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Sometimes we need to brace ourselves before hopping online. Reading the news and scrolling through social media can be unexpectedly distressing experiences. You never know what tragic event has occurred since the last time you checked in with the world, but we can expect one thing: the news is usually filled with more upsetting stories than uplifting ones.
For a refreshing change of pace, many people turn to the Unexpectedly Wholesome subreddit. With a community of over 170k members, r/UnexpectedlyWholesome is a warm, safe place where users share situations they’ve experienced or seen online that end in an uplifting twist. From parents being surprisingly supportive to animals acting as adorable as ever, enjoy this list of reminders that our world still has plenty of positivity left to go around. Then if you’re in need of even more heartwarming content after finishing this piece, we’ve got you covered with another Unexpectedly Wholesome Bored Panda list right here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Hopefully This Hasn't Been Posted Yet, Its A Goldmine
You know that saying “out of sight, out of mind”? I think that idea rings true for a lot of us. And this day in age, where we’re dealing with, or at the very least witnessing, a pandemic, war and the destruction of our planet due to climate change (that we caused!), it can be easy for uplifting stories to fade right out of sight. And it’s not our fault. When all we see in the media is upsetting reports, it's an understandable reaction to feel like nothing good ever happens anymore. But with pages like Unexpectedly Wholesome, we can bring positivity back to the front of our minds, even for just a few minutes each day.
Writer Emily Torres published a piece last year titled “Why Are We Craving ‘Wholesome’ Things In 2021?”, and she hit the nail on the head by saying, “In a year that’s left nothing but holes in our hearts, we’re all trying to find some way back to our whole selves.”
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#2
Major Respect To The Manager Of The Bar
Emily went on to liken the holes in our hearts to nutrient deficiencies that we can help fix with regular supplements like “smell[ing] the clean fur of a sun-drenched puppy”. “Wholesome moments are everywhere,” Emily notes. “If only we’ll pay attention to them.” She recommends readers become more observant in their daily lives and, instead of rushing through things, stop to appreciate the little things. It’s hard to describe the feeling one gets when experiencing or witnessing a purely wholesome moment, but it’s sort of a rush of warmth that almost does give the sensation of a hole being filled.
Emily also notes that being uplifting doesn’t have to be a temporary state. “Being ‘wholesome’ is not a performance; rather, it’s a state of being that is sustainable and life-giving to us and those around us.” It’s natural to feel a longing for wholesomeness, and we owe it to ourselves, and those around us, to feed that desire and allow positivity to blossom.
#3
Santa Comes In Many Forms
#4
Stupid Idiots And Their Cute Pets
So how do we find positivity in our daily lives? Aside from a few minutes on the Unexpectedly Wholesome subreddit each day, a doctor might also prescribe you a healthy dose of positive-thinking content through books or podcasts. Luckily, the internet has unlimited resources to help you boost your serotonin levels. One book on this topic is The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by New York Time’s best-selling author Shawn Achor. Achor is the author of 5 successful books, but The Happiness Advantage is his most popular and is described as “the happy secret to greater success and fulfillment in work and life—a must-read for everyone trying to flourish in a world of increasing stress and negativity”.
#5
I Just Saw This On Fb I Don’t Know If It’s Been Posted Here But I Had All Sorts Of Feels!!! I Definitely Smiled Tho
As far as podcasts are concerned, the world is your oyster in finding positive content there as well. One popular research-based positive podcast is “The Science of Happiness”, which is hosted by award-winning psychologist Dacher Keltner. The show, which has been running since 2018, now has 115 episodes, with each one featuring tips for leading a more joyful life. Topics the show has covered include “How to Find Your Spark in Life”, “How Gratitude Renews Us”, “24 Hours of Kindness” and “Scheduling Time to Feel Awesome”. Listeners also give the podcast glowing reviews. One fan wrote, “It’s wonderful to learn about yourself through other people’s experiences. It takes the pressure off and allows the listener to be inspired without being deterred by one's own insecurities. These stories are entertaining and thought-provoking.”
#7
This Is A Real Christian
Commander Ducky 2 years ago (edited)
I'm a fallower of Christ and gay! Can I be one??
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Amy Pattie 2 years ago
As a Christian my daily battle is figuring out how to leave the fan club but keep Jesus. This guy gives me hope.
Monica Michelle 2 years ago
That may be the most darling way to phrase that
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The lesbian knitting panda 2 years ago
the part about transgender siblings (not using a gendered term, very good) was so good. No tenough people in the church accept trans people ❤️🏳️🌈
Connie Martin 2 years ago
United Church of Christ is Open and Affirming of all. Check out a church near you...https://www.ucc.org/church-finder/
Load More Replies... SomePeopleCallMeMaurice 2 years ago
I can only imagine the hate mail he gets from those “Good Christian” Karens!
Caro Caro 2 years ago
More than a few. Unfortunately the nutters get more attention.
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Tamara Kroonen 2 years ago
And now I'm wondering why those Pro Life advocates are not Pro Healthcare. Something's off in society.
Himself 2 years ago
Love the Quran one; Muslims and Christians are actually closely related, so why hate each other?
R A 2 years ago
Not closely related at all. Jesus said, “I am THE way, THE truth and THE life, no one comes to the Father, but by me.” God loves each and every one of us but Christ made it clear that only by his blood are we saved.
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Hope Cows&Chickens 2 years ago
Ah-ha! Clackamas. Its a suburb of Portland, Or. Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties are very progressive. I'm still attending church online in May 2022. So glad my church on the other side of town is still streaming services!
VeniVidiPanda 2 years ago
I have ABSOLUTELY no clue as to where Milwaukee, OR is, but I'm moving there, I guess?
ljbeanfield 2 years ago (edited)
Who is this man I want to send him a letter. And make it like the post above this with the man with the bow tie ... Maybe not all Christians are bad
*Inserts Username* 2 years ago
I know it does not seem like this from the outside, but we mormons agree with ALL of this (with the exception of some conservative assholes) and we agree that god loves everyone.
Tiki Stanford 2 years ago
You might, but your prophet does not. Your church administration does not. Many loving people in your ward do not. Even the people who say it is ok to "feel that way" as long as those feelings are never acted upon. To hide in shame is the direction given by the church. The only direction. That's all you get. If you don't agree with that stance I fear you are not an example of an average Mormon. But if you play your cards right, you might one day be an ex-Mormon. Btw, it's ok. Great even. Come on over, the grass is actually greener.
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Tamra Stiffler 2 years ago
If there were more like him, Christianity would have a very different image right now.
Babsevs 2 years ago
UK pandas....doesn't this lovely pure hearted pastor look like Jurgen Klopp???
Luna Crow 2 years ago
Oshit, this church is very close to where I am. I haven't been to church in many years (because of hypocrisy), but now I kinda want to check this one out
DoubleHeartDoctor 2 years ago (edited)
This is why I like people who are actually Christ-like rather than a self-proclaimed Christian. It's like my Dad always said, "Simply going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes you a Cadillac."
Damiana De'Mon Rhoades 2 years ago
Hate organized religion. Always will. But right now, thanks to this guy......I hate it all a little less. Hats off my man. YOU are an upstanding human being
Jackie Nettleton 2 years ago
This is the type of Christian that makes me believe just that bit more, I have met a few good Christian’s and was lucky enough to live with one for my last year of university and the thing I noticed was that they didn’t care about any “rules” that weren’t the Ten Commandments which are just good rules to live by anyway, they are more concerned with their own faith and actions and how they would be received by God
SillySparklyGirl 2 years ago
It would appear that Pastor Erickson truly read his bible and absorbed the message. God bless him and his parishioners.💕🙏
Do_You_Think_I_Give_A_Tortilla 2 years ago
I love Christians like this don’t claim that God is some vengeful unforgiving being that punishes the sinners but instead teach that God is forgiving always fair and rewards genuinely good people
Abigael Warners 2 years ago
The things that say being gay is bad in the bible are simply mistranslations, when someone re-translates them, the homophobes are going to feel pretty interesting
R A 2 years ago
The original Greek is very clear. Just because you read on the internet that it’s “mistranslated “ doesn’t make it true. People like to say this this to make it fit their rhetoric, but it simply isn’t true.
Load More Replies... Heather Glomb 2 years ago
If most (with a platform/reach/authority/power) were like him, we wouldn't be in half as big a mess as we are right now.
Randy Klefbeck 2 years ago
I used to drive by this church lots. I now wish I had attended it. I think this must be a new more recent pastor, because I never saw these signs when I lived in Portland OR.
Addison Bonine 2 years ago
Let me explain something real quick. True Christians are taught to love everyone. But we are also taught what sin is, and that it is wrong. That is the simplest way I shall put it. Infer what you like.
Alexandra Andrews 2 years ago
10000% AMEN!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Nowhere is it ever mentioned that we are to hate, treat poorly, neglect, or otherwise damage others. We are not to be malicious, or cruel ever. I love This church
AAPnonraeba 2 years ago
If people stop yapping at Christians in general and just on principle of being mainstream... The more of them might have chance to emerge
BRUHHHHHHH 2 years ago
This is a true Christian and who all Christians should aspire to this (including me)
Rachel Gonzales 2 years ago
A friend said she never knew I was a Christian because I was so kind. What had her experience been with Christians before?
Hydro Keychain 2 years ago
If this were Florida, Gov. DeSantis would lead the charge to burn that church down. DeSantis is PURE evil.
John Apple seed 1 year ago
This is what I love about my Christian community, there is barely any toxic people.
Niall Mac Iomera 2 years ago
I don't get why people try to be edgy by referring to God as "She". It clearly says in the bible that God is a man. If you believe in God, then you have to also believe he's male. Or at least a man.
Kipper Ferguson 2 years ago
I'm agnostic but this makes me smile.. Hard to find non-biased christians nowadays.
Kim Lorton 2 years ago
I want to see more Christians that aren’t worried about whether you are saved or not, but how they can help you, right at that moment. It literally isn’t your business if someone is saved or not. Be there with them, in that moment, and show them you care…like Jesus, all are worthy of love and compassion.
WarpedThoughts 2 years ago
This is the first church that I (avid anti-religion) Want to go to 🖤
Storm Rise 2 years ago
If there were more people as beutiful as this man, then the world would be a joy to live in!
April Pickett 2 years ago
I know they're out there and abiding by the directives of the Bible. Thank you for being real, honest Christians loving your lives, your communities, and holding out hope for people looking for guidance and love.
Kim Kermes 2 years ago
I would actually go to that church, and I haven't been in a church for decades other than as a musician.
R41PH3A1 2 years ago (edited)
I love this but why say God is a he or she when we don't know god's gender. Let's just call God, God. Anyways the messages were really good. But who's king Harold? Because I've never heard of him
Rafal F. 2 years ago
God loves us so much, he caused a flood and killed babies and everyone else except Noah and his family.
OnlyJesusCanSaveYou 2 years ago
Are you being sarcastic? Because if so, God does love you, he just hates everyone's sinful nature. He flooded the world because the world was full of sin, and refused to even try to be good. Noah was the only one that tried, and that is why God saved him and allowed him to bring his family onto the ark.
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OnlyJesusCanSaveYou 2 years ago
This man is a Christian in name only. If he allows anyone associated with the LGBTQ into his church without preaching to them repentance, (because it says in the bible that God considers homosexuality an abomination) then he is not a born again believer, and Jesus himself said that no one can enter into the kingdom of heaven unless he is truly born again. It makes me sad to think that this man that considers himself a preacher, is leading so many lost sheep into hell. I hope he repents.
Afoma Tadas-Okonkwo 2 years ago
Christian means Jesus Christ like. Jesus clearly teaches that God is "Father." God is not a she. The world does not define who a Christian is because it doesn't know Jesus Christ.
Cuddly Panda 2 years ago (edited)
Of course Jesus calls Good "Father", because he was living in a highly patriarchal society that viewed women as property. Are you trying to tell me you think God has a divine dongle? A worshipful wāng? A scared sch|ong?
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OnlyJesusCanSaveYou 2 years ago
Oh my goodness finally! I've been scrolling through all these comments and I've finally found one that is right! It makes me happy to see that there are some people out there who see the truth.
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Cuddly Panda 2 years ago
Oh thank God, everybody. We finally found the person authorized to decide who is and is not a "real" Christian. Such a relief.
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#8
They Stay With Us In Unexpected Ways
#9
It Warms My Heart To See People Who Are Often Stereotyped As Violent Be Caring And Companionate
Everyone’s definition of wholesome may be slightly different: some people are thrilled by the sight of babies while others only melt when they see adorable animals. Even virtual encounters and memes can be incredibly wholesome for some people. In 2017, Time magazine published a piece titled “How the Internet Is Getting a Little Nicer, One Meme at a Time” detailing the story of how Twitter user @JonnySun gave the Sad Kermit meme, which was viral at the time, an uplifting twist by challenging his followers to turn “a virtual punch line into a symbol of hope”. Some of the captions submitted were “when you remember how much someone loves you" and “when you’re so proud of how far you have come, and excited for how far you have to go". While memes often have a more cynical twist, they can be used to promote a little positivity online as well.
#10
I Mean, We Were All Thinking The Same Thing
#11
Football Coach Cancels Practice...
#12
Who Wouldn't Love Rodger?
One of the reasons the posts on this list are so enjoyable is because the endings are unexpected. But why do our brains always jump to the worst case scenario? Why do we start reading something and begin to brace ourselves for bad news? According to Meg Jay, a clinical psychologist, our brains are actually wired to expect the worst. “When early humans were wandering the Earth, underestimating what was around the corner (or in the bushes or the forest) could be deadly,” Meg explains in a piece for Harvard Business Review. “This is why the most primitive parts of our brains take a ‘better safe than sorry’ approach to uncertainties, both big and small.”
#13
This Is The Most Wholesome Thing That Ever Wholesomed
#14
Suddenly, Happiness
#15
Taking Time To Love One Another
Apparently jumping to the worst case scenario, or catastrophizing, is incredibly common, especially for young people. Meg explains that we’re most likely to have a mindset that assumes the worst between the ages of 18-35, because those are typically the most unsettled years of people’s lives. She goes on to note that the development of the prefrontal cortex that’s happening during our 20’s doesn’t help the situation. “That doesn’t mean young adults can’t cope. Rather, it means that now is a great time to hardwire new habits, such as slowing down and thinking things through.”
#16
Grandmas Are The Best
#17
Your Job Is To Help Others
#18
People Helping People
Meg then goes on to share tips on how we can stop catastrophizing situations and develop healthier habits. Her first tip is to “stop time traveling”. Most of our fears include future events, perhaps months or years from now. But worrying about the future is not conducive to tackling the tasks we need to complete in the present moment. Next, Meg recommends to focus on whatever it is you’re scared of. “Catastrophizing is based on fear rather than on facts,” she explains. Recognizing the actual facts of a situation often helps us realize that we have little to fear at all.
#19
We Need A Big Strong Woman To Take Care Of Us
#20
Postgirl Pippa
#21
F**k Cancer
Next, Meg recommends fearful individuals to play out their worst case scenario in their heads. Although it’s probably not the most likely outcome, imagine what would actually happen. Your life will probably still go on. After realizing the worst case, play out your best case scenario. Meg notes that the best and worst case scenarios are often “simply childlike fantasies” with reality falling “somewhere in between”. She explains that catastrophizing is a way of looking at issues as black and white, but what we need to do is see the grey. There is nuance to every situation, and it’s best to avoid fixating on the ends of the spectrum.
#23
My Heart..
#24
Gaming Friends Are Real Friends
Lastly, Meg notes that, “The real cure for catastrophizing is confidence, and confidence comes from experience.” While it may feel like we hear bad news everywhere we go, there is plenty of news worth celebrating as well. We just need to know where to look. Our instincts are there to protect us, but what would happen if we started challenging them and viewed our lives through a more optimistic lens? What’s the worst thing that could happen? Okay, now imagine what the best outcome would be. Reality is probably somewhere in the middle...
#25
The World Needs More People Like This
#26
Bet Its A Good One
#27
You Deserve The Money!
Laura Mende (Human) 2 years ago (edited)
That is one illegal smol bunny... BUT IT'S SOOOOOOOO CUUUUUUUTEEEEE!!!!!!!
After reading some of this list, I'm feeling more wholesome already. It has inspired me to bake some brownies and deliver them to my neighbors just for fun. We hope you're enjoying your daily dose of wholesome content as much as we are, and don't forget to upvote and comment on your favorite posts. Then let us know in the comments what wholesome situations you've recently found yourself in to keep the positive vibes flowing!
#28
It's The Most They Got
Nenes 2 years ago
Its sooo much!! Maybe you guys don't know the worth of cows in East Africa. Let me tell you, one cow can be sold between 350k-500k. Some even go beyond that depending on the size and age. Its also a sign of friendship. When someone gives you a cow you become a brother or sister to them. Now Imagine 14 cows, that's between 7 and 4.9 million.
#29
Til
Blurryface 2 years ago
Anyone know which server it’s on/ how to access it? (Being serious here.) :)
#30
Nice Job Pal
Hannah Edwards 2 years ago
I always think that the only people who look for the names are them or their mums.
#31
Wholesome Grandpa
Izzy Curer 2 years ago (edited)
"I note that some are warning schools against the computer game Fortnite, saying it engenders aggression and violence. I am a 74 year old who likes to play and keep in touch with his 9 year old grandson, who lives 200 miles away. In playing the game, I've come to interact with many of his friends, who are caring and friendly towards the grandpa among them. They never leave me to die, are quick to attend to me when injured and give patient advice. Their politeness, comradship, team spirit, humour and creative thinking would astound their parents, let alone their teachers. It is a priveledge to be counted among them. Believe me, this game has nothing to do with violence and everything to do with fun."
#32
My Heart!!
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
Looks like they had some real chemistry together! (Look, someone was going to say it eventually, okay?).
#33
How Proud This Racoon Is Of Their Art
#34
The Earth Sandwich
#36
Unorthodox Hater Strategy
#37
Halloween Potato!
#38
Can’t Imagine How This Happened
#39
Awwwww
#40
The Family That Brushes Teeth Together, Stays Together
#41
We Need This Right Now
#42
Bill Skarsgard Scaring Hader By Naturally Making His Eyes Go Sideways
#43
This Little Girl's Rock Displayed In A Local Museum
#44
I Felt Like This Belonged Here
#45
So .... Perfect
#46
Had Me In The First Half
#47
Supporting Your Daughter No Matter What
#48
An Emotional Rollercoaster From Start To Finish
#49
Sharing This Giggle I Had Today
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Jihana 2 years ago
Wholesome story: At a supermarket chain they often give you free stickers, depending on how much you buy. Obviously I don't collect them, but I take them anyway for the kids of coworkers. Another coworker does the same, so one day the little daughter of one colleague got a pretty big stack of stickers. Her father told us the next day that she asked him if he is REALLY sure he said thank you to us! And a few days later he came to work with a homemade cake his daughter insisted on making for us. The first cake she made was not pretty enough, so she baked a second, prettier one! Best cake of my life! 😄
Lisa Hewes 2 years ago
Confession time: I'm 35f and love going to arcades and collecting as many tickets as possible for the prizes at the counter, BUT I always give those tickets to someone's child as well as any leftover tokens. The only exception was on my 31st birthday because I saw a little red sock monkey at the prize counter so I got the little red sock monkey and I still love it. 99.99% of the time, though, I just go to play games, then give the tickets/tokens to a child when I'm getting ready to leave.
Sardonyx_3 1 year ago
This list actually made me cry. I haven't had a good cry in 5 weeks. Thanks, BP
Jihana 2 years ago
Wholesome story: At a supermarket chain they often give you free stickers, depending on how much you buy. Obviously I don't collect them, but I take them anyway for the kids of coworkers. Another coworker does the same, so one day the little daughter of one colleague got a pretty big stack of stickers. Her father told us the next day that she asked him if he is REALLY sure he said thank you to us! And a few days later he came to work with a homemade cake his daughter insisted on making for us. The first cake she made was not pretty enough, so she baked a second, prettier one! Best cake of my life! 😄
Lisa Hewes 2 years ago
Confession time: I'm 35f and love going to arcades and collecting as many tickets as possible for the prizes at the counter, BUT I always give those tickets to someone's child as well as any leftover tokens. The only exception was on my 31st birthday because I saw a little red sock monkey at the prize counter so I got the little red sock monkey and I still love it. 99.99% of the time, though, I just go to play games, then give the tickets/tokens to a child when I'm getting ready to leave.
Sardonyx_3 1 year ago
This list actually made me cry. I haven't had a good cry in 5 weeks. Thanks, BP
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