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What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

HopeResilienceGratitudeConnectionCourageKindnessCreativityGrowth

Topic

Resilience

People and communities bending without breaking.

YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

Nazis demanded to know if ‘The Hobbit’ author J.R.R. Tolkien was Jewish. His response was legendary.

In a time when oppressive regimes sought to erase cultures and impose rigid ideologies, J.R.R. Tolkien's response to a German publisher's inquiry about his racial heritage stands as a testament to the power of words and intellect over tyranny. Faced with the Nazi demand to prove his Aryan descent for the publication of 'The Hobbit' in Germany, Tolkien crafted a letter that deftly dismantled the racist assumptions of his inquirers. Rather than simply rebuffing the question, he used his philological expertise to highlight the absurdity of the Nazi racial doctrine, expressing regret that he had no Jewish ancestry and questioning the propriety of such inquiries.

  • Courage
  • Perspective
  • Love
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

The ‘Secular Buddhist’ shares 2 practices to soothe everyday anxiety and aggravation

In a world often characterized by stress and unpredictability, Noah Rasheta, a podcaster and author, offers a fresh perspective through 'Secular Buddhism.' Having distanced himself from the religious doctrines of his past, Rasheta advocates for a practical application of Buddhist principles without the need for spiritual affiliation. His approach centers on two key practices: affect labeling and expanding perspective. By encouraging individuals to observe their emotions and recognize the gap between experience and awareness, Rasheta provides a tool for managing anxiety that fosters a deeper understanding of one’s emotional landscape.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

A carjacker stole an SUV with two kids inside. He didn’t count on the 8-year-old girl in the backseat.

In a gripping tale of quick thinking and bravery, an 8-year-old girl named Charley managed to thwart a carjacking in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. While her father, Adam Jorgenson, was distracted by an accomplice, a carjacker took off with Charley and her 2-year-old sister, Autumn, in the backseat. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Charley negotiated with the thief about her sister’s safety and, once the car stopped, used her father's phone to call for help, allowing her parents to track their location and ensuring a swift reunion.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
TikTok
ResilienceUpworthy

Man’s 2-minute rant on why we should ‘fear,’ not pity, single moms is hysterically spot on

Eros Brousson's viral rant on single mothers flips the script on societal perceptions, spotlighting their formidable resilience rather than seeking pity. With humor and insight, Brousson paints a vivid picture of single mothers as powerful figures who juggle child-rearing, work, and self-care without the luxury of support or rest. His comedic yet poignant portrayal resonates with countless single mothers, who feel seen and validated by his depiction of their daily lives.

  • Courage
  • Perspective
  • Kindness
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

He thought a stiff neck was just a gym injury. Then doctors found a tumor in his brain.

Sean Sweeney's journey from a seemingly innocuous gym injury to a life-altering diagnosis of brain cancer is a testament to human resilience and the power of positive mindset. Initially dismissing his stiff neck as a minor consequence of overexertion, Sweeney's life took a dramatic turn following a midnight seizure, revealing a large brain tumor. Despite the diagnosis of an aggressive and incurable astrocytoma, Sweeney chose to focus on what he could control, marrying his long-time partner Lucy and undergoing challenging surgery and treatment with courage.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
Facebook
ResilienceUpworthy

Harvard psychiatrist reveals ‘the fastest way to change your life’ using just one Post-it note

Dr. Kavetha Sundaramoorthy, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, offers a refreshingly simple yet profound approach to changing one's life using just a Post-it note. Her method involves recognizing the three layers of mental processing: experience, story, and reaction. By inserting a small step of 'awareness'—noticing a part of oneself feels a certain way—between the story and the reaction, individuals can create a space for more mindful responses rather than impulsive reactions. This practice, which echoes principles found in Buddhist philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy, encourages a detachment from immediate emotional narratives, allowing for a more balanced and calm approach to interpersonal interactions.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Courage
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

Look Back At Linh Mai’s Most Memorable Moments As She Turns 7 Months Old

In a heartwarming chronicle of resilience and community, Linh Mai, an Asian elephant calf, has captured the hearts of many in her first seven months of life. Born into challenging circumstances at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Linh Mai was initially rejected by her mother, Nhi Linh, and required round-the-clock care from her dedicated human caretakers. This adversity was met with an outpouring of love and support, not only from the zoo staff but also from the elephant community, particularly an 'auntie' elephant named Swarna, who stepped into a nurturing role. The public's engagement in naming Linh Mai, which raised significant funds for elephant conservation, further demonstrates the collective commitment to her wellbeing and that of her species.

  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
  • Hope
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

Mom shares ‘extreme $25 grocery budget’ to feed family of 4, 3 meals a day for a week

In an era where grocery bills seem to balloon with each passing month, Julia Pacheco's 'extreme $25 grocery budget' offers a beacon of resourcefulness and resilience. By sharing her journey on YouTube, Pacheco not only defies the daunting USDA statistic of an average $236.50 weekly grocery cost for a family of four but also empowers others to navigate financial constraints with creativity and care. Her menu, crafted from a carefully curated $25.28 shopping list, provides nourishing meals without resorting to fillers, demonstrating that with ingenuity, even the most modest budgets can yield both sustenance and satisfaction.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

Teacher-of-the-year nominee’s 5-point explanation of why she quit goes viral

Michelle Maile, a respected first-grade teacher and nominee for Teacher of the Year, recently decided to leave her position, and her heartfelt explanation has captured widespread attention. Despite working in a supportive school environment, Maile's departure is rooted in systemic educational challenges that she outlines in a viral Facebook post. Her reasons include oversized classrooms, a lack of respect for teachers' expertise, the detrimental focus on standardized testing, overwhelming administrative burdens, and inadequate pay. These issues highlight a disconnect between educational policies and the realities of classroom teaching, leading to burnout among dedicated educators.

  • Courage
  • Hope
  • Kindness
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

Happiness expert shares the 7 habits of people who are happy and healthy later in life

In a world increasingly obsessed with quick fixes and silver bullets, Dr. Arthur C. Brooks reminds us that the path to happiness in later life is marked by simplicity and consistency. Drawing insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, Brooks identifies seven habits that distinguish the 'happy-well' individuals from the rest. These habits include physical practices like balanced diet, regular exercise, and moderation in substance use, coupled with psychological habits such as continual learning, effective coping strategies, and nurturing love. These are not esoteric secrets but rather attainable practices that emphasize the power of moderation, curiosity, resilience, and love.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Love
TikTok
ResilienceUpworthy

The artwork you saw in every ’80s and ’90s classroom came from 2 badass elementary teachers

In the often overlooked corners of educational history, Patty Carson and Janet Dellosa stand as pioneers who transformed classroom environments across America. These two elementary school teachers from Ohio brought joy and engagement into learning through their vibrant, whimsical illustrations that adorned classrooms in the '80s and '90s. Their journey began with an innovative approach to education that they had developed in their own classrooms—using games to make lessons more engaging. Facing initial rejection from publishers, Carson and Dellosa took the courageous step of starting their own publishing company in a basement, a move that would lead to the creation of a multi-million dollar enterprise and a lasting legacy in educational art.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Creativity
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

The 90-second emotional reset that’s changing lives and is backed by Harvard science

Mo Gawdat's '90-second emotional reset' is a strikingly simple yet profound approach to managing emotions, backed by neuroscience and personal tragedy. After the untimely death of his son, Gawdat, a former Google executive, dedicated himself to understanding happiness, culminating in a method that posits our emotional reactions can be reset in 90 seconds. This method is grounded in neuroscientist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's findings that stress hormones dissipate in just a minute and a half, suggesting that we can choose to let go of negative emotions once the physiological response subsides.

  • Hope
  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
TikTok
ResilienceNice News

Incredible Miniature Replica of New York City Took Truck Driver Over 20 Years to Build

Joe Macken, a truck driver from Queens, dedicated 21 years to creating an intricate miniature replica of New York City, now displayed at the Museum of the City of New York. Spanning 50 by 27 feet, the model includes nearly a million buildings crafted from simple materials like cardboard and balsa wood. This labor of love began as a childhood dream after a visit to the Queens Museum, and through perseverance and evolving skills, Macken meticulously pieced together the city's iconic skyline and landmarks, bringing joy and wonder to viewers.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Hope
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

Trucker captures 21-year-old pilot’s death-defying maneuver during emergency freeway landing

In a testament to composure and skill, 21-year-old pilot Emily Shelton turned a dire aviation emergency into a tale of triumph. While conducting a student's first flight lesson, Shelton faced a mechanical failure that forced her to make a split-second decision to land on Florida's I-10 freeway. Her adept maneuvering, captured by a trucker's dashcam, avoided traffic and overhangs, and her calm communication with air traffic control ensured that both she and her student emerged unscathed.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

Meghan McCain has powerfully down-to-earth response to being called ‘old and ugly’

Meghan McCain's response to being criticized for her appearance is a refreshing act of authenticity in a world obsessed with youth and beauty standards. In her candid acknowledgment of aging, McCain effectively challenges the societal expectation that women should maintain eternal youthfulness. Her statement, "You guys gotta come to terms with my face. I'm going to continue looking like the Crypt Keeper," is not only self-deprecating but also a powerful assertion of self-acceptance in the face of public scrutiny.

  • Courage
  • Perspective
  • Self-Compassion
YouTube
ResilienceNice News

After 40 Years in the Circus, Julie the Elephant Is Enjoying Life at New 1,000-Acre Sanctuary in Portugal

Julie, an African elephant who spent 40 years performing in a Portuguese circus, is now the inaugural resident of Portugal's first elephant sanctuary, Pangea Elephant Sanctuary. This transition marks a significant shift toward humane treatment of former circus animals. Julie's move to the 1,000-acre sanctuary, which mimics her natural habitat, exemplifies a growing recognition of the need for sanctuaries as circuses and zoos across Europe reassess their roles in housing elephants.

  • Hope
  • Kindness
  • Courage
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

Quadriplegic man shows off his custom Hoyer lift truck that helps him run lawn care business

In a story that underscores the tenacity of the human spirit, Ben Medley, a quadriplegic entrepreneur, uses a custom Hoyer lift truck to manage his lawn care business, defying the limitations imposed by his condition. Following a life-altering accident, Medley transformed what could have been a disabling setback into a narrative of resilience and innovation. His adaptive equipment enables him to perform tasks many would consider impossible, and his determination resonates with audiences on social media, inspiring others facing similar challenges.

  • Perseverance
  • Courage
  • Hope
YouTube
ResilienceGood News Network

Do-Good Dogs Fight Invasive Mussels on Team ‘Conservation Canines’

In Alberta, Canada, a team of specially trained dogs is playing a crucial role in combating the spread of invasive Asian mussels that threaten local aquatic ecosystems. These 'Conservation Canines'—Hilo, Jane, and Winnie—work alongside human inspectors at mandatory boat inspection stations across the province. Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect mussel larvae that are nearly invisible to the human eye, thus preventing these invasive species from establishing themselves in Alberta's rivers and lakes. The program is not only a testament to the dogs' remarkable abilities but also a vital part of ecological preservation efforts, potentially saving millions in environmental management costs.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

A teacher asked an important question about superintendent’s pay raise. Then she got arrested.

In a stark display of the systemic issues plaguing public education, teacher Deyshia Hargrave's arrest after questioning a superintendent's pay raise highlights the imbalance of power and compensation in schools. During a Vermilion Parish School Board meeting, Hargrave, a middle school language arts teacher, questioned why the superintendent was granted a $38,000 raise when teachers had not seen pay increases, despite larger class sizes and increased demands. Her arrest sparked national outrage and shone a light on the broader struggle for equitable pay and respect for educators.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
TikTok
ResilienceUpworthy

Therapist shares 3 life-changing quotes she uses ‘almost daily’ with her patients

In an era where mental health resources are often inaccessible, therapist Hattie Awe's viral video offers a refreshing approach to understanding the human psyche through three impactful quotes. These quotes highlight the brain's preference for safety over happiness, explaining why individuals might find themselves in repetitive, negative patterns. Awe's insights resonate with millions, providing a framework that validates past behaviors while encouraging a shift towards self-compassion and acceptance.

  • Perspective
  • Curiosity
  • Self-Kindness
TikTok
ResilienceUpworthy

17 Great Depression recipes people still cook today during hard times

In times of economic hardship, the culinary ingenuity of past generations shines through, as evidenced by the enduring appeal of Great Depression-era recipes. These dishes, born out of necessity during a time when families had to stretch every ingredient, are not just historical curiosities but practical solutions for cooking on a budget today. From Hoover Stew to Wacky Cake, each recipe embodies a spirit of resourcefulness and creativity, a testament to how scarcity can spark culinary innovation.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
YouTube
ResilienceGood News Network

16-yo Rookie Lifeguard Leads Heroic Ocean Rescue–With Viral Video of Harrowing Effort

In a heart-stopping moment captured on video, 16-year-old rookie lifeguard Ryder Williams showcased extraordinary courage and presence of mind on a Santa Cruz beach. When a powerful sneaker wave swept a 10-year-old boy into the turbulent surf, Ryder sprang into action, leveraging his lifelong comfort with water sports to perform a successful rescue. His calm demeanor amidst the chaos, and his unwavering grip on the boy despite relentless waves, highlighted his dedication and bravery.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Humility
YouTube
ResilienceNice News

The Women’s Pro Baseball League Launches Today — And It Has Something to Prove

The Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL) has launched with an ambitious vision, seeking to carve out a permanent space in the sports world for female athletes. This league, reminiscent of the historical All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, aims to withstand the challenges that led to the dissolution of its predecessor. With trailblazers like Mo'ne Davis at the helm, the league is set to showcase women's passion and skill, offering a fresh dynamic to baseball enthusiasts.

  • Courage
  • Hope
  • Perseverance
Instagram
ResilienceNice News

Jimothy the Raccoon Survived Against the Odds, a Testament to Sophisticated Brains and Devoted Mothers

Jimothy the raccoon, despite his physical challenges due to a rare condition known as short spine syndrome, has become an emblem of resilience and adaptability. His story, captivating millions online, highlights the sophisticated neural capabilities of raccoons, which include high neuron densities and the presence of von Economo neurons. These attributes likely contribute to Jimothy's ability to navigate the wild successfully, showcasing the evolutionary prowess of raccoon brains.

  • Perseverance
  • Courage
  • Love

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HopeGratitudeConnectionCourageKindnessCreativityGrowth