This week in the news: a shooting at a South Carolina elementary school, hundreds of pit bulls in Montreal have been handed a death sentence thanks to mayor Denis Coderre's pit bull ban, Donald Trump is (still) insane, and another city is rocked after the police shooting of Alfred Olango. With hundreds of more equally depressing headlines, the world can seem like a pretty dismal place. At times, it can be hard to find anything good about today's world. To raise your spirits, here are 11 of the best things about our crazy world.
1. The First Smell of Fall
As summer fades away and school starts up again, thousands of kids and young adults across the world are bumming pretty hard about going back to grueling exams and hours of homework. However, you can't deny the amazing feeling of stepping outside one morning and getting your first scent of fall. The temperature is a little cooler, and the breeze carries a tantalizing scent of what's to come: sweaters, boots, apple picking, pumpkin carving....the list goes on.
2. Clean Sheets
Crawling into bed at the end of a hard day is one of my favorite things, especially when the sheets are freshly cleaned. I love snuggling in and smelling the freshness of the laundry detergent, and everything just feels so crisp and new. Sleeping in general is the best, but it's even better with clean sheets.
3. Being Told, "I Love You"
Whether it's from your mom, a significant other, or your great-aunt Ursula who you see twice a year, being told that you're loved is one of the greatest things on this earth. Knowing there's someone out there you thinks you're the absolute bees knees, and who looks past your imperfections and sees a wonderful human being, can lift your spirits instantly.
4. Birthdays
I know there's people out there who absolutely hate their birthdays, or birthdays in general, but I've never been able to understand that. I mean, think about it- you get to eat as much cake as you want without being judged, you get showered with loved, and get to spend a day celebrating with your loved ones...all for just being BORN! You didn't even choose to be born, but now you have a day every year dedicated to celebrating you! If you're way more humble than I am and celebrating yourself makes you uncomfortable, throw yourself into celebrating your best friend's special day once a year! Birthdays are superb.
5. Kids
You don't have to have a kid to appreciate one. Kids are absolutely hilarious. They are the most confident, innocent, funny tiny humans ever. They don't give a darn what anyone thinks- kids do them. I had a five year old call me, "a real bang-up girl" at work because I gave her a snack. It's the best compliment I've ever received.
6. Crunchy Leaves
There's something so satisfying about stepping on a perfectly crunchy leaf, jumping in a piles of leaves, or throwing them in the air and watching all the colors fall around you. If you tell me you won't walk slightly out of your way so you can step on a crunchy leaf, you're lying.
7. Belly Laughing
I'm talking about the kids of gut-wrenching, milk comes out of your nose, tears rolling down your face kind of laughter. The laughter that actually starts to hurt after a while from laughing that hard. It's a rare kind of laughter, not the polite chuckle after your boss makes a corny joke but you want a raise so you pretend he/she is the funniest person on the planet. It's genuine, unselfconscious laughter.
8. Fuzzy Socks
Or fuzzy blankets. Wrapping yourself up in a warm, fuzzy blanket or throwing on a pair of fuzzy socks that make it feel like you're walking on a cloud is so happy. It's simple, but something that makes me feel warm, inside and outside.
9. Doing Nothing With Someone You Love
When you truly love someone, you can do absolutely nothing and be perfectly content. Sometimes, just laying in bed drinking tea can bring a feeling of complete peace in a hectic and crazy world.
10. Videos of Military Homecomings
If you ever need a pick-me-up, just Google "military homecoming videos." Seeing the pure joy on the faces of unsuspecting souls as they see their loved one for the first time in months or years can warm anyone's heart. It's touching and precious and puts things in perspective.
11. Dogs
I saved the best for last. Seriously, what did we do to deserve dogs? Dogs love us unconditionally, they're unwavering loyal, and they're cute as heck. Coming home from work/school/life and being greeted by a dog jumping on you and licking your face...I mean, come on, how can that not make you feel like the most special person in the world? Just your presence makes a dog's day- you don't even have to do anything. Dogs will never lie to you, or call you names, or cheat on you....they're just going to snuggle up to you and follow you around the house. Dog (any dog) for president 2k16.
