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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.

#1

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

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

Ollie's World Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So right, you are. Oliver is adorable. I hope he will always get the support he needs.

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#3

Helping Out Kids Without Fathers

Helping Out Kids Without Fathers

FaisalTreShah Report

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."

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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.

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#7

Uncle Looks So Happy

Uncle Looks So Happy

kennya_ramos Report

#8

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

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.

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadio Mane is a humble man. He does not forget where he is from, and gives back to his community. You have to respect that. Good work, Mr. Mane.

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#9

My Dad Hasn’t Painted In Over 30 Years. Now That He’s Retired He Decided To Pick Up A Brush Again

My Dad Hasn’t Painted In Over 30 Years. Now That He’s Retired He Decided To Pick Up A Brush Again

Takayda0808 Report

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.

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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.

#10

I Love You Mom

I Love You Mom

ashleymcnamara Report

#12

I Told My Grandma I Was Bisexual A Few Weeks Ago And Today She Gave Me This. My Grandma Made Me A Rainbow Sweater

I Told My Grandma I Was Bisexual A Few Weeks Ago And Today She Gave Me This. My Grandma Made Me A Rainbow Sweater

sunatjexd Report

#13

After Almost 2 Years Of Dealing With Traumas And Depression I Finally Got The Motivation To Clean My Room Entirely

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

used_air Report

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Pseudo Puppy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is such an achievement for anyone dealing with depression. Makes my heart smile. <3

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#15

Thanks Frankie’s East Aside Restaurant For Doing The Right Thing

Thanks Frankie’s East Aside Restaurant For Doing The Right Thing

noahsygg Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God bless you, Dan for your compassion and your kindness.

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#16

Single Dad In Thailand Wore A Dress To A Mother's Day Event For His Sons So That They Didn't Feel Left Out

Single Dad In Thailand Wore A Dress To A Mother's Day Event For His Sons So That They Didn't Feel Left Out

kornpat.sukhom Report

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#18

And All Of Those 12 People Are Happy For You

And All Of Those 12 People Are Happy For You

katyhelend Report

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Sue Hazlewood
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well now it is a lot more than 12 who know and share your happiness. Congratulations

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#19

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

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

Veatchdave Report

#20

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

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

MyNameIsPer Report

#21

He Guarded A Bird With Broken Wing Under My Truck For Four Days Before It Could Fly Off

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

MasturbatingMiles Report

#22

I Live In My Van. Found This On My Windshield This Morning

I Live In My Van. Found This On My Windshield This Morning

ryannefromTX Report

#23

I Too Got Vaccinated Despite Having Anti-Vax Parents. Finally Got My Last Immunization Shot

I Too Got Vaccinated Despite Having Anti-Vax Parents. Finally Got My Last Immunization Shot

PKBeNess Report

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#24

The Left One Is My Art. Found The Drawing On The Right In My Little Brother's Room One Day

The Left One Is My Art. Found The Drawing On The Right In My Little Brother's Room One Day

Jojoes Art Report

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Nicolas Pilot
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Beautiful art pieces, both of them!

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#25

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

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

Eliza Calverley Report

#26

Me In First Grade Pre Surgery vs. Me In 2020 

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

Ipsi Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! I truly admire your strength, your grit, and your resolve. Best of luck to you for a bright future.

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#27

Don't Forget To Appreciate Your Grannies

Don't Forget To Appreciate Your Grannies

figgled Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, that's very sweet. My maternal grandma was a lovely lady too. However, the less said, the better about my paternal one...

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#29

My Son And His Best Friend, Both Told Their Survival Rate Would Be Around 2%, Walked The Stage And Graduated Tonight

My Son And His Best Friend, Both Told Their Survival Rate Would Be Around 2%, Walked The Stage And Graduated Tonight

Timfrostyo Report

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varwenea
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These two gentlemen, as well as their dedicated family, caregivers, teachers are all to be commended.

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#30

Well Done IKEA

Well Done IKEA

abdirahims Report

#31

Role Model Mom

Role Model Mom

AnnaKhadejah Report

#32

My Little Brother Has Autism. He Turned 17 Today. I Came Home From Work To This Note

My Little Brother Has Autism. He Turned 17 Today. I Came Home From Work To This Note

-TheOnlyOutlier- Report

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so touching, and I love the ps ^-^ another great family relationship! BP was right this whole post is making me smile

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#33

My Brother Was The First To Graduate With A Master's In My Family. My Dad Couldn't Stop Crying

My Brother Was The First To Graduate With A Master's In My Family. My Dad Couldn't Stop Crying

Jay_no_pho Report

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#36

My 101-Year-Old Grandfather Threw A 100th Birthday Party For His Best Friend, Bob

My 101-Year-Old Grandfather Threw A 100th Birthday Party For His Best Friend, Bob

Lourdez01 Report

#37

I Asked My Mum To Make Me A Face Mask. I Guess Even After 40 Years I’m Still Her Little Boy

I Asked My Mum To Make Me A Face Mask. I Guess Even After 40 Years I’m Still Her Little Boy

Andy_Cohen_1979 Report

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Marlene Ricker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet your face mask makes everyone who sees it smile! You have a great mom!

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marnidarr
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get it. Love the beard, btw! It matches the Stegosaurus perfectly!

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Anja Tvrtkovic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 30, made myself masks with dinosaurs on them. Those are the coolest! :D

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Melanie Linehan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My kids grandmother made them a Disney princess and dinosaur mask. My kids are 23 and 31

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Ragnhild Nilsen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd love to get a dinosaur mask! Far too few people ask me what my favourite dinosaur is these days. It's a pliosaurus

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Kimberley Thomas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I expected it to have Hello Kitty on it, instead. Or Transformers.

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Nola Dorothy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, you'll always be her little boy. I know, because I have four grown up "little boys" of my own.

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Andrea Doidge
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a mum,I know! She chose the fabric to match your beard and bring out your beautiful eyes!

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Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha looking wonderful young man, the colours are also very co-ordinated with the glowing red beard

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Gigi Baldez
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome - note: to a mom their children will always be their babies! Enjoy.....

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Patti Vance
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i need to find the pattern his mom used! my son has or, rather had, a beautiful beard like this guy. he had to trim it down because the masks i made didn't fit well. tried all sorts of patterns but still didn't fit. if anyone has a pattern for this please send it to me. i can be found at @du_veaux on twitter. that is once i figure out how to get messages.

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Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And you always will be. My son just turned 40 - and I still see him as my six year old sweetheart.

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Terry Tinker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You will always be her little boy. I know, I have a 37yo little boy and I love him with all my heart.

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Catherine Brady
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't decide if youare a Viking with the lush red beard or a caveman with the dinosaurs. Great combination.

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Flisey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My little boy (thirteen and taller than me) would love that face mask!

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Karen Loftus
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

💞🥰👍🏻👌🏻 I LOVE it! You’ll always be her little boy. Fantastic mask! It suits you 🤗. God bless you all.

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Tui Taylor
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My bff's son asked her the same......he's "over "40 .....it make us feel safer when we ask our Mums

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LittleMissPanda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We will always be our mum's little babies... loooong after we'd already grown up <3

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#38

Same Bike, Same Place, Same Girl. 71 Years Difference

Same Bike, Same Place, Same Girl. 71 Years Difference

RoloTonyBrownTown- Report

#39

The Docs Gave My Son A 10% Chance To Survive His CHD. He Is 6 Months Old Today And Thriving

The Docs Gave My Son A 10% Chance To Survive His CHD. He Is 6 Months Old Today And Thriving

spontaneousbootay Report

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Ms Forty Seven
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

CHD stands for Congenital Heart Defect. Such a beautiful child - way to go!

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#41

Love You Dad

Love You Dad

KLFC92 Report

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Francis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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#43

Was Born Without An Arm So I Built Myself My Own Eletronic 3D Printed Arm. This Is Me Holding An Egg

Was Born Without An Arm So I Built Myself My Own Eletronic 3D Printed Arm. This Is Me Holding An Egg

aqualocko Report

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#44

In Memory Of My Father

In Memory Of My Father

PupsikCat Report

#45

My Cat Ripped Open His Favorite Toy. This Is My Grandma Sewing It Back Together

My Cat Ripped Open His Favorite Toy. This Is My Grandma Sewing It Back Together

andthenhestabbedme Report

#46

During Her Battle With Cancer And After She Beat It

During Her Battle With Cancer And After She Beat It

flexing_after_cancer Report

#47

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

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

juarezlali Report

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Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The amount of skill this tattoo artist has is immense. It is really hard to work on scars that severe. I LOVE the end result. And her smile is just as bright as the sun <3

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#48

Passengers Stay Seated So Dad Can Get To Daughters' Dance

Passengers Stay Seated So Dad Can Get To Daughters' Dance

jhaleauthor Report

#50

I Work With The Same Doctor That Delivered Me 21 Years Ago

I Work With The Same Doctor That Delivered Me 21 Years Ago

green_teabag_ Report

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varwenea
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so cool. I'm sure he is very pleased to be working with you too.

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