Negativity surrounds us constantly – whether it’s someone who is in a bad mood, or something sad happening in the world, or even if we ourselves are in a bad mood; it’s always going to be there whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. There is something that can help combat all the negativity in the world, though, and that is smiling. Research has shown time and time again that smiling can release endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers, and serotonin, which has been associated with feel-good moods and properties of the body, so smiling really is good for your health. One of my goals for 2017 is to be happier and smile more, which is why I’ve compiled a list of 100 reasons to smile. So sit back, grab some chocolate (because it also boosts endorphins and serotonin!) and get ready to smile.
1. McDonald’s 6 piece chicken nuggets are 2 for $3. So you can get 12 nuggets for $3, what’s not to love about that?
2.We the Kings is going on their 10 year anniversary tour for their self-titled album. Everyone loves “Check Yes Juliet,” right?
3. Puppies. This is self-explanatory.
4. Your favorite song or artist coming on the radio, releasing your inner pop star.
5. Hearing the rain patter on the roof at night before you go to sleep.
6.Seeing your favorite band live. (Shout-out to All Time Low, who never fail to make me smile!)
7.Reading an amazing book.
8.Harry Potter. Remember, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home. We love you, J.K. Rowling.
9.Your birthday.
10.Peeling the screen protector off of your brand new phone or laptop screen.
11.Reconnecting with an old friend after drifting apart.
12.A warm and fuzzy blanket that’s fresh out of the dryer.
13.Fresh baked cookies.
14.Dominos or Pizza Hut. Or just pizza in general.
15.Having an amazing day at work.
16.Opening up the gift you’ve always wanted for your birthday or Christmas.
17.Waking up to an email saying that a class has been cancelled.
18.Snow days.
19.Disney movies. Especially the old ones like Cinderella, Snow White, The Jungle Book, and Toy Story.
20.Memes of Joe Biden and Barack Obama’s friendship, because they’re irresistibly funny.
21.Listening to a really good throwback song. Example: Lucky by Britney Spears. Or anything by Britney, really.
22.Coming home to your overly excited dog or cat.
23.A day where it isn’t too hot or too cold outside.
24.Going to family get-togethers and hanging out with your favorite cousin.
25.Fuzzy socks. Need I say more?
26.Having the rare but memorable chance of meeting your favorite artist for the first or hundredth time.
27.Stumbling upon old pictures.
28.Having a school day with no homework.
29.Getting an A on a project or a test that you thought you bombed.
30.“Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” by Fall Out Boy. Need I say more?
31.Bath and Body Works’ Semi Annual Sale. Buy all the fragrances.
32.A fresh, warm soft pretzel.
33.Talking to your mom or dad.
34.Being told you look good in a certain shirt or outfit.
35.Buying new clothes and/or new shoes.
36.Hearing the familiar tune of the ice cream truck coming down the street.
37.A rainbow after a day of rain.
38.Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Benson and Stabler for life.
39.Watching your favorite tv show.
40.Brendon Urie, because his smile is contagious.
41.Free food. Everyone loves free food.
42.Videos of babies who are laughing.
43.Hearing the crunch of leaves under your shoes when you’re walking.
44.Finding money in your pockets, purse or backpack that you didn’t know you had.
45.Staying up all night with a friend.
46.Going on a road trip.
47.Getting the job you applied for.
48.Getting a promotion.
49.Breakfast for dinner. It’s always fun to change up the routine sometimes.
50.Blowing out the candles on your birthday cake.
51.Having perfect timing.
52.Netflix.
53.Hulu.
54.Getting into bed after a long day.
55.Having a good hair day no matter what the weather is.
56.Twenty one pilots. They’re kind of amazing.
57.The crunching sound that fresh snow makes under your shoe.
58.Infinity scarves.
59.Paying it forward.
60.Knowing that there is nobody else in the world that is just like you.
61.The event you were dreading having a good turnout.
62.Pretzels and Nutella. Don’t knock it until you try it.
63.Seeing the waiter or waitress coming with your food at a restaurant.
64.A long, hot shower.
65.When the food that you cooked turns out perfectly.
66.Halloween.
67.You hung in there and stayed strong when you were ready to give up and it felt like the world was against you.
68.Making other people smile.
69.Watching a funny or cute YouTube video.
70.Going to the movies.
71.Fresh French fries from McDonalds.
72.Jumping on a trampoline.
73.Finding out that your favorite artist announced a new tour.
74.Going to buy your favorite artist’s new album on the day it drops.
75.Finding an article of clothing that you’d been searching for.
76.Thrift stores.
77.Buying new make-up.
78.Being told that you look beautiful.
79.Being able to see the moon in the sky.
80.Chinese food. No need to say more.
81.Picking up an old talent or hobby that you’ve stopped practicing.
82.Vinyl stores. They’re still a thing, and they’re amazing.
83.“She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5.
84.Completing a to-do list.
85.When the day that you’ve been counting down for forever finally arrives.
86.Snuggling with your pet.
87.Lighting an amazing smelling candle.
88.The $5 cravings box at Taco Bell. Who doesn’t love tacos?
89.Using brand new headphones.
90.Because if you fake it till you make it, you will actually make it.
91.Getting an unexpected text from an old friend.
92.Feeling like you’ve discovered your purpose in life.
93.Pizza Rolls. Everyone’s weakness.
94.When a drawing or a piece of writing turns out perfectly.
95.Marvel movies.
96.Accomplishing a long or short-term goal.
97.Watching the sunset.
98.Getting paid more than what you thought.
99.Hearing the buzzing machine of the ATM when withdrawing money.
100.Last, but certainly not least, you’re alive. That’s one of the biggest and most important reasons to smile. You’re living, you’re breathing, and you’re alive, and that is truly beautiful.
Whenever you’re feeling down and you need a little pick-me-up, remember that there are things in this world that can make you smile, whether it’s something on this list, or something of your own that I haven’t mentioned. Remember, smiling can have some pretty amazing benefits on your health, so make it one of your goals this year to smile everyday. You’ll look good, but you’ll also feel good; it’s a win-win situation.
