“Happiness, not in another place, but this place… not for another hour, but this hour.”
— Walt Whitman
All around the world, the present moment is filled with beauty.
If you are attentive, you will see it. If you are willing, you will help create it.
Let’s take a moment to think about the beautiful things happening around us, near and far.
Right now, at this exact moment somewhere…
- A newborn infant just took her first breath.
- Two teenage romantics just received their very first kiss from each other.
- Someone is driving their car with the windows down, singing to their favorite song at the top of their lungs.
- Volunteers in different cities are actively assisting and standing up for the powerless, the homeless, and the neglected who need someone to speak up for them.
- Someone is in the middle of complimenting a stranger who desperately needed a reason to smile.
- Two friends are cracking each other up and laughing so hard they aren’t even making any noise.
- A high school guidance counselor is contributing her time, encouragement, and a listening ear to help a student realize their potential.
- People near and far are holding hands with the person they love.
- A husband and wife who were once drowning in debt, proudly hold a balance of zero on all their lines of credit.
- Someone is going above and beyond and doing a little extra work to make someone else’s life a little easier.
- People from all over the world are online at crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe pledging online donations to help strangers in need.
- Responsible designated drivers are getting their friends and family home safely.
- A student tutor is volunteering her time to help a fellow student learn.
- Someone who has struggled with their weight for years is looking in the mirror, and sincerely smiling.
- A long-term alcoholic just celebrated exactly one full year of sobriety.
- Somewhere someone is admiring a breathtaking sunrise, and somewhere else a surreal sunset.
- A friend is helping a friend rise above feelings of depression.
- Someone is holding the door open for the person behind them.
- A good samaritan is pulled over on the side of the road assisting a stranger who’s having car trouble.
- Someone is celebrating the fact that they just broke their own personal best record.
- An active duty military member stationed at some remote corner of the planet just received a loving message from a loved one.
- Hundreds of people are spending a few clicks of their time online at Freerice.
- Someone just accidentally overheard someone else say something really nice about them.
- An emergency room surgeon just saved her patient’s life.
- Two best friends are hugging each other after being apart for a while.
- Honest people are working tirelessly at various government agencies to help protect the basic human rights and civil liberties of their fellow citizens.
- Someone who suffered from a severe injury a while back is back on their feet.
- Several of the world’s next great inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs are working diligently on perfecting their breakthrough ideas and crafts.
- Someone is sitting quietly and smiling about the fact that there’s nowhere else in the world they would rather be right now.
- Somewhere on the internet someone is writing an encouraging comment on an article like this one that will make others smile. 🙂
There truly is beauty to be seen in almost every imaginable direction if you are willing to see it and help create it.
In your eyes, what makes this moment beautiful?
Any other thoughts to share?
We would love to hear from YOU. Please leave a reply below.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive links to new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Chelle Bowman says
Hello Marc and Angel! I love these beautiful acknowledgments of the wonderful things happening right now. Too often people focus on the negative and many things on your list simply made me smile. Thank you for such a simple, lovely article.
Shilpa Shree NP says
I’m happy that I spent those five minutes simply reading and reflecting. I realised that I’m already a part of so many positive moments, and life is truly beautiful. Sometimes, it’s as simple as watching the sunrise while working …Have a good day
Joanie says
Sitting at my kitchen table with the quiet all around me…read papers, enjoyed coffee and breakfast …enjoying the calm of the early morning before the busy day ahead
Sam says
A short, refreshing read. Thanks. And to answer your question:
My one-year-old son curled up and sleeping in my lap right now is what makes this moment beautiful.
Jessica says
Thank you so, so very much for this! We often overlook the positive to focus on trying to fix or get rid of the negative. It can consume us; thank you for sharing these everyday blessings that we all tend to miss.
Buddy says
Seeing the feeling of real love and acceptance in my daughter’s eyes this morning when I told her I love her for being exactly the person she is.
Dana says
What makes this moment beautiful is that I am sitting in my new apartment in Austin. At the ripe young age of 44, I moved across the country by myself to live a lifelong dream of living out west. I left my childhood friends & family in the mid west. Not an easy thing for a gal who has been “set in her ways” for so many years. I feel so excited about the future and plan on challenging myself in so many ways. I have truly faced my fears and can feel my spirit soar!
Rosemary says
Some one is planting a garden that will enrich the lives of others and encourage someone to do the same. (That’s me.)
Krissa says
A 94-year-old great-grandmother and her 5-year-old great-grandson are sitting in a chair together watching a baseball game right now in my house.
Arpita says
Thank-you!!
This post made me realize how many wonderful things I have been a part of since even just this morning. Great Job. I love reading your articles, they always make me smile.. 🙂
Amanda Kennedy says
Every day I smile in the knowledge that I have three happy healthy children whom I love with all my heart. This blog inspires me to be the best woman and mother I can, and lets me know that even such little things as complimenting a stranger can add a touch more happiness in this world.
Inky says
Just now a NYC bus driver stopped to wait for someone running for the bus. Yep, that just happened to me.
David Singer says
You are amazing. I don’t know how you keep coming up with this stuff. This is a terrific post. We live in a giant world and so often we forget that, only seeing the little circle around us. What a great reminder to stop and think about all the amazing things constantly happening everywhere. Thanks!
Denise says
Love this!
My addition: listening to my husband sing off-key in the shower. It makes me smile every morning!
Atta Hanson says
In my house right now, a toddler is taking his very first few steps.
Tina Lewis says
Enjoying a little me time with a book that takes me away to another place and time.
Babs says
I am siting on the couch with a cup of coffee in my hand and my best friend, my dog, warming my feet. Doesn’t get better.
Zina Johnson says
Such a beautiful piece, one that makes you pause and reflect on the simple, beautiful things life has given you.
“In my eyes, what makes a moment beautiful is not always something grand, but the simple things that bring joy, connection, and peace.
For me, beauty is found in spending time with the people I hold dear and creating memories that I will always cheerish.
It is also in seeing the pure, genuine joy on a child’s face.
And most times, it is simply being in a quiet space, with my favorite snack, completely lost in the pages of a good book.
Carol Horn says
My Daughter just came through the house while doing some self care which makes me smile.
Margaret says
It’s so true! Beautiful moments happen all the time, and there’s always something to be grateful for.
David Cleroux says
What I see as beautiful at the moment is another struggle overcome, which to me means a point of progress. A new friend whom I see that I can be an encourage to. A beautiful day, and another day of life. A very dear friend that I’m hoping to someday soon meet up with.
Basically friendly people all around. Hearing their laughter and happiness in being together. It’s a beautiful life and I thank God for His creations and promises that I can look forward to with anticipation. And of course yourselves and your uplifting essays and compilations. Hugs!
Moulya Roy says
Great work curating this list of positive moments around the world. This is especially special as today the internet is running wild with negative news, just reading these simple happy moments brings a smile to the face and reminds us to be grateful. I too am seeing the numerous blessing in my life. Thank you for sharing.