Americans seem to be under a dark cloud lately.

That bleakness is very apparent if you listen to what people are telling pollsters: Americans don't like the economy. Or the war in Iran. Or the president they voted for. Or the tariffs he promised, and then enacted.

We also don't like how immigration rules are being enforced. We've lost confidence in once-trusted government health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And our optimism in the future has reached a record low.

So, in an attempt to brighten things up, we asked you, our readers at USA TODAY, to shift your focus and take stock of some of the good things.

We asked you questions like what is it about your country, state or hometown that makes you proud? What are some of the admirable characteristics of the United States? And putting government and politics aside, what are things that make you happy?

Your answers were heartbreaking and heartwarming. They ranged from your love of music to your concern with lack of jobs that pay the bills.

You can read a collection of those responses in the Forum feature below. Look for more opportunities to weigh in at usatoday.com/forum, leave us a voicemail at (202) 655-3923 or drop us a note at forum@usatoday.com.

Lately, I'm unhappy. But small moments bring joy.

I would describe my mood lately as unhappy. But I felt proud of my country listening to the recently deceased Jesse........

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