These are our 6 favorite Zooey Deschanel moments in honor of her birthday

Exactly 37 years ago, the most lovable person we know was born. And since that time, she’s gone on to inspire us as the type of girl boss who isn’t only immensely talented — but who also serves as a beacon of light for, like, all of humanity. We’re talking about the one and only Zooey Deschanel. ❤️

In honor of Zooey’s birthday, you better believe we’re rocking a lot of polka dots. But not only that, we’re also celebrating this spectacular human by remembering some of her best moments. There are (of course) many, but we’ve got some favorites.

1When Zooey powerfully stated that feminism and being feminine aren’t mutually exclusive.

You better believe we have this one framed:

"Just because you’re wearing a nice dress doesn’t mean you don’t have any ideas. the birthday girl told People. “It’s a shame to reduce smart, talented women to clothes models. But you can be a feminist and femmy. I don’t see how those things contradict each other.

2When Zooey became Jess Day.

Back in 2011, our lives were greatly improved when Zooey became a fixture on our TV screens as New Girl’s very own Jess Day. Six years later, we still love this character and her charisma just as much as we did on Day 1. Thanks to her, we have the following quote:

"I brake for birds. I rock a lot of polka dots. I have touched glitter in the last 24 hours. I spend my entire day talking to children. And I find it fundamentally strange that you’re not a dessert person. It freaks me out. I’m sorry that I don’t talk like Murphy Brown. And I hate your pants suit. I wish it had ribbons on it or something just to make it slightly cuter but that doesn’t mean I’m not smart and tough and strong."

And yes, we do have the above running through our brains on a continuous loop.

3When Zooey announced that her family would be expanding.

If there’s one thing we love more than strong women, it’s strong women raising a new generation to be just as strong. That’s why, when Zooey announced that her family would be growing to include Elsie Otter, we were thrilled to know that one more amazing human being would be a part of our planet.

4Zooey and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s whole entire friendship.

The people who gave us 500 Days of Summer are friends in real life and we honestly can’t think of anything better. I mean, thanks to Zooey and Joseph’s friendship, we have this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSq1cez_flQ?feature=oembed

If that isn’t the eighth wonder of the world, then we don’t know what is.

5Remember when Zooey’s voice literally became music to our ears?

Being able to have Zooey Deschanel’s melodic voice on repeat is a pretty great thing. That’s why 2001 was one of the best years around, since that’s when Zooey started duo She & Him with M. Ward. Now, if you’re having a bad day, one of their albums playing on a loop is seriously the best medicine.

6Elf.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include our favorite holiday movie on this list. Yes, we’re referring to Elf. And yes, we watch that movie even when December has come and gone because it never ceases to make our hearts grow several sizes. Plus, there’s BLONDE Zooey Deschanel. In this classic movie, she’s a ray of sunshine who can easily brighten the darkest of days.

Ultimately, when all is said and done, we love you, Zooey! We hope you have the happiest of birthdays (and many more to come).