Weekly Uplifting Stories - February 19th, 2024

It's easy to feel overwhelmed while navigating the complexities of life.

That’s why it's essential to dedicate a few minutes each day to consuming content that nurtures your mind and spirit.

“We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.”-  Dr. Maya Angelou

Whether it's affirmations, motivational quotes, or inspirational stories from around the world, practicing mindful engagement will allow you to recharge and embrace hope.

Have a look at this week's uplifting stories:

• A team of rescued handi-capable dogs is bringing joy to others
• Young students are serving kindness with coffee sleeves
• Cashier's act of kindness leaves a lasting impact on a mom-daughter duo
• Senior citizens channel their creative energy

 Have you seen our Motivational Quotes page? Check it out here! →

Weekly Uplifting Stories - February 19th, 2024

Woman and her pack of Unstoppable Dogs are teaching the importance of kindness and inclusion

A crew of rescue dogs called "The Unstoppable Dogs" are inspiring people to live life to the fullest.

Debbie Pearl, a professional dog trainer from Los Angeles, is committed to making a difference in the lives of rescue dogs. Her nonprofit, Dream Fetchers helps abused and abandoned dogs by providing them with care and training.

Pearl has adopted seven (Now 8) dogs with disabilities. This pack - Peedy, Zeek, Eddie, Pop, Stevie, Rudy, Sydney, and Elliot - now works as therapy dogs.

Every week, she takes them to schools, senior homes, and children’s hospitals to teach the importance of kindness, compassion, and inclusion.

"Even though they may be in a wheelchair, even though they may be missing a limb, they're making the best of their life. And I think that says a lot that hopefully others can take from that because it doesn't matter maybe what has happened to you in the past or what you're dealing with at this moment. Live. Because you can live a great life and be happy," said Pearl.

 You can follow Debbie and the amazing Unstoppable Dogs on their Instagram page.

Students are uplifting people's moods with loving and positive affirmations

Students at China Spring Elementary in Texas are spreading love and kindness in their community.

These children are adding color and words of encouragement to Reign Coffee Company's coffee sleeves, and customers are delighted to receive a sweet surprise with their order.

Child therapist Katie Chadwell highlights the importance of affirmations.

“It actually can change the way that our brain is working, and kind of create that feeling of connection and togetherness rather than survival and isolation,” Chadwell said.

A little pick-me-up and a moment of kindness can set off a chain reaction of positivity.

“It makes me happy to be able to do something for my community, just knowing that I’m doing something to brighten someone else’s day — that’s what I like to think about it,” said seventh grader Marielle Muramoto.

An act of unexpected kindness transformed a challenging situation into a moment of joy

With hands full of groceries and a restless toddler, Mary Ann Hedderson was running out of patience during a visit to a Dollar Tree store in West Orange, New Jersey.

The Dollar Tree assistant manager, Fatimah Leftwich swiftly came to her rescue when she noticed Hedderson struggling. Fatimah asked the little girl to join her at the cash register and help her scan the items. The distraction helped the girl to calm down.

This act of empathy and understanding instantly turned the situation around for Hedderson.

Hedderson is extremely grateful to have received this unexpected act of kindness.

Hedderson said, “She saw me struggling in that moment. I'm a complete stranger to her. And that saying, ‘It takes a village’ … your village can be, really, for a mom, it really can be anybody. And she was wonderful in that moment.”

She posted a video of this beautiful interaction between her daughter and Fatimah, which has garnered a lot of positive attention all over the world.

Fatimah has since been transferred to a Dollar Tree store closer to her home, in Newark, New Jersey.

Senior citizens make thousands by selling handmade cards

A group of women who call themselves the “Card Crusaders,” meet at Fifty Forward to create beautiful greeting cards.

Fifty Forward is a middle Tennessee resource center for those 50 and older. The center's enrichment programs allow these creative ladies to showcase their skills and also secure a source of income.

Their handmade cards generate thousands of dollars in income for the Fifty Forward Center.

Being part of an inclusive community enables these women to feel a sense of closeness and find a creative outlet for their emotions.

"Rather than just sit home and cry all the time, I thought I gotta get out. I still mourn him, but I found an outlet here which is wonderful,” said Marilyn Nevens, who unfortunately lost her husband in 2000.

February 19th 2024: 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! 

Photo by Vlada Karpovich