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Autumn is nearly out in full force already, and many of you Pandas might be feeling a bit blue. Meanwhile, some of you might be under the weather, others might be worried about the rising cost of, well, everything, the war, and the ongoing pandemic. That’s on top of all the stress you might be facing at work, school, and home. However, life isn’t all completely dreary—there’s a lot of beauty and kindness out there, too. You just have to look closer.

So, in order to give you a well-deserved break from all the problems of the world and to bring a bunch of hope back into your lives, today we’re featuring the best of the best from the ‘Very Important Positivity’ Facebook page. It’s a celebration of everything good about the world, from altruistic people to happy pets, and everything in between.

Now, pick your favorite metaphor, and let’s go find that silver lining and/or remember to turn on the light, shall we? It’s almost impossible not to smile. Upvote your fave pics, and pop down by the comment section to tell us about the best thing that happened to you this week. Oh, and if you know someone who could use a good pick-me-up, be sure to pass this post along to them. There’s practically nothing better than spreading happiness.

Bored Panda reached out to the founder of 'Very Important Positivity,' Elle McGann, who kindly answered our questions about her project. "Initially, it [the page] was created to inspire by sharing people's achievements, allow people to share in the joy of the happy moments in life, and to be an alternative to the negative news and attitudes that can seem all-pervasive in modern life," she told us. Scroll down for our full interview about happiness and optimism, Pandas. And if you enjoyed the posts, make sure to follow the VIP socials.

More info: Facebook | Instagram

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AppletreeChild
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, not every divorce is due to people hating each other or something. Sometimes a divorce can save a relationship, heck, good friends of mine divorced only 2 years ago and they are best friends, better of than during their marriage.

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"I definitely share a broader range of things than I did initially - I realized a momentary break from the world to enjoy a meme, a tweet, or something random that sparks joy really helps nourish the soul," Elle, the founder of the page, told Bored Panda. She revealed to us that she started 'Very Important Positivity' years ago to "stay connected to my audience after leaving my previous page," which was called 'Wholesome Memes.'

Bored Panda was curious to get the VIP page founder's opinion about the reason for the content's success. "I think content that feels good resonates with the joy that exists within us. When we create and share our experiences, it makes them bigger than ourselves—there is no better feeling than making someone laugh, feel lighter, or remain hopeful," Elle said.

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"After coming home from Iraq, Tyler's dad had nightmares so bad he feared closing his eyes. Tyler designed a smartwatch app to detect their onset and disrupt them with a gentle vibration. It just won FDA approval to treat PTSD-related nightmare disorders. Wholesome Moments"

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"People enjoy content that allows them to forget about negativity, current events, and politics, and enjoy things that make them feel calmer and happier."

According to the creator of 'Very Important Positivity,' the secret to happiness and optimism during tough times is to stop looking for something hidden.

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Amanda Rose
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First picture "What are you doing? Get it away from me!" Second picture "I swear, if you so much as lay a finger on my little marshmallow, I'm going to ruin your favorite shoes!"

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"I find when I look within and face my pain, stress, or sadness, I’m able to create something that helps myself as well as others, it makes my life worth living. Tough times open the door to peace when you radically accept yourself. You already have what you need inside—joy, optimism, love are an accessible part of you, and when you let them take over, you’re unstoppable. Simply be!"

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Over 600k people follow the ‘Very Important Positivity’ Facebook page for a source of laughter, wide smiles, and truly heartwarming content. Life’s never easy, but some periods of time are tougher than others.

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Nizumi
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone starts somewhere. it doesn't matter where. It only matters that you start. Where you end up doesn't matter. It only matters that you take your own journey.

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CookieCrump
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How sweet! I know what this is like since I'm autistic, and people are kind enough to treat me like a regular human being.

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The past few years, in particular, have been very difficult for a lot of people. Naturally, many folks might be feeling exhausted not just physically but also emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. And while some soul-healing memes aren’t the solution to all of life’s problems, they might just restore a bit of your faith in humanity and make you feel better about the state of the world for a few minutes. Heck, they might even inspire you to be kinder than usual today.

Here at Bored Panda, we genuinely think that laughter and (realistic) optimism can help people get through the darkest of times. It’s about finding a balance where you’re hoping for the best and taking actionable steps to make things better, while avoiding toxic positivity and total pessimism.

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Rosie Red
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor sweetie must have been so confused and scared. So glad they found him.

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It’s fine to be realistic about what we can and cannot change. Healthy, even. But it’d be wrong to equate that to feelings of powerlessness. Small acts of kindness reach farther than we might expect them to. Kindness begets more kindness. And small collective actions towards a brighter future add up very quickly.

When we give others a helping hand, we’re also taking care of our happiness at the same time. The friendly team at ‘Action for Happiness’ explained to Bored Panda during an earlier interview that there are 10 keys to happier living: “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.”

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Jiminy
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well done little one. I hate this kind of people with a passion...

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Lonely Leafeon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's hate going to do though? It's better to just love other people even if they think wrong in our opinion. Do I think dinosaurs are for everyone? Yes. I'm glad the little girl can enjoy them. But if we just fight fire with fire it only creates a bigger fire, which just destroys more and burns our insides with bitterness... I hate on people a lot myself, but it's important to try and catch ourselves doing it so we can stop. Let's be the bigger person, and teach others through how we act. It's extremely difficult, especially in this day an age with so much division... But we just keep trying. It's all we can do after all!

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ScarletRos
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There’s that old joke of how do you know whether a toy is for boys or girls - do you use it with your genitals? If not then the toy is for either boys or girls, if Yes then the toy is NOT for children…

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James016
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son has a dolls house because there was no way he was going to let us leave the store without it

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Nefarious McFarious
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the lady was any good at her job she would have said it was a Dino House

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Lauren S
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I had my son I did all kinds of gender neutral things on purpose. Bought him dolls, dress clothes for the dolls, watched “girl” shows (the one that sticks out in my mind is Shimmer and Shine), and all kinds of other random stuff. My little guy only wanted cars, trucks, tools, dinos, balls, etc. (I provided these too). I was torn about this for a while but I realized I still accomplished what I set out to do. I let him choose, rather than pushed gender stereotypical things on him. That’s the point right? To let them enjoy whatever they want to enjoy. He’s still “all boy.” Every boy stereotype you could imagine fits my kid. Except he’s one of the most empathetic kids you’ll ever meet. And one of his favorite stuffies is a pink sparkly seahorse with rainbow heart eyes. Loves it. No shame. Has taken it to show and tell (and wasn’t teased at all). It’s name is Charlie and it is a girl (I thought it was a boy for a really long time).

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Alana Voeks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dinosaurs are for everyone. Screw that mindset. Some of my favorites are in the titanosaur family. Most massive land beasties to ever walk the earth? Hell yeah! But saying dinosaurs aren't for girls is like said birds aren't for boys. They're animals!

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Elizabeth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to have a ziplock sandwich bag that I would keep my toy dinosaurs in as a kid. They were tiny, cheap, and mostly broken, but they were mine and I loved them.

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Glen MacLeod
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a little girl my cousin Steven and I played Man from Uncle. I was always Illyia Kuryakin and he was Napoleon Solo. Being a girl makes no difference when you have the blond haircut.

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Caroline Driver
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My 5 y/o great niece would have absolutely done this, she's been nuts about dinosaurs since before she could walk. I'm so proud.

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Melinda Flick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why on god's green earth would she care what a parent bought their child?! Not HER child, their own child. Get a GD life, woman!

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Janelle Collard
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your daughter is so awesome now, imagine how awesome she'll be in 10 or 15 years!

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Kat Min
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thiss story really made my day. Wish I could have seen it. (fcking genderstereotyping needs to go!)

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Brightly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry, have we gotten it so twisted in this world that we are now gatekeeping animals based on gender? SMH. People like this need to be publicly shamed. Good on this little girl and her mom for knowing that EVERYONE loves dinosaurs. Little girls AND little boys should be encouraged to find joy and be fascinated by everything.

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Cammy Cat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heck yeah! I had more Transformers and Lincoln Logs than dolls at that age!

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Michelle C
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I probably would have apologized quickly and run away in order to keep from laughing!! Then, once I got in the car with my kid, would have laughed and praised her for her self-advocacy.

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Seabeast
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a woman over 60 and I love dinosaurs. Buy her another one for me.

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georgia layne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't always agree with things, not this, just in general, but I'm not about to say some s**t to an innocent kids who is just doing their thing

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Lisa H
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Idk why, but this reminds me of a few years back, I'm dining in a restaurant and sitting nearby is a dad with his daughter (she's maybe 9 or 10 years old). I overheard her telling her dad her favorite colors (don't remember what they were) and the dad commented that those are "springtime colors" as it was spring. She retorted with "who cares? That has nothing to do with the colors I like!". The dad said that was a very good point and I knew I had just witnessed a very wise girl teach her father a good lesson. I still think about that girl, who is probably in high school by now, and I hope she's living her best life!

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If you’d like to invite more kindness into your life and don’t know where to start, you can always the people closest to you. Perhaps you might be able to help your neighbor with something. Or volunteer in your local area. Start off small, focus on the things you’re grateful for, and look for opportunities to lend someone a helping hand.

“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," the team at ‘Action for Happiness’ told us earlier, adding that kindness is the “social glue that keeps us together” as a society. Humans are a very social species after all.

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varwenea
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is just the sweetest! If he lets me, I would buy everyone of those for him to sign and distribute.

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Some ideas for being altruistic range from giving money to charity and donating to a food bank to volunteering for a cause or leaving a food package or a cheery note for an elderly neighbor. It all depends on the time and other resources you have available.

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"Father overhears his son telling his boyfriend he plans to come out, so he left him this note..."

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“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,” the AfH team said.

It’s perfectly fine to ‘fake it till you make it’ if kindness doesn’t come naturally to you or if you constantly think about the rewards of helping others. It’s a skill that you can learn. 

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Billy Harrelson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same with my aunt. Died last year at the age of 80 but she's forever on Google checking the mail while taking a break from mowing.

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TuesdayDangerGirl
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Six people were a match and here is an update. "Oscar had been receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since 2018, initially at Birmingham Children's Hospital, before the family made the decision to go to Singapore for the CAR-T therapy, which was not available to him on the NHS. The treatment is specifically developed for individual patients and involves reprogramming their immune system cells, which are then used to target their cancer." (they received £500,000 through crowdfunding in order to do this and have since returned home - he has additional treatments going forward. June 2021)

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“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.”

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"I noticed a guy on Fb that was better than me at mounting TVs so instead of hating on him, I reached out and offered to pay him to teach me how to perfect my craft. He didn't accept the money, instead we formed a partnership and the rest is history. Brothers don't hate, we elevate each other."

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varwenea
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would thank him profusely, then ask if he wouldn't mind editing the full size images also. 😅

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Helen Waight
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one always bugs me on the rare occasions I go clothes shopping. The exercise stuff, or leggings or sports bras…never go up to plus sizes. Gimme something I can wear to my physio appointments!

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Aubry
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haunt actors are the coolest people ever, it's my dream job to one day be one!

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Helen Waight
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A clear red flag back when I was dating (been married nearly 20 years) was anyone who mocked my hobbies and collections or said anything about how I should get rid of them or ‘grow up’. My husband has his collections, I have mine, and we make space for each other’s even if we don’t understand them.

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The Scout
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once casually chatted in Latin with a village priest at an offical reception abroad - he did not speak any German, French or English, I did not speak Polish or Russian, so we had to improvise....

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"My sister had her first son today, I caught a rare moment between two fathers"

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Jiminy
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, start censoring foreign names, boredpanda. Not racist at all...

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Buren
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me: Don't waste more time by not confessing feelings. Also me: Over my dead body, let me go through another 25 years before saying anything remotely like I love you, even though I really do.

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"My uncle and grandma on their way to a pride parade in the '80s"

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Helen Waight
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh this, this really got to me. What a beautiful picture of love and support. Don’t judge others if we’re LGBTQ, just accept we’re as much people as you are.

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Note: this post originally had 125 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.