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.
This post may include affiliate links.
I Don't Have Anyone To Celebrate With But I'm 7 Years Clean Of Heroin Today. Yey Me
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
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.
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.
After Stage 4 Cancer & 20 Months Of Chemo, My Kid Rang The Bell
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
The First Selfie My Grandpa Took With His New Phone
"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.
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.
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
"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.
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
The French Welcome
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
these types of things are like their own mini-birthdays!
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Wow, you're so damn strong! Keep going you got this. And by the way, you have a beautiful face. Your eyes smile as much as your mouth does. Celebrate yourself, you earned it. Every day again!
If you see this OP, I'll be your friend and celebrate every milestone with you!
I was prescribed fentanyl and became addicted to it. Dr wouldn't help me get off of it. Had also been addicted to oxycontin. Stopped smoking three years ago after a stroke. I still dream about smoking. Hang in there. Don't wait until you can't smoke because your in the ICU. Congratulations on being strong.
You have already won at this contest called LIFE! Wonderful news!
Keep going you are doing great and although I don't know you I support you. I wish I was as strong as you are.
It gets easier after 2 weeks. But, have to warn you, if you were a long time smoker, the desire to have one will never leave you. The urges just get further apart and become fleeting instead of insistent. Watch out for stressful situations that can lead you to have just one.
Good job. I found that the threes were hardest for quitting cigarettes: 3 weeks, 3 months, and weirdly enough, 3 years. After that, it was pretty easy.
Good job! This is seriously amazing & this internet stranger is so insanely proud of you!
Good FOR YOU! Omg I am so proud of all these people! I may be young, but I understand lots of things. Like how substantial this is. I am so happy that these people have been able to overcome things. They are so strong. I love them 💜💜
Part of my life was ruined by heroin and I was not the addict. Way to go, my friend.
You came to the right place to celebrate. 🥳💃🍾🎊🎂🎉I'm proud of you. Hugs from Germany.
Hang in there about the cigarettes! It does get easier, I promise!
CIGARETTES ARE THE WORSE! After 50+ years, I had to resort to medicine to quit, but am three years five months smoke free. Find something to occupy your mind and hands (for me it was crochet). Eventually, you’ll have days where you neither craved nicotine or thought about smoking. That’s when you realize you’re done. Rooting for you, kiddo! PS - lost Mom, and both grandparents to smoking related lung cancer. Not a pretty death. Keep on trying even if you relapse time and time again. I know I did.
Congratulations- I know that it was and still will be difficult, but your strength will help you through it.
Congratulations I hope you have more years clean and have some people to celebrate it with soon
You look fabulous! HUGE accomplishment. I admire and respect you! 💜👍🏻🌺 Keep going with quitting cigs. I know it’s hard, I did it, and you can too. The longer you go without cigarettes the easier it is because you start to realize just how truly vile they smell and have truly vile you smelled (in addition to the obvious health benefits). You’ll feel better, food wil taste better... Cigarettes are a fortune these days, just think of all the extra money you’re going to have.
May you live long and give the gifts you have to the world- you have a beautiful smile!
Well done look how strong and brave you are . Your you’re best friend. So you’re not alone 💞sending you happy thoughts
Way to go.........I'm 36 years clean and sober and only 3 years off cigarettes --- you can do this!!! I KNOW - cigarettes were WAY harder!!
There's no way to tell how many people your post will inspire! Congratulations!❤️
Congratulations!! You don’t need it! I hope the rest of your life is everything you ever hoped for!
You will do it and never go back just say no more to yourself as you did before.
Last smoke first of Aug, of 88 , started in 43. So join us quitters.
Now you can share your true and beautiful self with everyone. You’ve got this!!
Good luck! cigarettes go with habits, "now I will smoke one while I gather energies to get along", "my first to really wake up", "the cigarette that goes with the coffee", I did all those things but replacing them with chewing gums. until I realised that I didn't need any more.
AWESOME JOB!!! KEEP IT UP AND PUT THE PAST WHERE IT BELONGS; IN THE PAST!!
You go Girl!!!! I am 20 years smoking free after 2 packages or Marlboro red a day! You can do it!!! So proud of you! Drink water when you want to smoke, and if you gain some little pounds here and there, you will loose them later! Go You!!
Good work!! It's better to experience nicotine withdrawal than to cave in and be back at square one. Go for a walk and be thankful for your life.
You're wrong - you're sharing with millions - and we're all damn proud of you!!
See my comments to numbers one and eight as it is for you also. I am the parent of an addict who has been clen for years off and on. It is a battle. Shore up you defenses and resolve to last. NEVER give up!! Those who love you need the healing too, so show them some extra love.
Congratulations. Keep at it. Some say cigarettes are the hardest thing to give up and I would agree. Do your best and just keep taking one day at a time. I smoked for 37 years before I was able to quit. Do what you can and there's a good reason for the motto "one day at a time." You can do anything you decide to do. That's obvious. Believe in yourself. That's the only thing that matters. Go For It!!!!!
I quit smoking and at the time, I was watching a for-college-credit tv program about addiction. The drs. said that cigarettes are the hardest: they give you something to do with your hands; they give you something to suck on; they can keep you from being bored; and then there's all of the physical effects of addiction.
good on you you have done so well so keep it up do not blow it now you have the strength to do it so you go girl!!
I found kicking the cigarette habit was harder than my booze habit by FAR, so my genuine congratulations! Hang in there -- you know the drill! And keep up the good work!
Thank you for sharing with us. This is great news. I hope you will soon have a big circle of supporters. Love to you!
wonderful. You go girl. Try chewing popsicle sticks, brush teeth after eating, chew gum. (Smokenders' hints).
You are doing so well! Please be sure, it is so worth dealing with the difficulty, and you have eight years proof!
My Go-To, when I was quitting Cigarettes was Tea, every time I had any cravings, I made myself a nice STRONG cup of tea. (I am not a coffee drinker) I went through so much Tea in that first year, but I did beat it. So, I am feeling for you honey, You have clearly done well so far, take pride in your efforts and march forward. Mark EVERY Milestone.
Congratulations and best wishes for a lifetime free of those substances. You don't need that s**t!
"Congratulations" is not a sufficient word to recognize your achievements. It deserves a medal. Re the cigs, may I recommend Transcendental Meditation? TM is the easiest form of meditation to learn and research consistently finds it is the most effective form of meditation. (Go to TM.org for more info). Within three years of learning TM, my body woke up enough that it rejected drugs, alcohol, the 1.5 liters a day cola habit, and an 18-year habit of heavy smoking. Three of my family members would eventually die of lung cancer, while I went on to a half-century of good ever-improving health. I hope you will check TM out!
Keep it up! Want a cigarette? Get up and do something..scrub a tub, bake a cake from scratch, take a walk, and think of something else while you're doing it. You have my support because I'm as weak-willed as they come and I'm now 10 years free.
Comgrats for overcoming ur addiction on heroin! Cigarette may be difficult but come on u beat heroin! Those cancerous shits will be gone as well, u can do it!
Having trouble? You are amazing! One or two bad days aren't going to stop you!
I found quitting cigarettes harder than kicking heroin (33 years clean).
👏👏👏 So proud of you and allllll the work you've put into getting there!!! 👏👏👏
My mother died at 58 from metastatic lung cancer. She was a chain smoker and alcoholic. My son's father died at 52 from brain cancer. He was a chain smoker. It was an ugly death.
Good job! You can kick that cigarette habit! I watched my husband do it after smoking for over 40 years. Ain't gonna lie, it's hard. But you can do it!
So proud of you!!! Keep doing what you know to do!!! Make your meetings, talk to your sponsor and reach out for help when you need it!!! #YouGotThis #YouGoGirl
Thank you for sharing this with BP. Congratulations . You are so strong!
Well done, you! Here’s the good news: you’ll forget cigarettes completely.
I really hope the future is bright for you . You deserve all the luck in the world.
WOW! Huge steps. You have accomplished some amazing things.
You just reminded me that, in two days, I will have been 100% cigarette free for a year.
If you can quit heroin, you can quit cigarettes. You can do anything.
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.
Anxiously Awaiting Toy Retrieval
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.
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
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.
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.
Happy I Got The Happiest Photo With My Best Friend
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!"
"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."
I And Two Coworkers Realized We Were Wearing The Same Coat. The Only Option Was To Zip Them Into One Three Person Coat
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."
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
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.
My Father Meeting His First Grandson
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
We Fed Our Backyard Squirrel ONCE... Meet Frankie At Our Backyard Door Waiting For More Nuts
“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.
My Great Grandma, Who Turned 103 On Valentine’s Day, Laughing With My 2-Month-Old Daughter
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
This Little Guy Came To Say Hello While Walking My Pup This Morning. Am I Officially A Disney Princess?
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.
My Dad Was Worried My Deafblind Dog Wouldn’t Recognize Him After A Year Of Quarantine But I Think She Did
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
Becoming Mothers Together
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.”
I’ve Been Biking To Work In The Cold Every Morning, My Coworker Noticed And She Made Me This Scarf And Beanie
Elementary School Kids Raised Over $7000 To Buy Their Janitor A Car, Whose Commute Was 4 Hours Long On 3 Different Buses
Twitter Can Be The Cutest App Ever
A Factory In Turkey Started To Produce Roof Tiles That Serve As Bird Shelters
My 10-Year Cancer-Versary: Full Circle From Cancer Patient To Oncology PA Working In The Same Clinic That Cured Me
Lost 200 Pounds In A Year. Just Did The 20:4 Fast And Walked ~5 Km Every Day (360 Lbs To 160 Lbs)
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.
Some Kids Made A Stick Pile For Dogs Walking By
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
A Very Awesome Mom
Sweet Rat
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.
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!"
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
So This Happened To Me Today
The Whole Family Lost Weight By Working Out Together
Adorable Meetings
Note: this post originally had 136 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
Not feeling down but for me it is Monday morning, great way to start the day
I'm glad that you liked our article, Sandra :) Have an awesome Monday!
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These were so adorable and sweet! I completed my quest to upvote everything! I love these articles btw, they're awesome xxx
Quick message that you can do this! Also, it’s the second month anniversary my newest cat has had a home :).
I know this girl, she is in 2 of my zoom classes, but I never talked to her before. Or even seen her in real life. In the chat, I was joking about how after looking at 2 kids art in my art class, I started disliking mine a little. The next day, I check my school email and see she sent me an email saying that I shouldn't dislike my art and said that I was good too. I used to actually hate my art ad I'm still trying to not look at what I draw and only see mistakes. She made my day. I wish more people would get out of their way to help others instead of bringing others down.
:) even though i haven't seen your art i know it's great.You made it and spent time on it so that makes it great.
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In early March, I was sore, scared, and kind of depressed because of my car accident. Now, I'm happy, relaxed, and feeling so much better. I have started coloring again and I don't get as mad as I was in March.
@Deanna, good for you! I'm still recovering from a car accident too
Load More Replies... What made me really happy was that there were little to no mean comments❤️ Continue w ur day guys, have a great one🎉
These are my absolute favorite! More of these please. I smiled at every single one (and cried a bit too).
i had a not-so-great-day today, but this helped a little bit. thank you bp!
Heart wrenching and uplifting are not the same thing. Guess I read too far.
Some made my heart smile and some brought a tear to my eye - they were all wonderful in their own way and made my day, thank you.
Definitely put a smile on my face and sunshine in my heart 💞 Thanks!
Took me a day and a half to read the whole thing but it definitely lifted my spirits
Who else cried mostly? Cuz I did on multiple. emotional and sweet article some people are just WONDERFUL
I guess I needed a good cry cause within 3 posts I was tearing up. Love posts like these <3
Not feeling down but for me it is Monday morning, great way to start the day
I'm glad that you liked our article, Sandra :) Have an awesome Monday!
Load More Replies... These were so adorable and sweet! I completed my quest to upvote everything! I love these articles btw, they're awesome xxx
Quick message that you can do this! Also, it’s the second month anniversary my newest cat has had a home :).
I know this girl, she is in 2 of my zoom classes, but I never talked to her before. Or even seen her in real life. In the chat, I was joking about how after looking at 2 kids art in my art class, I started disliking mine a little. The next day, I check my school email and see she sent me an email saying that I shouldn't dislike my art and said that I was good too. I used to actually hate my art ad I'm still trying to not look at what I draw and only see mistakes. She made my day. I wish more people would get out of their way to help others instead of bringing others down.
:) even though i haven't seen your art i know it's great.You made it and spent time on it so that makes it great.
Load More Replies... In early March, I was sore, scared, and kind of depressed because of my car accident. Now, I'm happy, relaxed, and feeling so much better. I have started coloring again and I don't get as mad as I was in March.
@Deanna, good for you! I'm still recovering from a car accident too
Load More Replies... What made me really happy was that there were little to no mean comments❤️ Continue w ur day guys, have a great one🎉
These are my absolute favorite! More of these please. I smiled at every single one (and cried a bit too).
i had a not-so-great-day today, but this helped a little bit. thank you bp!
Heart wrenching and uplifting are not the same thing. Guess I read too far.
Some made my heart smile and some brought a tear to my eye - they were all wonderful in their own way and made my day, thank you.
Definitely put a smile on my face and sunshine in my heart 💞 Thanks!
Took me a day and a half to read the whole thing but it definitely lifted my spirits
Who else cried mostly? Cuz I did on multiple. emotional and sweet article some people are just WONDERFUL
I guess I needed a good cry cause within 3 posts I was tearing up. Love posts like these <3
