Genetics might account for up to 33 percent of our happiness (or lack thereof), but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless to improve our own moods. Sometimes all it takes is a change in mindset — no matter how small — to turn a crappy day into a good one. To help you shift into a happier gear, we’ve rounded up five things from around the web that inspire and delight us, and we hope they’ll do the same for you. We’ll be sharing our favorite happiness-boosters each week, so be sure to check back — and please share your own either in the comments or the community!
1. This “unkillable” tortoise who has survived a snowstorm, a bonfire, and World War II
Adolph the tortoise is at least 71 years old, and he’s earned every one of those years. He was first found in a crater left by a mine bomb dropped during WWII. Since then he’s survived a freak snowstorm (after which he was pronounced dead). Oh, and then there was that time he was accidentally lit on fire — with little else but a scratch to show for it. He’s also gone missing four or five times, but always manages to turn up again, very much alive. Never has a tortoise demonstrated such tenacity and heart. He makes us feel like we could survive just about anything, too.
2. This picture of a baby bison
At first, this is just your average adorable photo of a baby bison. But look closer: The baby bison has a little puddle of drool at the corner of its mouth. Now this is the most adorable photo of a baby bison. Ever.
3. This group of Kurdish men who are dressing in women’s clothing to show support for gender equality
In Marivan, Iran, in early April, a man convicted of domestic abuse was sentenced to going about town dressed in traditional Kurdish women’s clothing — the idea being that it’s humiliating to be a woman (or dress like one). In response, protests have arisen from parliament and feminist groups, along with a very creative outcry from Kurd Men For Equality, a campaign that gained attention via Facebook. To date, hundreds of men have shared photos of themselves dressed in women’s clothing. Their message: “Being a woman is not a tool to humiliate or punish anyone.” People standing up for the dignity of others? That’ll make us happy any day of the week.
4. This picture of a little boy helping a baby chick smell a flower
There are no words.
5. This Japanese fisherman who doesn’t want you to give up
Look at him! It’s 14 degrees outside and he’s in the water harvesting Asiatic clams. That alone should be enough to inspire you to heed his message: Never give up!
What’s making you happy this week? Share in the comments below!
