Navigating the ups and downs of life, and dealing with the fears and unpleasant situations can be daunting.
But remember you’re not alone in feeling like this. There are people around the world who are going through the same thing.
When you feel like this, seek out new ideas that help you to embrace the power of human connection.
We can help each other find joy and purpose!
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” – Brené Brown
Let’s look at this week’s positive stories that remind us our intent and actions do matter.
- A testing facility has been transformed into an animal sanctuary
- One woman leads the movement for rainwater harvesting
- A man provides free lawn services to those in need
- A local library is a safe space for this community
Weekly Uplifting Stories – July 8th, 2024
Former lab animals now find freedom in a new animal sanctuary.
Owing to persistent endeavors by Shannon Keith, a former animal testing lab has been transformed into a rehabilitation site.
Shannon is an animal rights attorney and founder of the Beagle Freedom Project. She has spent years writing to testing labs, promoting animal welfare, and rescuing lab animals.
Buying the 30-acre property in Nowata, Oklahoma is a big milestone in her journey.
Freedom Fields is now a sanctuary for more than 200 rescued animals! Animals that have spent most of their lives in cages are given a second chance here.
“We have so much to learn from these animals about love and about forgiveness because they love people so much,” said Shannon.
One woman is spreading knowledge about the benefits of rainwater.
Long-term shifts in weather patterns have led to extremely wet and extremely dry weather in Indonesia.
That’s why Sri Wahyuningsih has stepped up to solve the clean water crisis, encouraging people to utilize rainwater and reduce dependency on groundwater.
Sri has set up multiple tanks in her home to collect and process rainwater to make it safe for consumption. Everyone is welcome to take as much water as they need for free!
Sri has also founded the Banyu Bening Rainwater School, which educates locals on collecting, managing, and processing rainwater.
“What is important is the common understanding that we will all work in the same way to solve this crisis. We need to come up with solutions rather than become part of the problem,” said Sri.
One man’s act of kindness makes a significant impact on a woman with ALS.
Making a difference in someone’s life can begin with a small positive intention.
Mark Woods is a landscaper who loves to bring joy to people in any way he can.
When he came to know about Margo Means, a woman who lives with ALS, he decided he wanted to do something nice for her.
So Mark offered free lawn care services to Margo. What started as an act of kindness has turned into a beautiful friendship between the two of them.
“Always build trust and spread kindness. If you do that, it will be returned to you 100 fold,” said Mark.
A local library’s summer programs are helping a community recover.
Mendell Morgan has made it his mission to give back to the community where he was raised.
He has made the local library a safe haven to help the community recover from the trauma caused by the tragic event at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
From summer reading programs to game nights to art therapy programs, the library staff is actively working to help the healing of the people in the community.
Morgan also brings in therapy dogs to foster healing and connection.
“We sit on our little special story rug and the story is written. We want to see activity and life and good things going on. I had a young mother come in to say in tears how thankful and grateful she was to see her child smiling again because that had not been seen since before the tragedy,” said Mendell Morgan, Director of Development for El Progreso Memorial Library.
Goodness is Everywhere – and You Can Spread it Too!
It’s important to remember that though we see a lot of ugliness on the news and in the media, there are a lot of positive, uplifting stories too – you just might have to look harder to find them.
Also don’t forget that you can spread positivity and happiness wherever you go too – holding the door for someone, helping someone across the street, or even just stopping for a conversation with a friendly stranger. You never know when you are going to make an impact on someone.
If you need an extra boost, check out our article on 10 Positive News Sites You Should Follow. See you next week!
Photo by Yan Krukau
