Happy Sunday, dear friends, and welcome to the first edition of Feel Good News for 2015! I know in my heart, that we will have more and more good news to share as the days of this blessed year unfold, and I intend to share as much of it as possible with you all!
My husband and I are starting to have issues with our up-close vision. It comes with age, but we are dealing with it. The girls used to have a magnifying makeup mirror in their room, but they took it to college with them. For Christmas they bought one for us, which helps greatly, when trying to see if something is in our eyes.
One thing I have noticed though, is seeing the face magnified by 10 times is not such a good thing. Tiny little imperfections and pimples, look like giant craters and scars. I remember reading once that women should never look at their skin in a magnifying mirror, and I can understand why not! While I look normal at regular magnification, when I view myself under this deep level of scrutiny, my skin appears pretty crappy.
Life is a lot like that. When we over analyze or try to dig very deep and put our own behavior, or the behavior of others, under a microscope, we can really blow things out of proportion. As we move to a higher perspective, we gain even more clarity and can often see the long range view of things. The old saying, you can’t see the forest for the trees, really rings true.
Our perspective is getting wider as we move forward with this shift, so why bother spending any time on a narrow view that only makes us uncomfortable and distorts our perceptions? So, I won’t be using the mirror for anything else but getting cat hairs out of my eye, and I won’t be putting events under a microscope any longer. Life feels so much better that way, as I am viewing it from the magnification it was intended to be viewed from.
Today we pan out to view the whole world and look for good news, which always makes us feel better!
Many wild animals have been making a comeback in Europe.
A recent study shows that wild animal populations have made a comeback in Europe, over the past 50 years. Wild populations of wolf, lynx, bears, eagles and vultures have increased significantly.
Researchers believe that conservation, new hunting regulations, and more humans moving out of rural areas and into cities have helped many species. They see it as proof that conservation and public education really works.
Here is a short video from the BBC about the resurgence of brown bears in Croatia. You can tell the biologists involved in this bear program really care about what they are doing, and are so excited about the population resurgence.
Europe’s key animals making a comeback by the BBC on Great News Network
A cryptic note in a mailbox starts a chain reaction of kindness.
When J.D. McCoy found a scrap of paper in her mailbox, listing a name and address and some grocery items, she posted a question to Next Door, your neighborhood online. Next Door is a smart phone app that allows a user to share what is going on in their neighborhood.
McCoy found out that others had also received these types of notes, and so they all decided to buy the items and deliver them to the address in Oklahoma City, OK.
When they arrived, they found an overwhelmed Sue Munn. Her ill son had written the notes, because they did not have enough money to buy groceries. McCoy is organizing more local support for the family, including rides to doctor’s visits.
Both the givers and the recipient in these acts of miraculous kindness benefit tremendously. The energy of compassion and goodness spreads like wild fire, and others who witness these acts, will think to do for others as well. Asking for help, and then receiving it with an open heart, also shows the benevolent and consistent support of the universe, for those willing to reach out for help.
Mysterious Notes Lead to Neighbor in Need – and Kindness Delivered on the Good News Network
What happens when you give a homeless man $100?*** Please note, we have received word that this story may not be 100% transparent. An update will be posted on the blog shortly****
Josh Paler Lin is an YouTube video artist who often films random acts of kindness. On this day, he set out to give $100 to a random homeless man and then secretly follow him to tape what he did with the money.
Josh approached Thomas in California, while he was holding a sign by the free way entrance. Thomas was overwhelmed by the gift and tried to give it back. He asked Josh if he could hug him, so they embraced and Josh went away.
What happened next was so mind blowing to Josh, that he had to approach Thomas again and tell him about the set up. The entire interaction shows that sometimes our assumptions about people, how they got into their situations, and what their motivations are may block us from some truly miraculous experiences.
How does a homeless man spend $100 by Josh Paler Lin on YouTube
I was also excited to find out that Josh, and his followers put their funds behind helping Thomas in a big way. The crowdfunding campaign was raised in only four days. In this additional video, Josh shares some great Christmas presents with Thomas, and gets to know him a bit better. I will certainly be keeping track of this story to see how it unfolds. When every person shares a little bit, so much can be done to create a world that works for everyone!
Christmas surprise for homeless man Thomas on YouTube
And finally…
Babies get excited over the littlest things!
If you haven’t seen this video, of a little baby laughing hysterically over his dad tearing paper, you are in for a real treat. I simply adore the overwhelming joy of this little soul! His laughter is infectious and wonderful for our souls!
Baby laughing hysterically over tearing paper on YouTube
That’s the good news for today. Have a warm and cozy day. Please join Gavin Harrill for the Golden Gaia News Roundup until Thursday, when I look forward to visiting with you all again.
Be Well. Be Joy. Be Love!
Alex