Watching the news this year has been difficult and frustrating for me. I feel like the 24 hour news cycle is hyper-focused on negative, disparaging and intense information that is unsettling. And that was before a global pandemic! I feel that I need to watch the news to be informed about things but I also feel like I need a well needed break from it. My “break” from the news (who knows how long that will last) will be visiting The Good News Network for some inspiration and happy news. I signed up for their email newsletters so that my inbox can have some positive news flooding into it! Below is a short list of some news that made me smile and I look forward to checking this website a few times a week for more good news!

At a Scotland supermarket, the parking lot security guard was photographed holding an umbrella over a dog while it rained. So sweet and kind. 

A research study found that "People Try to Do Right by Each Other" which means that we seek out to help others, even strangers. I appreciated this research study because it is discovering what intrinsically motivates us to be kind and helpful to others and why it would be beneficial. It’s interesting for me to learn more about what motivates humans to behave certain ways, especially when it comes to spreading kindness and “paying it forward”.

Who doesn’t love hero stories? South Florida citizen Shelly Tygielski started a website called “Pandemic of Love” that connects families in need to families who can give. The website is so popular that they have raised millions of dollars for people around the world. She wanted to support people in her local community but it evolved globally! “I wanted to turn from this environment of fear to an opportunity for us to create connection, community and strengthen the bonds of love between us,” Shelly told CNN. Such a cool online initiative to read about! 

I hope you can check out the Good News Network from time to time, especially when the 24 hour news cycle is negative or draining your positive energy.

The idea of Feel Good Fridays started because we believe the simple things that bring a smile to our face are some of the best things. Smiling and laughing have been proven to reduce stress in our lives! When we smile or laugh it releases neurotransmitters in our brain called endorphins, which are in charge of making us happy and helping to relieve stress.

Remember to check back for our next Feel Good Friday!