If You Think That The World Is Dark And Sad These Days, These 50 Wholesome Pics Might Reignite Your Optimism
The chilly and dark half of the year is getting closer and closer, so we all need a bit of extra warmth and light in our lives. Fortunately, human beings have the ability to do amazing things that lift up our spirits and make us warm and fuzzy inside. So to get you feeling like the world is a magical place full of wonder, Bored Panda has collected some of the most wholesome stories from around the globe.
Remember to upvote your fave ones, dear Pandas. Also, we know that 2020 has been a tough year so far, but we’d love it if you could let us know what positive things have happened to you in the comments. When you’re done with this awesome list, check out our latest uplifting posts here, here, and here.
Staying optimistic helps us deal with whatever storms might come our way and reduces the negative effects of stress. The New York Times puts it best when it says that optimism isn’t about ignoring negative feelings, but it’s all about being hopeful for what the future might bring. So you don’t have to smile if you don’t feel like it—all it takes is some hope. However, hope and optimism aren't the same thing, as psychologist, priest, and published author Dr. Fraser Watts told Bored Panda. Scroll down for our interview with him.
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Today Oliver Stopped Me Dead In His Tracks And Turned Back Around To See This Picture That He Spotted! He Just Stared At It In Awe
He recognized another boy like him, smiling and laughing on a display at Target. Oliver sees kids every day, but he never gets to see kids like him. This was amazing! I am so happy that other kids that pass through here with their parents, will see this! There is a lot of focus on representing diversity, but representing people with disabilities is just as important
The Good Son
Helping Out Kids Without Fathers
This pic is old, and thas a good news, pic shows 14K sub, now he have 2.5 Mil!
According to Dr. Watts, optimism and hope aren't the same thing. "First, I need to make a distinction between hope and optimism, as Terry Eagleton does in his 2015 book called 'Hope without Optimism.' Optimism is more a matter of prediction. Hope is more a matter of attitude," Dr. Watts explained the difference between the two.
"In the present situation, I don't think there are any good grounds for optimism, and to be optimistic would be a retreat into a fantasy world," he pointed out. "However, even in present circumstances, it is possible and really helpful to maintain a positive, hopeful attitude."
Unfortunately, there's is no single surefire way of keeping that hope alive when things are tough. "Practice helps. It depends on a long process of cultivating a positive mindset. It is useful to be clear that hope does not depend on believing that everything is going to be fine. It is more an act of will."
A Wholesome Flex
It’s The Little Things
Even though most people don't distinguish between hope on the one hand and optimism on the other, the internet is full of advice on how to keep your spirits up even if things seem incredibly challenging. One of the ways to stay optimistic even when times are incredibly tough is sitting down and thinking about all the things that you’re grateful for having. Gratitude journals can help out with this, even though they might sound cheesy.
There are other ways to maintain your optimism, too. For example, Select Health stresses that taking care of yourself is vital when things are hard. That means exercising, getting plenty of rest, setting time aside for your hobbies.
And, yes, that even means treating yourself from time to time: whether it’s sinking into a hot bath after a long week at work or sneaking in an hour of video gaming in between doing homework (we won’t tell if you won’t). When you do what you love without guilt or shame, suddenly the world feels brighter, doesn’t it? As long as you don't overindulge, of course.
Uncle Looks So Happy
Sadio Mane, The Liverpool Star Earning Approximately $10.2M Per Year Has Given The World A Lesson In Modesty After Some Fans Spotted Him Carrying A Cracked iPhone
His response is legendary:
“Why would I want 10 Ferraris, 20 diamond watches and 2 jet planes? What would that do for the world? I starved, I worked in the fields, I played barefoot, and I didn’t go to school. Now I can help people. I prefer to build schools and give poor people food or clothing. I have built schools & a stadium; we provide clothes, shoes, and food for people in extreme poverty. I give 70 euros per month to all people from a very poor Senegalese region in order to contribute to their family economy. I do not need to display luxury cars, luxury homes, trips, and even planes. I prefer that my people receive a little of what life has given me,” Mane said.
My Dad Hasn’t Painted In Over 30 Years. Now That He’s Retired He Decided To Pick Up A Brush Again
Things are always easier to bear when you’re surrounded by loved ones, Forbes points out. So even if you’re feeling down in the dumps or as blue as a Smurf, take some time to connect. Give your siblings a call or arrange to meet with a pal you haven’t seen in some time.
This whole end-of-the-world business doesn’t seem as scary when you’re laughing and having fun with awesome peeps. Meanwhile, we hope that these wholesome stories will be enough for now.
I Love You Mom
Spotted In Manchester, UK
I Told My Grandma I Was Bisexual A Few Weeks Ago And Today She Gave Me This. My Grandma Made Me A Rainbow Sweater
After Almost 2 Years Of Dealing With Traumas And Depression I Finally Got The Motivation To Clean My Room Entirely
It almost took 9 hours, and 2 trash bags full with plastic bottles, pizza boxes and other trash. I'm proud of my work
this is such an achievement for anyone dealing with depression. Makes my heart smile. <3
This is a major achievement for ANYONE much less someone struggling with depression! Well done!
Load More Replies... Speaking as a person with chronic illness and depression, this is HUGE.
Many people don't realise how hard it is for someone struggling with severe depression to do the simple things -- cleaning the house, taking a shower, brushing your teeth, eating. So proud and happy for you. ❤
I've just done the same today and my parents came in and commented how amazing it looked. I keep looking up from my laptop, or getting up from my bed to see how tidy and big it looks. I'm so happy and proud. I suffer from severe depression and many chronic illnesses and disabilities, so this is a very big achievement.
This is a super big deal. I totally get it. My room is a mess right now because I haven't had the energy or mental capacity to clean it. Depression sucks. :(
I've been there and that feeling of calm that comes over you once your living areas are neat and orderly does amazing things to your psyche. Even for just a bit. Keep fighting it, little bits at a time. I'll think of you and hope you have more days like this.
I burst into tears reading this. I thought I was the only one like this. My house is a complete mess and even though I have the desire my body and mind just wants to sleep at the moment. This has given me hope. Thank you and all the best.
This motivates me to clean up my room..some days you just don't care and it's a fight to get out of bed. What a champ.
It may not seem like a big deal to some. But when you have depression the smallest tasks are tough. Taking a shower, taking a walk, getting laundry done, even getting out of bed.. I would let laundry pile up for weeks and just stare it and feel stuck. I just couldn’t do it. I had no motivation or energy. I’m so happy for this person!!
I have been there, heck I AM there. I sleep on my couch in the living room because my bedroom is just a disaster :-( sometimes I get a little motivated to clean but then I just get soo overwhelmed... hopefully one day I'll be able to get myself to clean everything up
Only another person in that boat of major depression can truly understand what an incredibly difficult task that most definitely was. I've repeatedly tried to explain the never-ending circle/cycle -- depression wipes you out so you have no energy to accomplish tasks, not accomplishing things deepens the feelings of worthlessness, feeling of worthlessness increases the major depressive feelings, no energy to accomplish.... (you get it) -- that perpetuates a situation others see only as laziness. Frankly, I'm proud of you Survivor!!
Yes, doing the everyday things to care for yourself is key to getting better - so is just doing nice things for others when you get the opportunity.
Would have loved to see A Before Picture~ Hopefully IT would have made Me Feel Better about MY MESS... Mine is physical health reasons, but THAT'LL Make You feel depressed.
Scandinavians treat depression with light. When I moved into an apt with wall-to-wall windows [facing Manhattan's east], my blue-as-a Smurf depression decreased by 95%. Going outside is no longer creepy nor is initiating phone calls scary. Brushing/flossing teeth [w/Rx mouthwash; co-pay's cheaper than Listerine] is a MUST or my teeth will fall out & my DDS will read me the Riot Act: "You don't have to brush your teeth…just the ones you want to keep."
I also did this recently. I ended up taking 4 trash bags of bottles and empty food containers. Had like 4 loads of laundry, and I still haven’t even gotten under my bed yet...I’m working on it tho
Depression is a terrible thing; I have a son and a husband who have to deal with it. But it's amazing how cleaning a room can also "clean the mind." This is awesome. It takes a lot of strength.
I know what that’s like, when you feel like you can’t even move. Great job- your room looks beautiful!
Depression is hard, but you are beginning down a new road. Stay focused and find a soulmate to share your thoughts with. Good luck!
Now that’s impressive! I have slept on a bare plastic mattress for two nights because I can’t get the strength and motivation to make it. I won’t let my husband make up my hospital bed at home because I claimed that job for myself. But your room is amazing!
this is amazing to see. i have issues with depression as well and have a wonderful husband who is patient and actually has a mini celebration with me when i am able to get out of the depression and do this.
Oh God, that struggle is so real! I'm like that a lot! Even trying to go for a bath, I just cannot summon the energy to do anything! And I hate it! And I hate myself for being like that! But I just can't push through it!
Woww congrats, im at a low point and need to do the same desperately but at the moment its all too much
I have lived with depression for years. I know the pain, the struggle. I congratulate you on your accomplishment and pray you always feel this good moving forward.
You should be proud. Sometimes all you need is to just take that first bit of action. Hope you're doing better
Wow, you did well! I know it is hard. Now you know you can do anything!
A positive sign of improving mental health. May you continue on this positive road.
Thank Jesus that you are able too see that you are truly blessed and worth feeling good about yourself and your surroundings!
I’m proud of you too. I wish I could find the motivation to do the same to my desk. I have no excuses, I’m just a couch potato gone to seed
Heading in the right direction. Thank goodness. It's a battle worth fighting and winning.
Your room radiates a solitary peace to me! Not a depressed place! I love how you made your room available to your sensibilities!! best to recognize the saddest moments and find that one thing that make your soul happy...it's not to heard if you pay attention, start with unicorns, you can't be sad if you live on a unicorn...it's!
After about 10 years of depression I have, with the help of my son, cleared my house. Over 60 bin liners to the tip. I feel so much better.
If you've never suffered from depression, you don't know just how huge this is. Bravo.
You did an excellent job! This is awesome considering your situation - you are Great - you are Worthy - you are AWESOME & don't ever forget it!
Well done. There is a famous speech by a general about starting the day by making your bed. Keep it up
This is so encouraging to see. I suffer from depression as well, and thankfully, I have someone helping me with my room. I just look forward to the day that my room looks as tidy as yours!
Wish I could clean my room like that! It's been 12 years since I have cleaned mine!
Beautiful. So many reasons for depression and so many of us understand. Well done
You're incredible- and this is a huge achievement! I also suffer from depression and know exactly how hard this can be!!! <3
Why wasn't the room cleaned over a period of time/weeks rather than doing everything over 9 long hours...the 9 hours of cleaning sounds as torturous as the nirvana of having a clean room...the room also looks depressing( got the blues by looking at it :( A little decoration is okay as long as it's not accumulating dust ..Also, the painting needs to be replaced with something that could probably be less of a trigger since depression does cause suicidal thoughts and the golden gate bridge could feed those thoughts...some nice scenery of nature, flowers, wild life would be amazing!!
It really is a Great Accomplishment because Depression can make the smallest thing so Overwhelming and what a Great Job !
Great job, and will probably lessen your depression a great deal! : )
I've been there. Please keep putting one foot in front the other, literally & figuratively. You are loved and people do care.
This is amazing, knowing how hard it is to do the seemingly impossible tasks when struggling with depression. I don't know this person, but I just want to say, I'm so proud of you too!
That's a huge achievement. Do your best to keep safe and look after you.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Thanks Frankie’s East Aside Restaurant For Doing The Right Thing
Single Dad In Thailand Wore A Dress To A Mother's Day Event For His Sons So That They Didn't Feel Left Out
Hearing The Words From Love
And All Of Those 12 People Are Happy For You
Well now it is a lot more than 12 who know and share your happiness. Congratulations
Doctors Told Us To Make Preparations For Losing Her, But After 5 Brain Surgeries My Baby Had Her First Disney Trip At 3 Years Old
Dr. Mohamed Mashali Was A Well-Known Doctor Based In The Northern Egypt. He Was Awarded With The Title “Doctor Of The Poor” For Serving His Community For Over 50 Years
Mohammed Mashali once found a child that suffered from diabetes and needed insulin shot but couldn't afford them, so he asked his mother to buy him some. Sadly his mother could not afford them either and the child passed away. After this, he moved to one of the poorest countries and began treating medical patients free of charge. He passed away on July 28, 2020. Days before his death he was still helping everyone he could
He Guarded A Bird With Broken Wing Under My Truck For Four Days Before It Could Fly Off
Had to bring them both food and water because he refused to leave its side day and night, very proud of him
I Live In My Van. Found This On My Windshield This Morning
I Too Got Vaccinated Despite Having Anti-Vax Parents. Finally Got My Last Immunization Shot
The Left One Is My Art. Found The Drawing On The Right In My Little Brother's Room One Day
Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Beautiful art pieces, both of them!
Lost My Car Key While Jogging On The Rail Trail, Went Back Looking For It And Stumbled Upon This. I Owe My Whole Soul To Whoever Did This
Me In First Grade Pre Surgery vs. Me In 2020
Had several surgeries due to birth defects. Just completed the dental treatment (which included having my jaw wired shut for several months). Very happy with the results
Don't Forget To Appreciate Your Grannies
Autism Be Damned My Boy Can Work A Grill
My Son And His Best Friend, Both Told Their Survival Rate Would Be Around 2%, Walked The Stage And Graduated Tonight
Well Done IKEA
Role Model Mom
My Little Brother Has Autism. He Turned 17 Today. I Came Home From Work To This Note
That's so touching, and I love the ps ^-^ another great family relationship! BP was right this whole post is making me smile
My Brother Was The First To Graduate With A Master's In My Family. My Dad Couldn't Stop Crying
Kind Heart
This Kind Gesture
My 101-Year-Old Grandfather Threw A 100th Birthday Party For His Best Friend, Bob
I Asked My Mum To Make Me A Face Mask. I Guess Even After 40 Years I’m Still Her Little Boy
Same Bike, Same Place, Same Girl. 71 Years Difference
The Docs Gave My Son A 10% Chance To Survive His CHD. He Is 6 Months Old Today And Thriving
CHD stands for Congenital Heart Defect. Such a beautiful child - way to go!
Such A Wholesome Sister
Love You Dad
i didn't speak until i was almost 5. my mum was worried that something might be wrong with me. i got tested... I WAS JUST TO LAZY TO SPEAK. there was no need for me to talk at home but at the dotors appointment i talked in quite complex sentences for my age :D my mum now loves this story
Cracking Little Builder
Was Born Without An Arm So I Built Myself My Own Eletronic 3D Printed Arm. This Is Me Holding An Egg
In Memory Of My Father
My Cat Ripped Open His Favorite Toy. This Is My Grandma Sewing It Back Together
During Her Battle With Cancer And After She Beat It
As A Teenager She Had A Domestic Accident Which Left Her Chest, Neck And Arms Severely Burned. Today, 10 Years Later, She Managed To Heal In A Way She Never Imagined
Passengers Stay Seated So Dad Can Get To Daughters' Dance
I Work With The Same Doctor That Delivered Me 21 Years Ago
Note: this post originally had 120 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
Lately, for a while, I haven't been feeling well. I've had my ups and downs, but I remained worried, demotivated, and feeling lost thoroughly. I'm logging into BoredPanda for the first time in a few months to say, thank you so much for this article. It's the news I didn't know I needed so badly. I cried, I smiled, I felt gratitude and hope and a renewed sense of love and joy for all around me. Even if I have my ups and downs, I still have a lot of reasons to persevere and be happy, and this article opened my eyes to that. I wish the best for everybody, to quote Dr. Seuss, “Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.”
"Need" -- I could not agree more. The chuckles & tears actually feel good.
Load More Replies... Wouldn't it be great if non of these things were special but just how life is?! Just those happy little moments...
I so needed this! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I needed a lifeline in these scary times.
The apocalypse will end, and everything will be better and happier. I quote myself; “Darkness brings despair but the sun will always rise.”
This page is actually saved in my Browser Bookmarks.... Not having much work, I just read it for the Nth time... Damn you... You guys make me sob every time !!!
who ever is chopping those onions needs to quit it, i cant see the posts
It isn't very often that I laugh and cry at the same gallery. These are great. Please keep them coming
Those were so sweet and caring. In this time it's so nice to hear, read, see anything that is kind and loving.
ATTENTION ALL DISLIKE TROLLS: want to dislike one of these posts? flip ur screen upside down, turn off color, and smash that dislike button.
AWWWW THE WATERWORKS! So wholesome and cute! Faith in humanity RESTORED
Thank you so much for these, each one so special in it's own way. But what sticks in mind is the man that cared because he's a Christian, and people got so hung up about it. There are different reasons folk go out of their way to help others, his was because he follows Jesus Christ. Some people follow other religions and some no religion but still show they care. Obviously we're all different, and some do their caring in ways that don't hit the headlines. I don't know what the argument is about. Let's all do whatever we can, whenever we can, to help the humans and animals we see around us.
So wonderful to see a page of just positivity, love, respect and celebration. My heart is full.
This thread has really helped me feel a little better today. I've been in a deep depression and unable to focus on positive things. Everything going on around me has been negative. This was needed.
My 6 year old and 9 year old daughters have asked for one present each for Christmas and want to use that money to buy presents for the homeless. I couldn’t be more impressed and humbled by them!!
After the first 50, I had to upload the complete article--I need this right now. I guess we all do. Such lovely comments on all of them too. Thank you Bored Panda, for being a community of people wishing each other well. xoxo
I’m 60 years old and just discovered BoredPanda. I will love this for the rest of my life. It is so very refreshing and encouraging to see and read about people’s kindness and love! This is the kind of drama the world should see more of. Thank you, everyone!
Load More Replies...
I love these sort of posts but, Bored Panda, please don't head it with "New Pics" when they aren't. I've seen at least 20 of these before, here on Bored Panda.
2018, I had 2 "small" strokes that cause blindness in my right peripheral vision & I recovered. Was unconscious for about a day and I remember being i. beautiful blue green water and being able to breathe, it was magical. Then in 2019, I has a grand mal seizure followed by another seizure no label this time but both put me in the ICU. The first seizure I had a visit from a childlike entity who communicated with me by playing music thru the slits in it's skin. The conversation was about me finding the adult that the entity belonged with. Eventually they were able to reunite. I remember that the entity told me it didn't mean to hurt me. I was confused and the adult entity told me the the young one was attracted to my energy but when it reach out to communicate with me it blew my circuits! Literally! The adult said that my frequency did not match the young ones frequency and short circuited me. That was the 1st seizure the 2 seizure was blank. hathseconthe
Lately, for a while, I haven't been feeling well. I've had my ups and downs, but I remained worried, demotivated, and feeling lost thoroughly. I'm logging into BoredPanda for the first time in a few months to say, thank you so much for this article. It's the news I didn't know I needed so badly. I cried, I smiled, I felt gratitude and hope and a renewed sense of love and joy for all around me. Even if I have my ups and downs, I still have a lot of reasons to persevere and be happy, and this article opened my eyes to that. I wish the best for everybody, to quote Dr. Seuss, “Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.”
"Need" -- I could not agree more. The chuckles & tears actually feel good.
Load More Replies... Wouldn't it be great if non of these things were special but just how life is?! Just those happy little moments...
I so needed this! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I needed a lifeline in these scary times.
The apocalypse will end, and everything will be better and happier. I quote myself; “Darkness brings despair but the sun will always rise.”
This page is actually saved in my Browser Bookmarks.... Not having much work, I just read it for the Nth time... Damn you... You guys make me sob every time !!!
who ever is chopping those onions needs to quit it, i cant see the posts
It isn't very often that I laugh and cry at the same gallery. These are great. Please keep them coming
Those were so sweet and caring. In this time it's so nice to hear, read, see anything that is kind and loving.
ATTENTION ALL DISLIKE TROLLS: want to dislike one of these posts? flip ur screen upside down, turn off color, and smash that dislike button.
AWWWW THE WATERWORKS! So wholesome and cute! Faith in humanity RESTORED
Thank you so much for these, each one so special in it's own way. But what sticks in mind is the man that cared because he's a Christian, and people got so hung up about it. There are different reasons folk go out of their way to help others, his was because he follows Jesus Christ. Some people follow other religions and some no religion but still show they care. Obviously we're all different, and some do their caring in ways that don't hit the headlines. I don't know what the argument is about. Let's all do whatever we can, whenever we can, to help the humans and animals we see around us.
So wonderful to see a page of just positivity, love, respect and celebration. My heart is full.
This thread has really helped me feel a little better today. I've been in a deep depression and unable to focus on positive things. Everything going on around me has been negative. This was needed.
My 6 year old and 9 year old daughters have asked for one present each for Christmas and want to use that money to buy presents for the homeless. I couldn’t be more impressed and humbled by them!!
After the first 50, I had to upload the complete article--I need this right now. I guess we all do. Such lovely comments on all of them too. Thank you Bored Panda, for being a community of people wishing each other well. xoxo
I’m 60 years old and just discovered BoredPanda. I will love this for the rest of my life. It is so very refreshing and encouraging to see and read about people’s kindness and love! This is the kind of drama the world should see more of. Thank you, everyone!
Load More Replies... I love these sort of posts but, Bored Panda, please don't head it with "New Pics" when they aren't. I've seen at least 20 of these before, here on Bored Panda.
2018, I had 2 "small" strokes that cause blindness in my right peripheral vision & I recovered. Was unconscious for about a day and I remember being i. beautiful blue green water and being able to breathe, it was magical. Then in 2019, I has a grand mal seizure followed by another seizure no label this time but both put me in the ICU. The first seizure I had a visit from a childlike entity who communicated with me by playing music thru the slits in it's skin. The conversation was about me finding the adult that the entity belonged with. Eventually they were able to reunite. I remember that the entity told me it didn't mean to hurt me. I was confused and the adult entity told me the the young one was attracted to my energy but when it reach out to communicate with me it blew my circuits! Literally! The adult said that my frequency did not match the young ones frequency and short circuited me. That was the 1st seizure the 2 seizure was blank. hathseconthe
