Happiness & Hope

Need a pick-me-up? These feel-good tales of people changing the world for the better will restore your confidence in humanity and put a spring in your step.

person planting trees in a desolate area

How #TeamTrees Proves the Internet Can Do Good

20. Million. NEW. Trees. You read that right! When fans of YouTuber MrBeast sparked a lofty goal of planting 20 million trees in 2019, the mission spread like wildfire, exploding to include thousands of content creators and hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Check this story out for proof that when people come together for good, there’s no end to their impact.

5 min read

Image: child holding an adults hand, walking away from the camera into the woods towards the sun

Why Optimism Is Our Most Powerful Tool for Change

Are we thinking about "optimism" all wrong? Could this frame of mind actually bring about a brighter future? In her fantastic TED Talk, diplomat Christiana Figueres shows us her trick to creating the realities that we want in life; something she calls, stubborn optimism!

5 min read

Hooked on Helping: The Diver Who Lets Sharks Nap in Her Lap!

Can one of the world's most feared predators teach us to take a more gentle approach toward others? You’ll be hooked on this heartwarming story of Cristina Zenato, one of the first scuba divers in the world to get a shark to "nap" in her lap!

Have You Met Gudetama? This Sad Egg Yolk is Bringing Big Smiles!

Have you ever noticed that the fastest way to connect with someone is to show them your soft side? We’re hatching a new “normal” with help from a lazy little egg yolk that has captivated the hearts of people around the world. Find out why we are obsessed with Gudetama!

Can Kindness Get You Further than Money?

How far can kindness really get us in life? In 2017, Two brothers set out to travel the world with nothing—no money, no plans, not even clothes—and traded homemade t-shirts for everything they needed! They made their way into some unique and wonderful situations, all the way relying on their blind faith in the kindness of strangers. Here's what they can show us about the value of a good story and a kind smile!

5 min read

Image: side by side shot of someone's pet with tongue hanging out and their funny portrait!

Bad Drawings Bring Big Smiles: A Portrait of Paw-fect Imperfection!

Can a drawing of a cross-eyed dog better the lives of those less fortunate? We’re embracing our flaws and finding humor within the wonderful work of pet-portrait artist, Hercule Van Wolfwinkle!

5 min read

Image: a very curious kea checking out a soccer ball

Living with Fun in Mind! Lessons from New Zealand’s Smartest Parrot

Adding more fun into our daily lives may not be as difficult as we think! The kea—an unbelievably unique parrot known for their curious and mischievous ways—are masters at play, and they have a few things to show us about this delightful way to thrive in life!

5 min read