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Health and Wellness

23 Little Reasons To Smile

You don't always need a huge reason to smile.

Emily Henrichs

Nov 07, 2017

Illinois State University

124

Wikimedia

This world is a place that is not always enjoyable. We have war, political controversy, racism, abuse, and more. Thankfully, we can still find joy in our everyday lives. It can be hard to look past the negative and realize the good in this world, but it is possible. Without further ado, a list of things to find joy in our everyday lives.

1. The sunrise

There is something about a beautiful peak of the sun in the morning. It could be at 5 AM or 7 AM; sunrises are a gift to our morning.

2. Receiving an "A" on a test, you thought you failed

When you receive your test after the dreaded waiting period, and you find out you did better than you thought.

3. Dogs

Must I explain myself?

4. Late nights with friends

I don't know about you, but some of my greatest memories come from those spontaneous drives to wherever with my friends. Whether it's the sketchy Walmart at 12 AM or simply driving around the town, late nights with friends are a load of joy.

5. Your favorite song coming on the radio

Most people don't use the good ole radio anymore, but when your aux cord breaks and you don't have the money, the radio is your only hope. So, when your jam comes on you go into full-on concert mode.

6. Free food

Okay, two of the best words when connected to each other. Whether it's a sample at the Costco or your friend wants to buy your lunch, free food is the best. Tears of joy stream down your face when you get the best kind of food.

7. Sleeping

For those of you who know what I'm saying here, God bless those nights when you get a full eight hours.

8. Class getting canceled

Especially the 8 AM class. You wake up to the beautiful e-mail with the subject line "Class Canceled." All is well, and you get to go back to sleep.

9. The first speckle of your favorite season showing up

We all have our favorite season. Once that season appears, life isn't so bad.

10. Your favorite holiday

Whether it is Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Halloween, Christmas, Hanukkah, or something else, we all have our favorite. It fills us with excitement.

11. Watching people sprint to their class

Okay, this one is kind of terrible to find joy in but, it can make an awful day funny. You get to see that one person bolting across the campus to make it on time. Their backpack is falling off, eyes are dead, and the look of sheer panic is resting on their face.

12. Literally LMAO'ing

Maybe not literally, but pretty close. Laughing so hard that you cannot breathe is a gift to your day. The stress is absent for a little, and you are enjoying what life has for you.

13. Finding something you lost

This might be weird, but finding something you misplaced is a joyful moment. You don't have to go and buy anything. If you already did, you now have two.

14. Winning a bet

You know what I'm talking about, right? You make some stupid bet with someone. Surprisingly, you win.You are on top of the world.

15. Seeing another Facebook event about The Bean

Let's face it. Those events are hilarious. Flip The Bean over so it can an even tan? Steal The Bean and take it to Rockford? Put The Bean in Lake Michigan? The list goes on.

16. Hugging someone for the first time in a long time

What could be more joyful than hugging someone you haven't seen in a while?

17. Binge watching Netflix

You might look at it like your life is falling apart, but you either finished a show, or you're close to finishing one.

18. Changing from your fancy pants to sweatpants

If you don't know this feeling, you're missing out on something beautiful.

19. Finishing the dreaded group project

Speaks for itself.

20. Making someone laugh

What a wonderful feeling it is to bring joy to someone else's day. So much so, it brightens your day as well.

21. Watching your favorite sports team win

After hours and hours of smack talk, watching your team pull it off, puts you on top of the world. It is a complete and utter joy.

22. Singing in the shower

We all do it.

23. Bonfires

If you have never been to a bonfire, go to one ASAP. Singing around it, the crackle of the flames, the s'mores, and the community are one of a kind.

To conclude, life can be messy and suck. Life also has little things to smile about! We don't always need a huge event to put a smile on our face. The next time you're having a bad day, sing a song, eat a pizza, watch a movie, or sleep! I hope you have a great day!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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23 Little Reasons To Smile

You don't always need a huge reason to smile.

1. The sunrise

2. Receiving an "A" on a test, you thought you failed

3. Dogs

4. Late nights with friends

5. Your favorite song coming on the radio

6. Free food

7. Sleeping

8. Class getting canceled

9. The first speckle of your favorite season showing up

10. Your favorite holiday

11. Watching people sprint to their class

12. Literally LMAO'ing

13. Finding something you lost

14. Winning a bet

15. Seeing another Facebook event about The Bean

16. Hugging someone for the first time in a long time

17. Binge watching Netflix

18. Changing from your fancy pants to sweatpants

19. Finishing the dreaded group project

20. Making someone laugh

21. Watching your favorite sports team win

22. Singing in the shower

23. Bonfires

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There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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