do that.

The r/awesome subreddit does exactly what it says on the tin. Its 1.2 million members share “everything that is awesome,” from examples of human generosity and gorgeous art to powerful photos of nature and wildlife. We’ve curated some of their most inspiring posts to share with all of you, dear Pandas. Scroll down for a boost of optimism and hope.

#3

Duomo Di Milano Door, Graphite On Paper, 16x16 Inches , By Me

Duomo Di Milano Door, Graphite On Paper, 16x16 Inches , By Me

fabiodesenhando Report

The r/awesome online community is practically ancient by internet standards. It was first created on Reddit way back in the middle of March in 2008. Over its nearly 16 years of existence, the subreddit has grown by leaps and bounds. At the time of writing, over 1.2 million internet users call themselves members of the group.

The moderator team running the whole show has just two rules. They’re both fairly simple. The first one is that you shouldn’t be posting any indecent content. The second one asks redditors to try not to post screenshots. 

#4

This Parrot Got A Second Chance At Life After Getting New Prosthetic Beak

This Parrot Got A Second Chance At Life After Getting New Prosthetic Beak

Slygirl997 Report

#5

An Unspoken Hero

An Unspoken Hero

Gainsborough-Smythe Report

#6

This Rare, Vibrant Heirloom Corn Is The Work Of A Dust Bowl Farmer With Cherokee Roots

This Rare, Vibrant Heirloom Corn Is The Work Of A Dust Bowl Farmer With Cherokee Roots

Gainsborough-Smythe Report

Add photo comments
POST
sarah-jones avatar
sbj
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You wouldn't want to eat as it would seem like you'd be spoiling a thing of beauty

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The subreddit touches on a lot of important topics with the help of some truly powerful photos. You start thinking about what a good life—one that’s worth living—looks like. You consider what it would take for you to create art as powerful as that from some of the people in the images. And you wonder what your relationship with nature is currently like… and what it should be like in the future.

ADVERTISEMENT

Living a good life, at its core, means living purposefully. What your exact purpose is will depend entirely on your character, goals, values, and aspirations. Some people feel a calling to travel, be entrepreneurs, or dedicate themselves to creating art in all of its forms. Others give themselves entirely to their family, aim to save the world, or want to leave behind a legacy of generosity.

#7

Decided To Surprise My Neighbours For Their Friendship With A Portrait Of Their Cat

Decided To Surprise My Neighbours For Their Friendship With A Portrait Of Their Cat

Furia139 Report

#8

The Value Of A Single Tree

The Value Of A Single Tree

Gainsborough-Smythe Report

Add photo comments
POST
sarah-jones avatar
sbj
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Organizing a meeting here is one way to make sure people turn up on time, even early, just to get a seat in the shade

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Whatever your particular purpose in life might be, some things are fundamental when it comes to living well. First of all, you have to cover your basic needs like eating well, getting plenty of exercise throughout the week, and getting plenty of rest. But something that people forget about is that human beings are hardwired to be social.

So a quality life will inevitably involve lots of in-depth socializing with the people we care about. The positive relationships we foster make us resilient to the stresses of life. They make us happier, healthier, and help us live longer.

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Alice In Wonderland Cake. Credit: Pedro Sequera

Alice In Wonderland Cake. Credit: Pedro Sequera

j3ffr33d0m Report

#12

Me With A Few Of My Paintings!

Me With A Few Of My Paintings!

GuidanceArtistic47 Report

In a similar vein, if we’re socially isolated, our risk of developing life-threatening diseases increases dramatically. Social isolation and loneliness are toxic to our bodies and minds. Being kind to others, caring about your community, and authentically investing in your social network isn’t just ‘the right thing to do’—there are very practical benefits to behaving altruistically and opening ourselves up to connecting to others.

#13

My Step Dad Took This Pic And I Think It’s Awesome

My Step Dad Took This Pic And I Think It’s Awesome

Ur_average_guyguy Report

Add photo comments
POST
danweller avatar
Danthropologist
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genuine question, can this phenomena be seen with the naked eye or are there enhancing camera filters that make it stand out more?

theenglishbornable avatar
theenglishbornable
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So I believe, and very could be wrong. This is a long exposure of the night sky, which allows such details to be captured. So it cannot be seen by the naked eye, and I do not know nearly enough about camera filters to really answer but think it's the long exposure that is the real trick here.

Load More Replies...
emmatown1959 avatar
The voice of reason
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

25+ years ago I saw a night sky full of stars like this. First and only time I had seen such a thing. The memory still stays with me and I often look to see if I will witness such a wonder again.

glennbrynes avatar
Glenn Brynes
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It virtually has to be made with two images. Otherwise the light in the lighthouse would wash out the rest of the image. My guess is that the stunning image was mostly taken with a long exposure when the lighthouse was off (or when the beam was facing away from the camera) and a second shorter exposure when the light was shining in the direction of the camera.

haoyun2001 avatar
María Hermida
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stupid question here. What's the spine-like thing in the middle of the image? It's not a cloud. Is it some kind of reflection? It's a beautiful image. I wish I could see so many stars. I miss the "starry" night skies I could see when I was a kid.

ericc_ avatar
giuseppemanuli avatar
Giuseppe Manuli
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We where on the southern part of the Greece island of Rhodes. There was no moon and on street lighting (possibly a power cut). We got an amazing view of the Milky Way, even better than the photo I would not have believed it if I had not seen it myself.

rafaelruivo avatar
Rafael
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This used to be what the sky looked like. People would see this every day and memorize it, and no wonder they could navigate by it. We look at the three or four sad lonely points on our crappy night sky and wonder how they could do it...

ixangacancun avatar
Ixanga Cancun
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It can be seen by the naked eye, I can see the Milky Way (I live on a hill in a rainforest) on a night with no moon (and no clouds). Any light at all spoils it. So I think this pic must be a) long exposure with a special filter on the camera and also b) filtered after production as a lighthouse is mega bright.

feliciacahoon avatar
I heart Boo-BI-es
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know that the night sky is more visible, the less light pollution to no light pollution, especially to see the Milky Way. So how can we see this so vividly but yet there's literally a working lighthouse in the photo? A lighthouse, the very thing that helped to guide boaters through the darkness of night, to prevent them from crashing into obstacles. Can somebody please explain. TIA 😊

athinajohn avatar
nm (he/him)
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The image of our Milky Way, taken with special camera from an astronomical observatory, that follows the Earth movement, without light pollution. The lighthouse IS light pollution. Photoshopped image that an average Joe cannot take.

martingibbs734 avatar
martin734
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find that unlikely. The photo was most likely taken with a DSLR and a lens with an aperture of around F2 or even F1.4. The lighthouse will cause some light pollution but as it is a sweeping focused light rather than a fixed scattered light a long exposure will still capture objects that are not obscured as the light beam sweeps around. A long exposure of a couple of minutes along with a high ISO of around 1600 or 3200 and tweaking of the white balance will get results like these. The original image would almost certainly have been shot in the RAW format with some postprocessing work to enhance the colour and contrast.

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

A Train Carved From The Tip Of A Pencil. (Artist: Cindy Chinn)

A Train Carved From The Tip Of A Pencil. (Artist: Cindy Chinn)

Gainsborough-Smythe Report

How we choose to deepen our relationships with those around us is up to every one of us. It might mean recognizing that we’re workaholics. So, we strive to create a healthier work-life balance and enforce more boundaries at our jobs, to spend more time with our family and friends.

ADVERTISEMENT
#16

Izzy The Dog Stuck In A Flock Of Sheep

Izzy The Dog Stuck In A Flock Of Sheep

Gainsborough-Smythe Report

It might mean taking some time every week to volunteer and help the less fortunate or aid a cause we deeply believe in. Like focusing on environmentalism and conservation to protect the beautiful views in some of the photos shared on r/awesome. Or we might admit to ourselves a harsh truth: that we do not have the social life that we want and that we need to put in the effort to make (new) friends.

#19

A Snow Leopard In Its Natural Habitat At Spiti Valley, India Appears Flawlessly Camouflaged, Effortlessly Blending Into The Surrounding Environment

A Snow Leopard In Its Natural Habitat At Spiti Valley, India Appears Flawlessly Camouflaged, Effortlessly Blending Into The Surrounding Environment

WarriorMonk_420 Report

#20

My Neighbor's Maple Trees - No Filter

My Neighbor's Maple Trees - No Filter

pick13s Report

Add photo comments
POST
maria_richter23 avatar
Chocolate llama
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, the classical pumpkin-spice autumn enthusiast next to the Halloween autumn enthusiast <3

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda

Many of the works of art and photography featured in this post are, well, awesome. They might inspire some people to start doing something creative or to go back to an old, unfinished project.

ADVERTISEMENT

An important point to remember here is that no artist, no matter how talented, manages to create their masterpieces without sweat or tears. 

#23

Autumn In New York - Central Park As Seen From High Above

Autumn In New York - Central Park As Seen From High Above

TheGuvnor247 Report

#24

Peaceful Food

Peaceful Food

j3ffr33d0m Report

Creating high-quality work takes time, effort, and countless revisions. It’s frustrating. At times, you feel defeated and question whether you’re any good at all. But if you manage to tough it out and embrace those creative pains, you can create something powerful.

If you sincerely want to become a top-tier painter, photographer, sculptor, musician, dancer, etc., you have to be willing to consistently put in the work.

#25

Biomechanical Tattoo

Biomechanical Tattoo

WhersucSugarplum Report

#26

My Mom Took This Photo And I Think It's Awesome

My Mom Took This Photo And I Think It's Awesome

sendlino12 Report

#27

Haunting Driftwood Sculptures By Japanese Artist Nagato Iwasaki

Haunting Driftwood Sculptures By Japanese Artist Nagato Iwasaki

Molech999 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jeffwhite_2 avatar
Jeff White
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not often your get a 10 point word, but for this ... Haunting is spot on.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

Aside from developing a sense of discipline and habitual effort in your life, you also need to genuinely be passionate about what you do. It’s your love of your craft that is going to carry you when everything seems to be falling apart around you. At the end of the day, we can often instinctively tell that something is worth pursuing, no matter how much or how little recognition our efforts might get on the internet and in the media.

#28

My Completed Charcoal Drawing Featuring 5 Iconic Jokers! It Took Me A Month To Create!

My Completed Charcoal Drawing Featuring 5 Iconic Jokers! It Took Me A Month To Create!

subhaanart Report

#30

This Axlotl

This Axlotl

Gainsborough-Smythe Report

We’d love to hear your thoughts about the r/awesome community, Pandas. Which of the photos featured in this post did you like the most? Were there any images that made your jaws drop or that you sent to your friends? What’s the most awesome thing you’ve seen since the start of the year? Scroll down to the comment section and tell us all about it. 

In the meantime, be sure to check out Bored Panda’s earlier feature about the r/awesome subreddit for some more gorgeous nature, beautiful art, and examples of human kindness.

#31

Victorian Steampunk Swing Set

Victorian Steampunk Swing Set

Gainsborough-Smythe Report

#34

(Oc) Alpaca Made With 40 Hours Of Dots

(Oc) Alpaca Made With 40 Hours Of Dots

Eastern-Spot2023 Report

#35

Nautilus, A Very Ancient Crustacean

Nautilus, A Very Ancient Crustacean

Gainsborough-Smythe Report

Add photo comments
POST
badulesia-granieri avatar
Badulesia
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nautilidae are Cephalopods, not crustaceans. These are totaly different phyla (biological groups) within the Animalia kingdom, with origins back to cambrian time.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

An Aerial View Of Centuripe Town In Sicily, Italy

An Aerial View Of Centuripe Town In Sicily, Italy

j3ffr33d0m Report

Add photo comments
POST
sheilachris80 avatar
Lyop
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this where Clive Barker got the idea for the short horror story (In the Hills, the Cities) about two cities merging into giant men to battle themselves to death?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

One Of My Gaming Friends, Who I Have Never Met In Person, Sent Me A New Xbox. Who Says Gaming Friends Aren’t Real Friends!!!

One Of My Gaming Friends, Who I Have Never Met In Person, Sent Me A New Xbox. Who Says Gaming Friends Aren’t Real Friends!!!

Stinkydadman Report

Add photo comments
POST
shylabouche_1 avatar
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

About three years before I was arrested, a woman I knew only online from a chatroom bought me a mobility scooter. Mom took a picture of me on it to send to her. That scooter really improved my life.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#38

Lava Flowing Across The Snow In Iceland, While A Crowd Of People Warms Themselves Near It While Watching

Lava Flowing Across The Snow In Iceland, While A Crowd Of People Warms Themselves Near It While Watching

_kashmiri_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
crunchewy-watson avatar
CrunChewy McSandybutt
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if these are locals or only tourists? I've heard somewhere that the gases coming off lava can be toxic. Yes or no?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Pier, Acrylic , 42x42 Cm, 2019

Pier, Acrylic , 42x42 Cm, 2019

Tanbelia Report