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Find the Happy

There's no denying, or avoiding, the hostility within this great nation lately. There are divisions of opinions that have turned neighbors into enemies, and complete groups of people against one another. Maybe it makes me naïve, or stupid, but I genuinely think that if we all (collectively) start to find the positives  our lives will improve dramatically.

I constantly see people all over social media actively pointing out the negative news headlines, flooding my timelines with sad images, thoughts, or facts. Please don't think I don't know that our nation, world, and future is/are unstable. I know that, I understand it, and I hate it. However, instead of fermenting the ideas and the negativity, I am going to chose happiness. I found that the more I dwelled on the toxic news, the worse my view on life became. I also see people out there fighting everyday, whether it's protesting, promoting, or informing- they're making the world better because they're fighting for what they believe in- we grow as a country when we challenge what we know! That's my favorite part about being an American, is that we are constantly surrounded by people who believe in different things than we do, forcing us (most of us) to be more conscientious about our surroundings. I appreciate you, and all that you are doing for the world.

I feel where I can make the most impact in this world, is by reminding people to smile. There are good things out there, even on the worst days, we just need to remind ourselves its there and we just have to find it.

So, in an effort to make the world a little brighter, I present to you a few things that made me do a little happy dance this week. Hopefully it brings a smile to your face too.



Jimmy Fallon:
The guy can make me happy-cry at anytime. Especially when he dances against Mike Myers. This had me laughing out loud, and reminded me that it's absolutely ok to laugh at yourself (and each other).
Jimmy Fallon and Mike Myers Dance Off

Claire and Dad sing:
First of all Toy Story is one of the best movies of all time. Always there to remind you that you've got a friend. What makes the original better? When a cute as heck 4 year old girl and her dad sing it together, reminding you that Kids aren't always the worst.
You've Got a Friend in Me

Caleb Swanigan:
College Sports, especially NCAA basketball, leads its fans on a crazy rollercoaster of emotions. From elation to defeat, I've learned you can never really know how a season is going to go based on rankings. A couple weeks ago I watched as my young Hawks defeated B1G powerhouse, Purdue and their two 7 ft. giants. Obviously all eyes were on the two monsters on the court, but it just goes to show that just like you can't judge a college season based on one game, you also can't judge a giant by his height. Caleb Swanigan, who I assumed to be some sort of basketball protege, worked incredibly hard to find his self-worth. Reminding me to never give up, especially on your dreams.
Homeless to Hoopster

The Cubs:
It happened a few months ago, but this video gave me absolute chills. Every year for over 100 years, Cubs fans watched another team win the World Series. Doesn't matter if you love them or you hate them, the Cubs won the 2016 World Series in one of the most dramatic series of events in sporting history and it was a blast to watch. This video reminds me that sports will forever have a platform to bring us together- through adversity, and triumph.
FLY THE W

Me:
My journey to healthy has never been easy. I've struggled with weight my entire life, and it really sucks having a medical professional tell you that you are obese. I took that diagnosis and really looked at myself in the mirror and knew there could be no more excuses. This photo reminds me to appreciate even the smallest changes my body has made. I am not where I want to be, but i'm getting there. It never hurts to pat yourself on your back, while simultaneously pushing yourself forward to bigger and better things.

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