Be happy and kind. Yes, you.

Happiness for me is getting dressed up and listening to happy music to get me going for the day, then laughing with my friends over breakfast.

WAIT. IS THIS THE PERSON BEHIND JUSTFORTHEHEART? 

I went back and forth on the idea of revealing just who is behind this blog and finally told myself that after 300 submissions, I’d make this announcement and do a reveal. So hereeee it is...no I’m not nervous at all... First of all, though - thank you all for making justfortheheart what it is today. I’m so thankful for this community and get so cheerful just reading everyone’s submissions. Thank you for submitting as yourself and/or as anonymous - I am grateful for your participation and involvement. Thank you for sticking around, even when I’m not as consistent as I’d like to be. I’m going to try to be better at this, I promise. A lot of you thank me for this blog, but you have no idea how much it helps me, too. A sincere thank you to everyone reading this right now. 

My name is Sylvia, a twenty-something-year-old from New York City. No, I don’t have a twin. That photo is just for fun and somewhat relatable to this post right now. I hold a main blog over at @justforsmiles​, which is more personal as opposed to this page, which I want for you all to be able to share your stories and connect with one another. I want you to have a voice and have it reach others it otherwise would not have. I want you to feel less alone. I want you to know you matter and be surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals or people who are trying to also self-actualize. I also just love stories. I blog irregularly at http://justviasyl.me/ (will also work on being more consistent- original tips and thoughts) and recently created a Facebook page to encompass all of this: https://www.facebook.com/justviasyl/ If you’re into self-compassion (+care + love + improvement), courage, community, connection, mental wellness, productivity, organization, positive notes/reminders - please connect with me and follow along the journey! I will always root for us all to be our best selves and live a life we’re remarkably proud of.

CONNECT WITH ME! MAIN TUMBLR: @justforsmiles WEBSITE: http://justviasyl.me/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/justviasyl/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/justviasyl/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWQAaylpRCZch-c7folaSuA?view_as=subscriber

Happiness is my favorite music turned up as loud as it can go. Happiness is beginning a new book and being instantly hooked. Happiness is long car rides with good music and the right people. Happiness is rainy days with a cup of coffee and a good book. Happiness is feeling accepted or wanted. Happiness is inside jokes with your best friend. Happiness is knowing who you are and feeling great about yourself. :)

I am the happiest when I don't stress about plans and doing things properly, and just enjoy the moment. It's hard to do so most of the time, but I guess that's part of the magic.

A smile from a friend, or a complete stranger, that makes you feel like everything is going to be okay A laugh that can make your tears stop, eyes that make you smile as you melt inside, a bright smile, and a kind voice reminding you that you’re alive and that you’re not alone An inside joke shared with your closest friend Small things that make you smile like a complete moron, but if people judge you for it, it’s their loss that they don’t get it A good memory, something rare and warm

Earlier this year there was an old black man sitting where I drop my semi trailer at. It's behind a drive thru. He asked me if I had a couple dollars he could have. I took him into the store and spent $90 on food and supplies for him and his wife.

Thank you for posting my little story on your page(#30)!! I honestly didn’t think I would get any notes or even get it published. I just thought the idea of a page dedicated to kindness and showing some human compassion is such a nice idea. Like there are millions of hate pages and posts and all that jazz. But not nearly enough kindness and love pages(or at least not ones that are publicized enough). I don’t know why I’m writing this to be honest. Haha i guess it just made me happy that i impacted someone out there. I just. Thank you so much. You made my week.

Happiness is running down the shiny new school hallway without shoes, gliding down the slippery floor racing your best friends. It’s winning the race with her and the adrenaline of slamming into the lockers with careless, reckless abandon that you don’t even care about it. It’s sharing a high five, and without thinking, curling your fingers mid-air, to hold her hand. It’s the look on her face as she reciprocates without thinking, and then realising it minutes later, walking down the hall properly, laughter bounding off the walls and her sudden gasp as she drops your hand. It’s the blush that tints her cheeks and ears. It’s your laughter even as your face and ears heat up and it’s the feeling of warmth as your other two best friends laugh at both of you. Happiness is your hand, meeting hers midway, and just smiling contently for the rest of the day.

I’d have to say coffee. Nothing is better then having a coffee first thing in the morning!

292: I didn’t make this, nor do I know who made it, but stitch always makes me happy

I have a homemade stuffed animal I made as a kid still! She’s in pretty good shape and she always makes me happy when I have her around!

- @surayya122

_

I recently have had money sitting around that I have no use for and couldn’t find a use for. I gave $100 of it away to help someone I care about who has recently had trouble paying bills. I don’t expect anything back; his reaction was more than enough. 

- @vyspe _

Years ago I was working at my local Kinko’s. A day just like any other. Boring, busy, and that mid day slump that makes you want to take a nap. That is until an older lady came up to the counter to ask some questions and get her receipt for computer time. She was nice, unlike most of the crowd in there at the time. She took the time to smile and chat it up for a bit. Then she stopped to introduce her companion. As it turns out she was with her sister, Alice, running errands like she normally does. But that day was different because it was also Alice’s birthday! She went on to explain that Alice had Alzheimer’s and didn’t remember much but birthdays were something she always managed to recall. I wished Alice a happy birthday. But her sister sheepishly interjected with a request. “I was wondering if you would sing Happy Birthday to her so that she has another memorable birthday.” Of course! I said. And so I did. Alice just smiled and her sister looked at her the entire time. When I was done Alice said thank you and her sister turned to me and thanked me as well. And then said, “I do this for her on her birthday. Thank you for saying yes and I would like to give you a tip.” Before I could refuse she handed me a Christmas tree shaped, Reese’s peanut butter cup. I accepted since it is my favorite. And I smiled for the rest of the day. - @mariusromanus

I think happiness is putting efforts in simple things because you are fond of that smile lighting up their face. A bright smile that makes you smile in return.. You try it because with each smile you earn, your need to see them smile grows a little. May be that gut feeling, a warmth spreading in your heart at that smile is how you be happy.