Let's be real, 2020 hasn't exactly been a win for everyone - for obvious reasons. But even with a pandemic, major sociopolitical upheaval, USPS attacks, rampant racism, Karens Gone Wild, and people trying to make 90's eyebrows a thing again (please don't) - there are still some wins to be found.
One Reddit user asked:
What are you happy about right now?
and people's responses were honestly kind of heartwarming! Not everyone has major moves going right now, but not everyone has to. Sometimes it's the little things that make you happiest.
We spend a ton of time deep in the schadenfreude - so let's take a minute to focus on other's joy, not just their struggle.
The Birds
tv land binoculars GIF by #ImpastorGiphyI have lots of birds visiting my feeders. Nothing is very exotic. The standard backyard birds here are sparrows, house finches, Carolina wrens, cardinals, mockingbirds, golden-fronted woodpeckers, blue jays, grackles, white-winged doves and Inca doves. Hummingbirds are the most unusual birds I get—but I enjoy watching all of them.
The Radiator
The wife and I both have health problems, nothing major, but we have a really nice teen come over to do yard work. Last time he was here, he mentioned he had to walk into town as his mom's car was overheating. This morning my wife picked him up to do some mowing and weeding.
When he was done she asked if his mom's car was running, to which he replied they hadn't even tried to start it. My wife asked if i would take him home and take a look at the car. I did so, and it was just a matter of low radiator fluid, but that mom had been afraid to mess something up.
I filled the radiator and overflow tank, had them start the car, and hung out till the car warmed to operating temp. No biggie, but they were both so thrilled to have it running again, and be able to drive for groceries, it still has me happy hours later.
The Glow-Up
So many things! I've done 8 months of therapy and stuck with it, I'm on anti-depressants which have significantly changed my motivation levels in a good way, I've gotten a personal trainer about two weeks ago and have been working out 6 days a week for at least 2 hours a day, After 3 years of not being in a serious relationship I asked a girl out whom I have been crushing on for two years to find out the feelings were mutual and lastly I re-applied to community college after dropping out 4 years ago, I start in two weeks! Life is really good right now.
8-10 months ago I was at my lowest point with depression. I felt very alone and could not muster the energy to get out of bed or go to work. I just wanted to sleep forever. I'm so much happier now and hope to keep this trend going.
Rebound
A month ago I thought my dog was going to die. She was in a lot of pain and had trouble getting up by herself. But we changed her meds, and she's getting laser treatment for arthritis in her back knees. Now she can get up by herself, and I can tell she's not in pain because she's so playful again. I am so happy about this.
Steak
I love steak, but hated making it on the grill, because I could never get it right, at least not very often. Too much guess work involved.
I learned how to do a reverse sear, and it's amazing how easy it is to get the perfect steak every time. Just had steak for lunch! It's awesome!
- jcpmojo
Finding the perfect method for cooking a steak and realizing now you can have perfect steak at home any time you want can be a life changing experience.
There's only 5 minutes left until my steak pie is cooked!
- sim-o
Looking Forward
I went from suicidal drug addict with no hope, to engaged to a wonderful woman, to a soon to be father. Although having a child during COVID, and given the state of the world, is a daunting task; I'm really looking forward to the rest of my life.
I've never looked forward to my life. It's nice.
Avoiding A Cat-Tastrophe
Every morning I make a smoothie and when finished my cat tastes the rim of the glass. He likes today's offering so I'm safe for another day.
- qpv
Godspeed, and good luck tomorrow...
Secret Stash
excited pokemon GIFGiphyJust found my old GameBoy and a stash of games for it. Now I get to play either Tetris or Pokemon Yellow!
Happy In Bed
Laying in bed with my boyfriend... yeah I'm happy... I own a car, a house, a business and I am able to pay for my bills. I'm content. I forget this from the stressors on the world... I needed this question to center me again. Thank you.
Away From Abuse
My friend is pressing charges against her abusive ex-boyfriend.
I'm moving away from my emotionally abusive neglectful parents tomorrow, and I'll be living 5 minutes away from my Girlfriend. Things are looking up.
A Few Things
A few things , Reading this nice comment thread , I just took a wonderful sh*t, gonna make a wee cup of tea smoke something and plan tomorrows dinner . 'Tis a lovely evening hope everyone else is happy too.
Beer Day
Because I have plenty of beer, nobody is bothering me and I'm drinking beer. What's not to be happy about? Best day of the week.
I just found 4 more than I thought I had so it looks like this one-man party is going on for a little bit longer! Hooray!
Vacation
Heading on vacation in a couple weeks! It's a pretty remote place in the mountains where we will still be socially-distanced and not around anyone, but it will just be nice to see somewhere other than the inside of my house.
I'm (30m) planning a camping trip with my dad (65m) to go to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area on the Minnesota-Canada border. For the last week we've been making food supplies and gear lists and planning each leg of the trip. I've gone so far to find fishing reports on the lakes we will be on. For the first time maybe ever I'm looking forward to not having a cell signal, internet or news of the outside world for a week. It's a hell of a lot of physical work to paddle and portage 15-20 miles a day but I'm looking forward to it.
Peaches
Got the whole bushel of peaches canned and cooling on the counter. They are so pretty in their jars.
I live in Missouri in a rural area. Our local general stores always have peaches as well as other fruits like apples and blueberries in season sold in bulk for canning. I always get either Missouri or Illinois peaches because they have the best flavor. I think the farther they have to go to market, the less flavor they have. South Carolina or Georgia peaches are also available here, but they aren't as good. They tend to be bland and grainy because they are picked green to be shipped so far.
- RAbites
400 By Christmas
The weather is finally cooling down, which means I can go roller-skating after work without dying of heat stroke! I've put over 250mi on my skates since quarantine started and I'm hoping to hit at least 400mi by Christmas.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
To find help outside the United States, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has resources available at https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
