ADVERTISEMENT

We’re all in need of a little pick-me-up from time to time. Some of us are exhausted, demotivated, burned out, and we’re finding precious few things to be happy about (well… besides junk food…). The world’s so full of darkness after all. But life’s got plenty of wonderful things to bring us joy and make us smile, too! Sometimes, it just takes a gentle reminder. This one’s from us.

Dumbledore said that happiness can be found in the darkest of times “if one only remembers to turn on the light,” and we’re huge believers in that. So here’s us flicking on the lights for you! Our team at Bored Panda has put together this list of some of the most wholesome, heartwarming, and uplifting pictures and stories to bring that spark of happiness back into your lives, dear Readers.

As you’re scrolling down, remember to upvote the pics that made you smile the widest and be sure to share ‘em with those of your friends who you think might need a virtual hug. In the mood for some chicken soup for the soul? Check out Bored Panda’s other recent super-wholesome posts here, here, and here.

Sarah Vero from 'Action for Happiness' went into detail with Bored Panda about finding real happiness and how to move forward after the exhausting year that we've had. You'll find her insights below.

#1

I Don't Have Anyone To Celebrate With But I'm 7 Years Clean Of Heroin Today. Yey Me

I Don't Have Anyone To Celebrate With But I'm 7 Years Clean Of Heroin Today. Yey Me

FingerMyJapsEye Report

#2

A Single Gay Man Is Only Allowed To Adopt A Child With Disability, So He Adopts A Girl With A Down Syndrome, That Was Rejected By More Than 20 Families

A Single Gay Man Is Only Allowed To Adopt A Child With Disability, So He Adopts A Girl With A Down Syndrome, That Was Rejected By More Than 20 Families

trapaluca , trapaluca Report

#3

My Son Always Texts To Say He's On His Way Home. So I Open The Door, Letting His 17-Year-Old Cat, And 16-Year-Old Doggo Know That He's On His Way. This Is Them Waiting For Him

My Son Always Texts To Say He's On His Way Home. So I Open The Door, Letting His 17-Year-Old Cat, And 16-Year-Old Doggo Know That He's On His Way. This Is Them Waiting For Him

Thought it was adorable and wanted to share.

JonesMommy Report

For Sarah from 'Action for Happiness,' living a life of happiness and a life of duty and purpose aren't polar opposites: they're both closely interlinked with one another. "Finding real happiness isn't about always seeking a temporary state of feeling good. A lot of what actually makes us happy relates to duty and purpose," she said.

"The 10 keys to happier living are giving, relating, exercising, awareness, trying out, direction, resilience, emotions, acceptance, and meaning. We are likely to be happier if our lives have direction, meaning and purpose and if we are part of something bigger than ourselves," Sarah said that living a life full of purpose with a clear sense of direction while also lending others a helping hand is a more fulfilling one than blundering about aimlessly.

#4

After Stage 4 Cancer & 20 Months Of Chemo, My Kid Rang The Bell

After Stage 4 Cancer & 20 Months Of Chemo, My Kid Rang The Bell

20vmki Report

#5

The Client Was Supposed To Wear This Dress For Their Session That Was Canceled, So I Asked My Husband's 87-Year-Old Grandma If She Wanted To Model The Dress For Me

The Client Was Supposed To Wear This Dress For Their Session That Was Canceled, So I Asked My Husband's 87-Year-Old Grandma If She Wanted To Model The Dress For Me

After a little hesitation, I convinced her to do it. I did her make-up, brushed her hair and put the dress on her, she was the happiest little old lady I’ve ever seen. She said she felt like she was a bride again and how she wished her husband was still on this earth with us so she could remarry him again. Btw, it was also her birthday, so it was the perfect little gift to up her spirits

inthebliss Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#6

The First Selfie My Grandpa Took With His New Phone

The First Selfie My Grandpa Took With His New Phone

bosvert234 Report

"Giving or doing things for others is another example. Relating is about being connected to other people and being part of a community. Duty and purpose don't have to be serious things, being part of a cause that you care about or taking part in charity fundraising, all these things make us happy and fulfilled. We should see these things as acts of service that help us to be happy and help other people at the same time. Awareness is about appreciating each moment no matter what we are doing at the time."

Sarah gave us some very tips on how to deal with our current feelings of isolation, burnout, and exhaustion. She also shared how we can rediscover our joy of living. First of all, she highlighted the fact that it's perfectly "ok not to be ok," since it's normal to feel isolated and burned out "during a traumatic experience like a pandemic." The key is not to punish yourself for struggling during these difficult times.

#7

The Very Last Message My Lil Girl Minnie Made Sure I Had Before She Passed Away This Year

The Very Last Message My Lil Girl Minnie Made Sure I Had Before She Passed Away This Year

Daddy can hear your voice every time I read this and I miss ya more than you'll ever know.

mikey.thompson.3154 Report

#8

Today I Have 2 Years Sober From Fentanyl, Meth, Crack And Alcohol! This Is A Day I Felt Like I Would Never See, Definitely Smiling Today

Today I Have 2 Years Sober From Fentanyl, Meth, Crack And Alcohol! This Is A Day I Felt Like I Would Never See, Definitely Smiling Today

Psychological-Draw74 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Wholesome Bodybuilder

Wholesome Bodybuilder

benp242 Report

"Don't be down on yourself for struggling, most people are in the same boat. If we admit that we are struggling we can start to take steps to get better. Don't suffer alone, talk to friends and family, let them know what's going on, and make time for meaningful conversations," Sarah from 'Action for Happiness' suggested that we open up to our loved ones more. However, that's not all.

"Start taking small steps to support your mental health and wellbeing. Are you getting the basics right? Eat healthy food, get enough sleep, and daily exercise. Take time for yourself, go outside and be in nature, notice the way the seasons are changing at the moment. Plan time in your diary to do something you love like creating art or music," she said.

#10

Spent The Second Half Of 2020 Homeless, NYE In A Mental Hospital, Then Caught Covid The Week I Was Released. Tonight Is My First Night In A Proper Bed, And I Built It Myself

Spent The Second Half Of 2020 Homeless, NYE In A Mental Hospital, Then Caught Covid The Week I Was Released. Tonight Is My First Night In A Proper Bed, And I Built It Myself

dingosaurus Report

#12

8 Years Sober From Heroin Today And A Week Without Cigarettes (Though I'm Having Trouble). I Don't Have Anyone Really To Share With So Here I Am. Here's To The Future

8 Years Sober From Heroin Today And A Week Without Cigarettes (Though I'm Having Trouble). I Don't Have Anyone Really To Share With So Here I Am. Here's To The Future

CakeDaySenderella Report

What's more, even though we might be feeling sapped and down, it's the perfect time to think about others, not just ourselves. "Think about how you can reach out and do things for others, help a neighbour or volunteer for a cause, we get happiness high from helping other people. Or start small and simply list three things that you can be grateful for each night before bed. Take it slow and be kind to yourself, the world is starting to open up but go at the pace that feels good for you," Sarah advised us how we can take the first steps to step out of the pandemic lockdown fog and into the sunlight.

ADVERTISEMENT
#14

I Lost My Baby And Stranger From The Internet Made Me A Bear With The Same Size And Weight

I Lost My Baby And Stranger From The Internet Made Me A Bear With The Same Size And Weight

It is so beautiful to have a physical representation of my baby that I can hold and I am so thankful.

smkels Report

#15

Our Cat Had Kittens Two Days After We Had Our Baby Girl. This Kitten Climbs Into Her Lounger Whenever He Has The Chance. I Think These Two Were Destined To Be Best Buds

Our Cat Had Kittens Two Days After We Had Our Baby Girl. This Kitten Climbs Into Her Lounger Whenever He Has The Chance. I Think These Two Were Destined To Be Best Buds

Hoot2687 Report

Previously, I spoke about the relationship between helping others and happiness with Vanessa King, the Head of Psychology at ‘Action for Happiness,’ a movement that’s dedicated to creating a happier, more caring society. The Dalai Lama is the movement’s patron and King is the author of '10 Keys to Happier Living.'

King told Bored Panda that an important part of being happy is helping others and doing kind things for them.

"If you think about it human beings are social species, we evolved to live in groups so working together and doing things to help each other is the social glue that keeps us together,” King explained.

#16

My Husband Passed Away 2 Weeks Ago And In The Garage Behind A Piece Of Paper Hanging On The Wall I Found This

My Husband Passed Away 2 Weeks Ago And In The Garage Behind A Piece Of Paper Hanging On The Wall I Found This

In the months before his passing he was unable to talk due to his brain cancer, so finding this note from him meant the world to me and is something I will cherish forever. We were married for 24 years. I hope this post inspires people to take time to leave little notes for their loved ones. The comfort they can give is priceless.

Lacy Summers Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#17

Happy I Got The Happiest Photo With My Best Friend

Happy I Got The Happiest Photo With My Best Friend

inherentlydad Report

#18

Jamie Couldn't Play Sports Because He Has Cerebral Palsy, But The Team That He Works For As A Janitor Awarded Him A Ring

Jamie Couldn't Play Sports Because He Has Cerebral Palsy, But The Team That He Works For As A Janitor Awarded Him A Ring

"I'm not a player or coach, yet greatly enjoy serving the Greenwood football program as their janitor. I was humbled today as they shared their state championship with me by gifting me with a ring. What fun it is to be a Greenwood Bulldog!"

Jamie Freeman Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsoo avatar
Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jamie seems like a great guy and good on the Greenwood Bulldogs for giving him a ring. It makes him feel like part of the team.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"Participating in group activities and community events makes us happier too. When we do things for others it activates the reward center in the brain, so when we give a gift it feels the same as receiving a gift," King detailed to Bored Panda in an earlier interview.

Even if we’re not usually altruistic, King had some wonderful news for us: it’s a learned skill that we can develop step by small step. It all comes down to consistently working at it every day. “At Action for Happiness, we provide daily actions and advice on small changes you can take each day to start bringing more kindness into your life. Small daily actions one at a time can help us to make altruism a lifetime habit. You could start out small by deciding you are going to smile at everyone you meet or pay three people a compliment today."

#19

I And Two Coworkers Realized We Were Wearing The Same Coat. The Only Option Was To Zip Them Into One Three Person Coat

I And Two Coworkers Realized We Were Wearing The Same Coat. The Only Option Was To Zip Them Into One Three Person Coat

Geekquinox Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Retired Chemistry Teacher Bro. Martin Sellner Shared His Triumph Of Completing A Cross-Stitch Periodic Table After Two Decades Of Stitching

Retired Chemistry Teacher Bro. Martin Sellner Shared His Triumph Of Completing A Cross-Stitch Periodic Table After Two Decades Of Stitching

The 82-year-old Lasallian brother meticulously hand-stitched every inch of the 58" x 54" embroidery. ⁠

"The table and border took six years. Then finally the last nine elements were named by the IUPAC and I was able to complete it."

Inspirations Magazine Report

#21

I’ve Made A Commitment To Stay Sober And Take My Life Back. I’ve Made It 2.5 Days, Which Is The Longest Streak I Can Remember

I’ve Made A Commitment To Stay Sober And Take My Life Back. I’ve Made It 2.5 Days, Which Is The Longest Streak I Can Remember

hickryjustaswell Report

There are other ways to develop your altruistic inclinations, too. For instance, giving money to charity, donating to a food bank, or volunteering your time for a cause that you think is worth it. “You can leave a food package or a note for an elderly neighbor,” King from ‘Action for Happiness’ said.

“All of these actions help others and boost your own happiness and if we are happier, research shows we are even more likely to help others.”

There’s some more good news on the altruistic front. We know that not everyone is willing to help others purely out of the goodness of their heart: they’re constantly thinking about what they get out of it. Fortunately, King told us that it’s perfectly fine to “fake it ‘till you make it” and not worry too much about whether you’re actually being self-interested or kind.

#23

The Late Great Black Panther Chadwick Boseman Visiting And Making The Absolute Day Of Cancer-Stricken Kids In The Hospital, All The While Quietly Battling The Same Disease

The Late Great Black Panther Chadwick Boseman Visiting And Making The Absolute Day Of Cancer-Stricken Kids In The Hospital, All The While Quietly Battling The Same Disease

chadwickboseman Report

#24

We Fed Our Backyard Squirrel ONCE... Meet Frankie At Our Backyard Door Waiting For More Nuts

We Fed Our Backyard Squirrel ONCE... Meet Frankie At Our Backyard Door Waiting For More Nuts

chebstr Report

“Maybe at first, you start out doing things to help others only to get attention and praise, but you will find that doing things for others helps you feel good and when you see people’s responses. Once you see the difference you can make in the world and to your own happiness and altruism can grow naturally," the Head of Psychology at ‘Action for Happiness’ said.

Kindness, according to King, has a ripple effect. We’re more likely to be kind when we experience kindness in turn. So helping even one person with a seemingly trivial task can have a knock-on effect that’s far bigger than we initially think.

#25

My Great Grandma, Who Turned 103 On Valentine’s Day, Laughing With My 2-Month-Old Daughter

My Great Grandma, Who Turned 103 On Valentine’s Day, Laughing With My 2-Month-Old Daughter

mrsroyalmountain Report

#26

Our Daughter Wasn’t Eating For Weeks Due To The Effects Of Chemo And Being Very Sick. Finally Home From The Hospital, I Made Spaghetti And She Finally Would Eat

Our Daughter Wasn’t Eating For Weeks Due To The Effects Of Chemo And Being Very Sick. Finally Home From The Hospital, I Made Spaghetti And She Finally Would Eat

Celebrating small victories here

Jenngotcakespdx Report

#27

This Little Guy Came To Say Hello While Walking My Pup This Morning. Am I Officially A Disney Princess?

This Little Guy Came To Say Hello While Walking My Pup This Morning. Am I Officially A Disney Princess?

switchup Report

It’s best to do kind things without expecting anything in return. First of all, because it’s the morally correct way of living life. But secondly, because of one very practical aspect: we can never be sure that we’ll be rewarded for our troubles, so it’s best to have very low expectations (or none at all!) so that we’re not left feeling disappointed.

"It may also be helpful for the person to think about why they are seeking attention and reward from an external source, a key part of being happy is feeling comfortable with who you are and accepting life the way it is,” King suggested.

#28

My Dad Was Worried My Deafblind Dog Wouldn’t Recognize Him After A Year Of Quarantine But I Think She Did

My Dad Was Worried My Deafblind Dog Wouldn’t Recognize Him After A Year Of Quarantine But I Think She Did

haydenkristal Report

#29

Forgiveness Can Actually Heal Us. He Got His Life Back. May We Find It In Our Hearts To Forgive Those Who Are Truly Sorry And Need Us To Free Them

Forgiveness Can Actually Heal Us. He Got His Life Back. May We Find It In Our Hearts To Forgive Those Who Are Truly Sorry And Need Us To Free Them

heathertday Report

See Also on Bored Panda

She continued: “I’d suggest that the person taking time to build up their self-care to become happier and more resilient. Perhaps start with a personal gratitude practice to appreciate what they already have in life, writing down three things each day that we are grateful for can boost happiness.”

#31

I’ve Been Biking To Work In The Cold Every Morning, My Coworker Noticed And She Made Me This Scarf And Beanie

I’ve Been Biking To Work In The Cold Every Morning, My Coworker Noticed And She Made Me This Scarf And Beanie

Then_Ad7687 Report

#32

Elementary School Kids Raised Over $7000 To Buy Their Janitor A Car, Whose Commute Was 4 Hours Long On 3 Different Buses

Elementary School Kids Raised Over $7000 To Buy Their Janitor A Car, Whose Commute Was 4 Hours Long On 3 Different Buses

wmcactionnews5.com Report

#34

A Factory In Turkey Started To Produce Roof Tiles That Serve As Bird Shelters

A Factory In Turkey Started To Produce Roof Tiles That Serve As Bird Shelters

UgurErogul99 Report

#35

My 10-Year Cancer-Versary: Full Circle From Cancer Patient To Oncology PA Working In The Same Clinic That Cured Me

My 10-Year Cancer-Versary: Full Circle From Cancer Patient To Oncology PA Working In The Same Clinic That Cured Me

blondie0o Report

#36

Lost 200 Pounds In A Year. Just Did The 20:4 Fast And Walked ~5 Km Every Day (360 Lbs To 160 Lbs)

Lost 200 Pounds In A Year. Just Did The 20:4 Fast And Walked ~5 Km Every Day (360 Lbs To 160 Lbs)

FoxyRadical2 Report

#37

My Son's Gymnastics Teammate Didn't Get Any Medals, So He Offered One Of His. "But I Didn't Earn It", His Friend Said. My Son Replied "You Earned It By Being My Best Friend"

My Son's Gymnastics Teammate Didn't Get Any Medals, So He Offered One Of His. "But I Didn't Earn It", His Friend Said. My Son Replied "You Earned It By Being My Best Friend"

Made me tear up, what a good little man.

TheTopHatSideShow Report

#38

Some Kids Made A Stick Pile For Dogs Walking By

Some Kids Made A Stick Pile For Dogs Walking By

amyjbrittain Report

#39

My Dad Poured A Trail Of Salt From My Vehicle To The Front Door Of My Work Building So That I, His 38-Year-Old Daughter, Wouldn’t Slip And Fall On The Ice

My Dad Poured A Trail Of Salt From My Vehicle To The Front Door Of My Work Building So That I, His 38-Year-Old Daughter, Wouldn’t Slip And Fall On The Ice

Elizabeth Bautista Boyd Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#40

A Very Awesome Mom

A Very Awesome Mom

JustinRyanBerni Report

#42

Remember Me? The White Blood Cell Immunotherapy Girl? Well, Update: It Worked. Stage 4 To No Cancer In 3 Months! Science Is Magic

Remember Me? The White Blood Cell Immunotherapy Girl? Well, Update: It Worked. Stage 4 To No Cancer In 3 Months! Science Is Magic

Zero evidence of disease at 3mo scan, and staying that way. 

sarahjewel Report

#44

Little Boy Receives His "Salary" From Wholesome Electricians

Little Boy Receives His "Salary" From Wholesome Electricians

"Possibly the sweetest act of kindness I’ve seen. Family had electricians in every week for the past 6 weeks and their little boy was obsessed with them. He hounded them with questions, kindness and constant offers to help!"

SportySuz20 Report

Add photo comments
POST
lsoo avatar
Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is lovely. My mom remembers me being about 3 years old, and badgering the house painter whilst he worked. Apparently, I was quite the chatterbox.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

Every Morning, Our Cat Patiently Waits At My Sons' Bedroom Door For Them To Wake Up. And It's Not To Be Fed - He Just Can't Wait To See Them

Every Morning, Our Cat Patiently Waits At My Sons' Bedroom Door For Them To Wake Up. And It's Not To Be Fed - He Just Can't Wait To See Them

NuevoJerz Report

Add photo comments
POST
susangreen_2 avatar
Susan Green
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You beautiful, loving cat! This is just another reason why I love having dogs and cats so much.

jaysonhammer avatar
TrickQuestion
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat does the same! She gets worried when I don't get up at my usual time.

cecilia_cheung avatar
Cecilia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same with my rescue, Lola, she checks on me every morning and walks me downstairs

Load More Replies...
lsoo avatar
Raine Soo
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your cat loves Sean and Jake. That's very sweet.

mecassid avatar
JCRocks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog does this. She sits outside our door and moans if we don't let her in by a certain time. As soon as I let her in, she jumps into our bed. Such a great way to wake up! (For those wondering, she's a Huge dog. We would let her sleep with us, but there isn't room!)

lisa-mahoney1975 avatar
The Deez
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww! My daughter's cat, Cheeto, used to do that! In fact, it took a couple of weeks for her to STOP doing it after my daughter moved out. Now Cheeto sleeps on ME all night long! LOL!

ivyruonakoski avatar
Ivy Ruonakoski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine doesn't wait. He will scratch and scratch until let in. At least my teen doesn't need an alarm clock.

rainebernhardt avatar
Bean flavored Fujioshi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

y dog sleeps in my bed and when i wake up he followed me around for about an hour ^^ and for my classes i sit on the couch and he lays down on my feet (this was taken 1-2 days ago) IMG_202104...4d102c.jpg IMG_20210419_130517-607f38a4d102c.jpg

tonikaya avatar
Toni Alabakovski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our cat does the same thing, our son is 13, she loves sleeping in his room.

oberlinmom1 avatar
Susan Egan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a cat like that. He loved our daughter and slept with her or on her every night. He'd follow us around like most people think of dogs. He wanted to be with us.

cazoverll avatar
Caroline Overill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I got my present pusscat family member I said I would not allow her to sleep on my bed because I toss and turn and I was frightened of rolling over on her. She had other ideas. She does not sit outside like this little one. She scratches the carpet and the door until I let her in. Stinker. I love her though.

bethdouthit avatar
Beth Douthit
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d open the door to let him in. He’ll wake them up for you!

delphinum4 avatar
Zophra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder why the cat isn't allowed in the room beforehand - the cat is not to sleep with them?

ashlyngdickson avatar
Ayia Grace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Get the cat a cat door. (With the son's permission.)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

The Whole Family Lost Weight By Working Out Together

The Whole Family Lost Weight By Working Out Together

xyjesse Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#50

Adorable Meetings

Adorable Meetings

throatgoatlisa Report

Note: this post originally had 136 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.