We are all connected, despite our differences.
We must look for ways to move beyond those differences, build understanding, and recognize our common humanity.
Each contact with a human being is so rare, so precious, one should preserve it. – Anaïs Nin
Life can seem daunting at times. We need to be able to work together and help each other through difficult times.
Let’s have a look at a few stories that underscore the value of people coming together to create positive change!
- An amputee goes on bicycle road trip around the world
- One tiny home community is uplifting the homeless
- A hairstylist is helping women embrace their natural hair
- Young children with disabilities receive free training wheelchairs
Weekly Uplifting Stories – May 27th, 2024
An amputee embarks on an extraordinary journey, despite his disability
This is a story about a man who doesn’t let his disability get in the way of his dreams.
Guo Shaoyu lost his arm and leg in an accident at the age of 14. But he didn’t let his physical disability crush his spirit. He persevered and became a professional cyclist for the Chinese national team.
Now he is setting an inspiring example by traveling the world on a bike. He’s traveled to over a dozen countries, documenting his experiences on social media.
Apart from his unwavering determination, his videos highlight acts of empathy and kindness from locals.
The people he met along the way have been warm-hearted and always willing to help.
“When I stayed in some locals’ homes, even though we come from different cultures and I could not communicate well in English, they still treated me kindly. They always offered me the best food they had,” said Guo.
Tiny home village is getting the homeless off the streets
Alan Graham believes that no one should be without a roof over their head.
His company, Mobile Loaves and Fishes is dedicated to combating homelessness in the US.
A 51-acre community in Austin is part of the nonprofit’s residential program which offers permanent and affordable housing for those facing homelessness.
Alan’s mission is to provide them with homes at an affordable rate and empower them to make the right choices.
This tiny home village consists of about 500 tiny homes, along with shared areas to encourage community interaction.
“What people need is a home and a place that cares for them. You build it I will promise you they will come,” said Alan.
Talented hairstylist is empowering women with stunning makeovers
Anthony Claxton’s clients always leave his salon with a beaming smile on their faces. His before and after makeover videos are warming hearts around the world.
Anthony Claxton is a Trinidadian barber who owns Krewkutz, where he serves clients from around the world, including Australia, Nigeria, and the US.
The work that Anthony and his team are doing goes beyond aesthetics. It’s more than just a haircut; they are helping women embrace self-expression, and show up as their best selves.
As Anthony works his magic, his clients jump with excitement and some even end up crying tears of joy!
“Sometimes the overall experience, those tears that you see flowing down my client’s face, it has gone way beyond the actual overall look. It taps into something totally deeper inside of them. What I love to see is how proud they are and feeling sexy and feeling edgy and feeling young and hip and up to the time. I love when someone embraces their natural hair, it’s super important when they do,” said Anthony.
A wheelchair program provides specially designed chairs to kids with disabilities, for free
Noam Platt, an architect from New Orleans along with biomedical engineering students at Tulane University are making life-changing wheelchairs for children.
Each chair is personalized and is made using wooden bases and wheels with 3D-printed plastic attachments.
These are meant to help children build independence and strength.
Noam Platt is the founder of MakeGood, an organization that focuses on creating adaptive technology that isn’t available in the commercial market. He is committed to making assistive devices cost-effective.
The wheelchairs they’re making are estimated to cost 1/7th of what they would cost on the commercial market.
“The work we’re doing is not only extremely important. It’s very inspiring to people, and it shows them that they actually have the power to change their environments, to provide more independence for themselves, and really to affect change in their communities for relatively modest amount of work,” Noam Platt.
What are Your Uplifting Stories?
And there you have it! Hopefully, these stories will inspire you – or at least brighten your day with a little human sunshine. There are good things happening in the world right now too – we just have to look a little harder for them sometimes.
If you want to get involved, you can send us your own links or Uplifting Stories by commenting below, or connecting with us on Instagram. If we publish your story, we will also give you a shoutout!
Have a great week everyone, and take care of each other.
Photo by RDNE Stock project
