Weekly Uplifting Stories - January 16th, 2023

I don't know about you, but sometimes it feels like all the news channels and stories are focused on negative news and stories about how awful the world is. It's not to undermine the fact that of course there are real issues going on, but it can make us feel so heavy.

But sometimes, we need a reminder that there are also lovely daily stories of people helping each other, being kind and generally enjoying life as it comes, and not focusing on the negative. 

Every week, we are going to collect a few uplifting stories from various channels to remind you that a little kindness and humanity goes a long way - and not everyone is out to get us. Maybe it will inspire you to seek out the positive in your day to day!

You can also check out more motivational content on our YouTube channel! 

5 Uplifting News Stories to Give You a Boost 

1. A UK Pub is packed full of grateful people looking to avoid celebrating Christmas alone. 

The Alexandra, a local pub in Wimbledon, UK decided to offer free food to anyone feeling lonely on Christmas Day. General Manager Mick Dore thought it was time to 'break down the stigma of being alone - there's nothing to be ashamed of!'

Many communities came together this Christmas to support people who are feeling the struggle not just of being alone, but of rising costs, inflation and concerns about housing.

Watch the video here.

2. Never let one failure from the past hold you back in the future.

“As a man was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not.

He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. ‘Well,’ trainer said, ‘when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.’

The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.”

Credit: Thoughtcatalog

3. New Year's Resolutions - You Need to Chill Out, Literally.

Experts reckon a cold dip can do wonders for the mind and body. 

“Exposing yourself to cold builds your strength.”

Wild swimming has boomed in recent years, but a growing body of dippers are getting their health kicks from wintery waters.

Cold water aficionado Dr. Mark Harper has spent his career as a consultant anesthetist researching ways to keep patients warm during surgery. But in his recent book, Chill — The Cold Water Swim Cure, he turns a scientific eye on winter swimming, and provides evidence of its power to heal both body and mind.

Read the whole article here.

4. A Sweet Reminder to Be Happy With Yourself.

This adorable video of a little girl seeing herself wearing a princess dress for the first time is a reminder for all of us to be happy with ourselves.

In the video that has become viral on the internet, you can see the little girl taking one look at herself and then exclaiming "wow", beaming with joy. Her priceless reaction - her smile and the cute little dance - is spreading joy all over the internet.

Read the whole article!

5. Never Give Up Hope! 

Stephanie and Noel's 20th wedding anniversary became extra special, as the couple got back Noel's wedding band, which he had lost in the Penticton Channel.

Noel had lost his ring during a summer trip with friends 17 years ago. A swimmer found the ring (which was engraved with the names Stephanie and Noel) while swimming in the Penticton Channel in August of 2022.

He turned it into the police, who then released a statement in an attempt to identify the ring's owner. Noel's father-in-law came across the statement and eventually, the ring was returned to the couple.

Talk about luck!

Photo by Valeriia Miller