In light of the recent election, just about everything on the internet lately has been politically charged. As you scroll through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, various blog sites, etc. there is really no escaping the emotional, politically-themed posts. So with that in mind, I decided to write about something... else. Something that will help take your mind off of politics, whether you were happy about the election outcome or not.

Here is a list of 40 small things that make life beautiful. (Things that no election can take away from you):

1. When a song you're listening to ends right as you arrive at your destination.

2. The feeling of a hot shower or bath after a long day.

3. Endorphins. (God's gift to your body).

4. The excited feeling you get when you buy new books (or movies, or games, or whatever your thing is).

5. The SMELL of books.

6. The smell of books and coffee mixed together. (Barnes & Noble, thank you for existing).

7. Hearing about life through the eyes of someone from a different culture. It's always fascinating.

8. Watching your favorite movie in bed with some popcorn. (BUTTER).

9. The feeling you get when you see your food arriving at a restaurant.

10. When you're trying to eat healthy, the feeling that one cheat meal gives you.

11. Falling in love. (Cliche, but true).

12. The nostalgia that looking at old photos gives you.

13. Finishing anything you've worked long and hard on (anything from an important work project, to just beating a video game).

14. Your mom's (or grandma's) home-cooking.

15. Eating your favorite comfort food (which may or may not be number 14).

16. Having the weekend off.

17. Sleeping in.

18. The sweet innocence and joy of babies.

19. Laughing so hard your abs hurt.

20. Finding money you didn't know you had.

21. Seeing your best friend after you've been apart for awhile.

22. Getting a new puppy or kitten.

23. Going hiking, or just getting out in nature after awhile of being indoors.

24. Buying new music.

25. Buying someone you love a gift.

26. Someone buying YOU a gift.

27. Helping out someone who needs it.

28. Knowing there are people who love you.

29. Listening to your parents or grandparents talk about their childhoods.

30. Home videos.

31. Traveling to new places.

32. Meeting someone who has the same interests as you.

33. Sunrises and sunsets.

34. Disney movies. (I don't care who you are).

35. The smell of clean laundry.

36. Going to concerts with your best friends.

37. Payday.

38. Nostalgic scents.

39. Warm blankets and cuddles.

40. Making someone else smile.

I'd encourage you to think about these things. Make a point to notice the things that make you happy in your everyday life. Focus on them and appreciate them a little more this week.