In a world where we are constantly bombarded with news that is often disheartening, I find myself needing to look for positivity. I recently watched a Workstation seminar where the speaker discussed the importance of balancing overwhelming information with gratitude and joy. I have made it my personal mission to intentionally seek good news. Throughout my search, I found these ten videos and stories that are encouraging reminders of humanity’s kindness and goodness.
- “Some Good News” with John Krasinski: Actor John Krasinski decided that the world could benefit from having a news channel dedicated to only sharing good news. The 15-minute video highlights acts of kindness, such as citizens thanking healthcare professionals and giving toilet paper to one another. Sweet stories are shown, as well; one man was planning to propose to his wife under the Eiffel Tower before their trip was canceled. He recreated the Eiffel Tower in his hometown and proposed to her there! Fans of The Office will be happy to see an exchange between John and his “Entertainment Correspondent” Steve Carell. The news wraps up with a viral video that left me sobbing; John shows a social distancing parade held for a 15-year-old who had just finished her chemo treatments.
- Tonka the Therapy Dog: Since the elderly are a high-risk population for coronavirus, many senior living communities have stopped accepting human visitors to eliminate risk. Courtney Leigh decided to get creative in brightening the spirits of residents living in those communities. Leigh took Tonka the Therapy Dog to a Texas senior center and held him up to residents’ windows so they could say hello, wave, and have interaction amongst isolation. The Great Dane was dubbed Hero of the Day for spreading so much cheer!
- Teddy Bear Hunts: From Auckland to Toronto, Washington D.C. to Sydney, a massive bear hunt has begun to distract children under lockdown. Inspired by the children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, children are walking around neighborhoods looking for teddy bears that have been placed in windows. I loved seeing the kids be a part of something bigger than themselves as children all over the world go on teddy bear hunts.
- Little Free Libraries: Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that creates neighborhood book exchanges all over the world. They provide tutorials for building book-sharing boxes people place in their yards. Then, the organization tells builders to encourage their neighbors to take and share books. Many participants have turned their book-sharing boxes into food-sharing boxes, aka Little Free Pantries. In the video, community members have driven by to donate food to the pantry, and the food is available for anyone who needs it. What a wonderful way to simultaneously ensure basic needs are being met and spread love.
- Top-Notch Teachers: I have looked at numerous examples of teachers across the country going above and beyond to assist their students during the pandemic. Math teacher Chris Waba received an email from one of his students struggling with a problem on her math homework. He also happened to be the student’s neighbor, so Waba decided to pick up his whiteboard, go over to her house, and instruct his student through her glass door on her porch. If you are a teacher and you are reading this, I want to personally express how grateful I am for you.
- Home Haircuts: An acquaintance from college posted on her Facebook page, sharing that her cousin’s grandparents had made it on ENews during quarantine. Grams wanted a haircut during self-isolation, so granddad decided to give it his best shot. The couple thought documenting the affair would be fun; this is one of the cutest videos I have ever seen.
- Kids Making a Difference: Age is not a factor when it comes to the impact one can have in the world. This video shows an 8-year-old girl who slipped notes under her elderly neighbors’ doors. She volunteered to help her neighbors any way she could. From picking up groceries to running errands, Bena wanted to do her part. She said, “even if it’s not a giant thing, the little things help.”
- Drive-By Birthday Parties: Many parents are using the concept of a “drive-thru birthday party” to celebrate their children’s big days. For example, when Stacey Harvey’s daughter turned six, she hosted a party where friends, neighbors, and loved ones pulled up to the driveway to wish Brook-Skylie a happy birthday. Everyone observed social distancing, and Brook-Skylie loved the event; the dad told Fox40 that for her seventh birthday, they would have to “start looking for tickets to the moon with her high expectations.”
- “From us, for you”: As a music lover, this video was one of my favorites! Members of Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest put together a virtual rendition of “Ode to Joy.” The song begins with one instrument and builds to include 19 instrumentalists playing the inspirational tune from their living rooms. The description of the video challenges creative forces to “think outside of the box and use innovation to keep our connection and make it work, together. Because if we do it together, we’ll succeed.” I think the orchestra is on to something.
- Highlighting School Sports: As the sister of a middle school baseball player, I can attest that kids are emotional about their canceled sports seasons. However, coaches and athletic directors are working hard to keep spirits lifted, even from a distance. For instance, my brother’s baseball coach is using Facebook to highlight players of the day and tell each player what he admires about them. In the video linked here, you can see a local athletic director use a humorous video to let kids know how much they are missed.
One of my favorite TV shows, Boy Meets World, features a scene in the final episode where Mr. Feeny says, “Believe. Dream. Try. Do good.” Topanga, one of his students, asks, “Don’t you mean do well?” To which Mr. Feeny replies, “No, I mean do good.”
If trying times have shown us one thing, it’s that humanity is striving to do exactly that.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi! My name is Marah Whitaker (think Laura with an M). I am the Marketing Assistant for UTC Center for Professional Education. During the workday, I spend time writing blog posts, creating content for social media, developing email campaigns, and building relationships with our customer base. During my free time, you can find me getting lost in a good book, having spontaneous dance parties, playing piano, and going to Buffalo Wild Wings on Wing Night. Professionally and personally, I aspire to live by the Mr. Feeny quote, “Dream. Believe. Try. Do Good.” I strive to use my passions to serve others and contribute positively to the world around me.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.