There is a terrible amount of negativity going on in our world right now. Diseases, hatefulness, death, riots, division, the list goes on and on. In these times of stress and negativity, I have made myself stop and think about all of the positive things in life that make my heart smile. I have found it to be very helpful to find a point in each day to reflect on what it is that makes me forget about all of the horrible things happening right now. It really is the simple things in life that matter, and we need to appreciate them.
1. Family
Family is everything. Every chance I get to spend time with my family makes me so happy.
2. Sunshine
I love waking up in the mornings and seeing the sun peep through my curtains. When I see the sun and blue skies out, I know it is going to be a great day.
3. Dogs
Who doesn't love dogs?
4. Dancing
I have been dancing for as long as I can remember. I take "dance like nobody is watching" very seriously (if you have ever seen me dance, you know what I am talking about).
5. Reminiscing on the past
Reflecting on the best (and even the worst) of times is so makes me smile. I find joy in seeing how far I have come in life, and thinking about how the best is yet to come.
6. Books
There is nothing like diving into the magical world of a new book.
7. Cleaning
Unpopular opinion: I LOVE to clean. Vacuuming, dusting, moping, I love it all. It is the best feeling in the world to sit in your freshly cleaned house.
8. Laughter
The sound of laughter from anybody is enjoyable to listen to. Laughter is the best medicine for sure.
9. A good hair day
These are rare for me, but when they happen I am over the moon excited.
10. Burning a new candle
I am a candle hoarder. I love the fresh smell of candles.
11. True friends
They are there for you when you have good news to share or need a shoulder to cry on. True friends are rare, but when you find them you will be blessed to have them in your life.
12. Kindness
When I witness kindness between others, it truly warms my heart. We could all use a little kindness in the world right now. Even the smallest acts of kindness will go a long way.
13. Good music
Singing to the roof tops and dancing like a maniac to the perfect playlist full of your favorite music is almost certain to boost your spirits.
14. The smell of fresh coffee
I am a big coffee addict. There is something about the smell of a fresh pot in the mornings that is so refreshing.
15. Rain
Nothing beats a good rainy day.
16. Being tan
I don't know why, but I feel 100% more confident in myself whenever I am tan. I'm not the only one who feels this way, right?
17. Finding money in your pocket that you forgot about
One time I found $2 in my jean shorts pocket, and I acted like I won the lottery. I am not kidding.
18. Watching sunrises and sunsets
I am THAT person who gets overly excited and has to take a picture when I see the beautiful scenery of the sunrising and sunsetting.
19. Checking things off a to-do list
That feeling of relief when you look at your fully checked off to-do list at the end of each week is something special.
20. Daydreaming
I daydream about EVERYTHING. I daydream about what was and what will be.
21. Cats
Yes, I am a (slightly) crazy cat person.
22. Exercising
The feeling after a workout is the BEST. You hate yourself while doing it, but you for sure love yourself afterwards.
23. Writing
Writing is very therapeutic for me. It is a chance for me to jot down all of my thoughts and feelings, and I always feel better when I do so.
24. Flowers
The smell and radiant colors of fresh flowers always puts me in a good mood.
25. Singing
I am not the best singer, but that does not stop me from doing it.
26. Road trips
Road trips are the best for making memories, both with friends or by yourself.
27. A clean car
I love the feeling of a freshly cleaned car (both from the outside and inside). I feel like a brand new person driving in my shiny and clean car.
28. Long phone calls
Late night phone calls with your best friend is the best kind of therapy (plus it is cheaper than actual therapy).
29. Clean sheets
Climbing into your freshly cleaned bed after a long day is the absolute BEST feeling ever.
30. Being at the beach
Toes in the sand, the smell of salt, and the sound of waves crashing, does it get any better than that?
31. Smiling
I smile literally at everybody. Don't mind me I'm just trying to spread some positivity.
32. A planner
I am an organizing freak. My planner is practically the only thing that keeps me sane.
33. Rainbows
Seeing a bright rainbow after a dark storm makes me so happy.
34. Accomplishments
Accomplishments are huge, no matter how big or small they come. Receiving an A on an assignment makes me happy. Simply getting out of the bed and making it to class on time makes me happy.
35. Hikes
Whenever I go hiking, I always feel like I am on an adventure. I get excited going exploring and discovering new places.
36. Silence
Ah, the sweet sound of silence. Sometimes you need a little alone time to boost your mood.
37. Fresh cut grass
There is something about freshly cut grass that makes me happy. Maybe it is because it looks neat and clean? I love seeing yards that are kept nice.
38. Clothes fresh out of the dryer
This is 100% true. It is even better when you put the clothes from the dryer on immediately after they are done. The BEST feeling ever is the feel of warm clothes.
39. Finding that perfect pen that writes smoothly
There is only one certain type of pen out there that writes smooth for me. If I do not have that pen to write with, it drives me crazy.
40. Hugs
Yes, I am a hugger. I like giving hugs (judge me).
There is so much to be happy about; stop and enjoy the little things in life!
four wine glasses
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brown wooden barrels in a room
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white and black labeled bottles
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people tossing their clear wine glasses
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golden retriever on gray rock during daytimePhoto by 
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