Sometimes all it takes is a change in mindset — no matter how small — to turn a crappy day into a good one. To help you shift into a happier gear, we’ve rounded up five things from around the web that inspire and delight us, and we hope they’ll do the same for you. We’ll be sharing our favorite happiness-boosters each week, so be sure to check back — and share your own in the comments below!
1. This collection of 26 life lessons according to sloths
Some of our favorites? “Healthy food = healthy mind,” “Always hug your loved ones,” and “Sometimes a slight change in perspective can make the whole world seem better.”
2. This meeting between two pen pals who had never before met but who had written to each other for 34 years
Adrian Lomas was nine years old when he tossed a message in a bottle off of a ferry while traveling to his home in England. The message read simply: “My name is Adrian Lomas – I’m aged 9 and live in England, if you find this letter please write to me.”
Emmanuelle Demeautis was also nine when she found the note on a beach in France. Emmanuelle wrote back to Lomas, and they’ve been pen pals for the past 34 years. But it wasn’t until last week that the two pals met for the first time in person. If that’s not heartwarming, we don’t know what is.
3. This San Francisco dump with an artist-in-residence program
Yup, you read that right. A waste management company out in Cali, Recology San Francisco, selects artists known for using recycled materials in their art and provides them with a monthly stipend, a studio space, and “scavenging privileges”. So far, more than 100 artists have participated. Now that’s eco-friendly art.
4. This story of a young man making a comeback after losing the lower half of both of his legs in the Boston Marathon bombings
In many ways, this story is remarkably sad. But Jeff Bauman’s honesty and resilience inspire us, help us to feel gratitude for our own lives, and make us proud of how good and strong people can be — and that’s something to feel happy about.
5. This OB/GYN who sings to babies when they are born
His rationale: “I’m singing to a future important person.” (Follow the link for the video). We don’t have the studies to back it up, but we’re guessing this makes for a darn good welcome into the world.
What’s making you happy this week? Share in the comments below!
