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
But false. I'm French and reading this i was like...UGH? Their demands "could be facilitated" if they already check all the boxes to have their citizenship anyway... that's not exactly the same. https://www.immigration.interieur.gouv.fr/Accueil-et-accompagnement/La-nationalite-francaise/Reconnaissance-de-l-engagement-des-ressortissants-etrangers-pendant-l-etat-d-urgence-de-la-COVID-19
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I really like this. The whole "You kept us going when we needed you, so now you're one of us".
I think that's brilliant! I hope the UK offers the same to the immigrants among our front line workers.
Don't be ridiculous, our government only gives things to rich people. I'm just hoping Scotland will let me in when they gain independence.
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This is amazing. France isn't the most welcoming country for immigrants but this shows hope for the future
French here :) Actually not exactly as it is presented. The government said that it would be facilitated, requiring 2 years of residency and not the 5 usual years. The government asked the local administrations to accelerate and facilitate the process. Local administrations are et totally overwhelmed, with people queueing at 2 am to (not) get an appointment when it opens, sometimes overstaying their residency simply because they can't reach the counter. The announcement leaves behind any foreigner who didn't have papers or residency to begin with, but worked tirelessly in the delivery system that employs a high number of people without checking (basically a guy buys a licence to work as a delivery guys and sells it off to someone without papers...This system of exploitation has yet to be stopped.), in cleaning, security, supermarkets, supporting isolated people. They took risks and helped tremendously throughout the crisis. But for them, it's deportation if they are caught.
They sometimes have been working in France for decades, and not been able to regularise their papers. Also, this announcement is no law, local administrations can implement it IF they want... And given the highly repressive and overwhelmed system (months or even years to get an appointment sometimes as mentioned previously) we have these days on migration, i doubt it'll have much effect...
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Oops , was about to say this is AWESOME but after reading some comments here now I am sad
Don't be and don't idealized about France and Paris etc... You would be disappointed, really. But welcome anyway! (and look out after pick pockets) Greetings from Cognac
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What an amazing wonderful idea!!! They deserve recognition from their country of choice!!
Now that's a natural response... as opposed to the UK response of deportation! And, those who are staying pay hundreds of pounds p.a. for the privilege. 🤬
Great job in the pic having 7 people to match the 7 sets of lights above their heads
And if you know cliches about the French you know this means a lot. 🤣
Could not upvote this more!! Everybody should be like Emmanuel Macron in this post!!!! Vivè la France!!!
This is false, their demands "could be facilitated" if they already check all the boxes to get their citizenship. Not exactly the same as presented in this post.
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In France as well.... this post misrepresents the actual announcement unfortunately. I wish!
Load More Replies...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
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
