The news sure does have a way of getting us down, doesn’t it? So often, it’s filled with stories that revolve around death and destruction, changes or decisions – or lack thereof – that have people up in arms, political slandering, the same old celebrity gossip…
The coverage of current events, especially in the last year, has so frequently resulted in my being down and out for hours or even days after hearing about it. While it’s important to stay up-to-date and educate ourselves about what’s happening in the world, it’s also crucial to seek out uplifting, inspiring, beautiful, and simply fun articles, videos, and news items to balance out our emotions and increase our hope and optimism – for humanity and for a better tomorrow.
With that goal in mind, on Fridays I’ll be sharing a round-up of five links to these types of stories that helped to carry me through the week. I’d love it if you’d share links to some happy and inspirational gems that you’ve come across, too!
Here are five things that made me smile this week:
DANCING IN THE STREETS: The photos in this series, of ballet dancers practicing their art in the streets of New York City, are so stunning. | See them here.
“BUTTERY, FLAKY CRUST”: I laughed so hard at this elderly guy trying to say the line, “buttery, flaky crust” over and over. I’m sometimes in front of the camera for my job reciting lines from memory and can totally relate. The best part is when the woman, who has been giving him a hard time, tries to say it and stumbles through her words, too! | Watch it here.
PERFECT PENMANSHIP: There is something so strangely mesmerizing about these examples of gorgeous penmanship. I can’t stop staring. | See them here.
THE PRESENT: I cried happy tears and watched this short film three times in a row, it’s so good. | Watch it here.
TINY BIRD SNOWSHOES: It’s always devastating to me when animals have deformities that limit what they can do physically since they’re not as likely to receive the help they need to navigate through this world as humans are. But every once in a while, humans come to the rescue, like they did for this little guy. | See more.
And just because this is the first post in this series, why not throw in a bonus? It was announced this week that the giant panda is no longer on the endangered species list! It’s still listed as “vulnerable,” but it’s progress for this beautiful creature. Yay, pandas!
What good news or funny posts have you come across this week? Spread the happiness and share them with us and our readers in the comments section below!
xo, Aly