With all the tragedy, illnesses, and wrongdoing that plague the world, it gets difficult sometimes to remember that goodness exists. Underneath it all, our humanity is what reminds us that amazing and extraordinary things happen around the world each day. We all need the warmth that comes from hearing the heartwarming stories from across the globe to keep an optimistic spirit.
We collected some of the wholesome stories that let us know about the positive things happening around us every single second, even if we don’t personally witness them. These are uplifting posts and photos shared by ordinary people, and they are guaranteed to leave us with a fuzzy feeling inside.
Switching Roles
We can all agree that our mothers are the unsung heroes of the world. Our lives began long before we joined the world, and our mothers carried us for nine months. Once we came along, they continued carrying us through all of life’s milestones.
This little boy recognizes that his mom does a lot, and sometimes she needs some much-deserved shut-eye. Beyond that, he offered his hand so that his mom could use it as a pillow. It doesn’t end there, because he gave up his seat to the woman sitting beside his mom with a baby in a stroller.
A Guardian Angel
Neighborliness means different things to different people. For some, saying hello to the person next door is good enough while others form a friendship with their neighbors. Take this woman who lived next door to Stacey, for example, reminding us of what it means to go the extra mile.
When Stacey was moving out, the old lady told her that she was going to truly miss her. She explained that she often stayed up late at night whenever Stacey went out with her friends. The woman would only go to sleep after she heard Stacey return home safe and sound.
The Best Parent In The World
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and some households have a single parent. In the U.S., statistics reveal that one out of four parents with children is unmarried. Solo fathers make up 12% of unmarried parents raising kids. The statistics are not far off in other countries.
This single dad didn’t want his son to feel left out when their school had a mother’s day event. He wore a dress and showed up, and we imagine that’s what mattered most. His son looks delighted, seeing his dad in a different outfit.
Love Thy Neighbour
According to The National Alliance to End Homelessness, there are more than 500,000 people who spend any given night without a roof over their heads. Even sadder, 8.33% of them are children, while veterans make up 47.6% of that number.
This fellow just got a reminder that homeless people are not invisible. People are willing to help the best way they can, in line with the bible’s teaching to “love thy neighbor.” The note, signed by a guy called Dan, shows us that even reaching out can do a world of good.
Different, But Not Alone
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S, one in every 33 children born every year has a congenital disability. Sadly, congenital disabilities also account for 20% of newborn deaths. Many more children overcome these limitations, and they can live happy and wholesome lives.
That’s why this story really tugged at our hearts when little Oliver stopped to look at the boy in the Target poster who looks just like him. He recognizes that he is different but also fully understands that he isn’t alone.
Kindness Knows No Age
Babysitting is an excellent way for many teens and college students to make some money. However, for this man’s daughter, it meant showing compassion where she could beyond just caring for her new client’s child. She noted the conditions in the house and figured that she should try to get them help.
She told her folks that they barely had any furniture, and their water had been turned off. She didn’t walk away from the job, and in fact, she did it for free. She then texted her dad and asked if they could get the water turned back on.
Not A Needle In A Haystack
A majority of people have embraced healthy living as a lifestyle, and that means exercising as well as eating well. Jogging is one of the most common forms of exercise many people engage in, but it might just leave you locked out of your house if you are not careful.
This jogger found himself in this predicament while out jogging on the rail trail, and he decided to go back looking for his keys. He didn’t have any problem locating the keys because someone took their time to point him in the right direction.
Friendships That Go The Extra Mile
Most of us can only hope that we live to celebrate our 100th birthday. These two life-long friends can boast about being centenarians, as the hat says. The look on their face says it all; they couldn’t be happier to achieve the milestone.
Life expectancy refers to the average lifespan of a given population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that life expectancy in the U.S. is 78.6 years. The number varies from one person to the next, with several factors including gender, lifestyle, and ethnicity playing a role in it.
Modern Day Heroes
No one could have predicted that in 2020 the world would face a pandemic that would change the way we live our lives. In Mexico, when schools closed down on account of Covid-19, this teacher wasn’t about to give up on her students.
She drove around in her pickup truck and essentially converted the vehicle into a portable classroom. She drove two hours every day to teach kids with autism who couldn’t access books or Internet services. When they say that not all heroes don capes, this is what they mean.
Mommy’s Little Boy
One of the ways that Covid-19 has changed our lives is the fact that we have to wear face masks in public spaces. Even though not every state or country, for that matter, strictly implements this requirement, many of us understand that it’s up to each of us individually to help flatten the curve.
This guy asked his mom to make him a face mask, possibly because he wanted it personalized. His mom didn’t disappoint, and even though he’s 40, she still sees him as her little boy who likes dinosaurs.
Everyone Needs Life Lessons From Dad
Going back to the subject about family dynamics, children who grow up without a father figure might suffer from psychological issues down the road. Kids with absent dads are likely to develop aggressive tendencies, be depressed, have love self-esteem, perform poorly in school, abuse drugs, and end up in the criminal system.
That doesn’t apply to the hero behind the YouTube channel “Dad, How Do I?” On Twitter, Bruce Wayne explains that the guy running the channel grew up without a father himself. That’s why he decided to start the channel to impart useful lessons through maintenance videos to other kids who have absentee fathers.
Belief Keeps Hope Alive
Social distancing is another Covid-19 regulation aimed at curbing the spread of the illness. It impacted several functions of our lives, including how we worship. Several places of worship had to shut down in light of the situation, but most have embraced the Internet to keep things afloat.
One of Germany’s IKEA branches offered their car park to the local Muslims. The available space allowed them to maintain the regulated social distancing guidelines while they prayed. Such moments remind us how belief can help keep hope alive, and we could all use some respect and kindness in our lives.
Final Chemo Session
Social media became a game of numbers instead of just a place where we could keep in touch with friends and loved ones. Katy reminds us what initially made us excited about these platforms, and it doesn’t matter how many people you have following you.
What you have to say matters most, and for Katy, she just wanted to let everyone know that she had just completed her chemo sessions. She shared the great news with her 12 followers at the time, and that was enough for her to get thousands of users showing their support. She now has 27.4K followers!
Everyone Can Overcome Adversity
We have all overcome hardship in one way or another, but some of us have truly made it through the trenches. This lady was happy enough to share her inspiring story about overcoming adversity and coming out of it all victorious.
Born addicted to heroin, she lost her dad at the age of three. The weight of the world proved a burden, and she attempted suicide at 11, and once again when she was 16. She didn’t give up on herself, and eventually, she graduated a semester early with honors.
Best Friends Forever
A study published by the Journal of Pediatrics revealed the statistics about babies who survive significant congenital disabilities. It showed that children born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a congenital heart defect, had the lowest survival rate. Several parents have suffered the heartache of receiving such information.
These two best friends proved that sometimes scientific findings are not always absolute. Despite being given a 2% chance of living, they defied the odds and made it to their graduation ceremony. Even more heartwarming is their friendship through what we imagine couldn’t have been an easy road.
A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
According to restaurants, one restaurant is responsible for producing an estimated 150,000 pounds of waste each year. 3.11% to 9.55% of that waste, translating to anywhere between 4,655 to 14,325 pounds, is food waste. Most of it goes in the bin.
Frankie’s East Aside restaurant is one such establishment that trashes their fair share of food. Dan Ramos noticed that the garbage attracts folks who have no other place to get a meal, and that’s why he left them this note. There should be more people like Dan Ramos in this world.
The Final Ray Of Sunshine
Aging is the natural progression of life, but dementia is not part of the process like most people believe. About 50 million people in the U.S live with the syndrome that often points out to an underlying brain condition. By nature, dementia is overwhelming to those who have it as well as their caregivers.
That’s why Sara truly deserves applause for her contributions to giving this man’s wife a little ray of sunshine in her final days. The letter he wrote to thank Sara explains that the haircut was among the last best moments because his wife couldn’t stop beaming whenever she checked her reflection in the mirror.
Doctor To The Poor
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 4.8% of people in the U.S. fail to access medical care because of costs. The situation isn’t better in Egypt, where the government has set aside just about 1.5% of its GDP to fund the public healthcare system.
Doctor Mohammed Mashali was a well-known medical practitioner in Northern Egypt. He dedicated 50 years of his life, providing healthcare services to the nation’s most impoverished communities free of charge. Sadly, he passed away in July 2020, and days leading up to his demise, he still helped those he could.
Diversity Is Our Strength
Our diversity is one of the aspects that make the world a wonderful place. Unfortunately, some people still don’t fully accept our differences, and they seem to see fault in others who are different from them. Some also see it fit to publish their skewed perceptions wherever they can.
That’s what someone did on this streetlight post in Manchester, but someone wouldn’t let it slide. One good samaritan took the time to make this super cute poster and stick it over the offensive item. We should all remember that diversity is our strength.
Caring Transcends Species
We can learn a lot from our beloved pets; for one, caring seems to transcend species. This wounded bird couldn’t take to the skies, and this dog offered its companionship. The dog stayed put, watching over the bird for four days until it could fly away.
The dog’s owner also did their part by bringing the odd pair of friends some food and water each day. According to Gregory Berns, a neuroscientist, animals have feelings. While many dispute this fact, the MRI scans he took suggest that canines have parts of their brains that correspond to humans.
The Best Role Model
Our moms are often our first teachers, and we all grow up looking up to them. Anna has even more to be proud of because of her mother’s selfless act. Anna’s mom, who is a teacher, had a student who was in a bind. The student couldn’t find a babysitter, so Anna’s mom took up the task.
Anna’s mom proceeded to teach the three-hour class with her student’s child strapped to her back. Anna’s sentiments say it all; her mother is a blessing to the world because she loves others as much as she loves her children.
The Little Things That Count
There’s something about seeing a baby smile that can change your day in an instant. The story behind this little munchkin is even more moving because it started with uncertainty. Physicians gave this little boy a 10% chance of surviving heart disease.
This little champ proved that he had more fight in him than they thought. Six months down the line, and he was thriving. The adorable smile must warm your heart now even more, and we can always learn something about never giving up from everyone, even the cute babies.
Better Days Are Coming
Life can throw us endless curveballs but what matters most is our resolve to overcome it all. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to pick yourself up from the setbacks. That’s why the seemingly ordinary achievement that this person accomplished is highly commendable.
After spending two years dealing with depression and traumas, they got the motivation to clean their room. The big cleanup job took nine hours and two trash bags filled along with countless empty pizza boxes, plastic bottles, and other trash. Doesn’t this just make your heart smile?
Beating Cancer, Before & After
The World Health Organization estimates that cancer claims the lives of 16% of the world’s population. In 2015 alone, 8.8 million people passed away due to the disease accounting for one out of every six deaths globally. Over 60% of the world’s new cancer cases come from Africa, South and Central America, and Asia.
When we hear stories about people beating the illness, it reminds us that life is all about rising above the odds. This lady right here couldn’t help celebrating the fact that she had beat cancer.
Dad’s A Hero
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 out of every 54 children have autism spectrum disorder. Boys have a higher likelihood to suffer from the developmental disorder compared to girls. We still don’t have a cure for the condition.
This dad shared one of his proud moments about his three-year-old son, who is being tested for autism. No medical detection exists for autism, but some tests can diagnose the disorder. The little boy managed to tell his dad that he loves him, and those words meant a great deal.
Love Is Love, And It Remains Unwavering
Dosomething.org says that 90% of LGBT teens initially come out to close friends. LGBT students struggle most with intolerant families. They also say that young people who share information about their orientation with immediate family members reported feeling happier.
This grandma must be the coolest grandmother we’ve seen. When her grandchild came out to her, she never wavered in terms of her love and support. She even added a personalized touch as she knitted this sweater for her grandchild by including a rainbow detail. It just reminds us that love is love.
Healing In A Different Way
Some childhood injuries stay with us well into adulthood and affect our psychology. This gorgeous lady got caught up in a domestic incident that left her with severe burns on her arms, neck, and chest. A decade later, and she chose to deal differently.
She got tattoos to cover her scars, and the look on her face is priceless. It gives us a whole new appreciation for tattoos as an art form, and it also tells us that we shouldn’t judge people we come across covered up with similar ink work.
It’s Never Too Late To Learn
Neuroscientists report that as they age, older adults still have a great capacity to learn. The brain continues forming neural pathways as we age, and it is referred to as brain plasticity. They suggest that older brains can synthesize information and solve complex problems better than younger minds.
Access to education is still an issue globally, but it is never too late to learn. Kennya Ramos decided to teach her uncle how to write. The man is beside himself, beaming with happiness after he managed to write down his grandkids’ names for the first time.
48 Passengers Extend A Helping Hand
People are always willing to help, and this is something we witness a lot when using public transportation systems. Someone will always give their chair up to an older person or pregnant woman. The same thing happened on a flight when 48 passengers extended a helping hand.
A man at the back seat was cutting it close, and he needed to catch the next flight as quickly as he could so that he could attend his twin daughter’s father-daughter dance. All the passengers sat down and cheered him on after they landed, allowing him to rush out of the plane.
There’s Always A First
Statistics reveal that 20 million U.S. born immigrant children grow up to earn more than their parents. In 2012, the median household income of immigrant parents was about $45,800, while their children went on to earn $58,100 annually.
That is why we imagine that this dad couldn’t hold his tears back when his son earned a Master’s degree. His son became the first one in their family to make such an accomplishment, and even if his dad never tells him, this photo indicates that he has truly made their family proud.
A Twist Of Fate
We have heard of students who go on to become teachers or principals at the schools where they were students. There are even stories of people who reunite with long-lost family members or friends decades later at their place of work or somewhere unexpected.
That’s why it isn’t surprising that fate would bring a doctor and a child he delivered together years later. This doctor delivered this young lady, and 21 years later, they ended up working side by side. Just imagine their reactions when they realized that it wasn’t the first time that they were meeting.
Reach Out For Your Goals
We all possess skills, and for some of us, we don’t discover what we are good at until much later in life. However, some people have to shelve their passion when life gets in the way of things. That describes the man in this post who had stopped painting because of his daytime job.
Three decades later, after he retired, he figured that it was time to get back to his first true love: painting. Just a look at his latest work, and we can tell that this is a talented man. He possibly had to pursue a career that puts food on the table, but he finally got back to painting.
Brothers Forever
Those of us with younger siblings know how annoying they can get. They’ll follow you around and mimic things you say. You might even find them ransacking your things, trying on a few of your outfits, or sneaking your stuff into their room.
Well, they say that imitation is a form of flattery, and this artist’s brother proves it. The talent runs in the family, and this big brother should be flattered that he’s an inspiration to his little brother. He didn’t need to look too far for a role model.
A Sweet Treat
This lady gave a kid frozen yogurt at work and got a sweet treat in return. The kid’s mother asked him to offer the appropriate response when someone gives him something. The kind little soul told the lady that he loves her.
It’s never too early to teach kids etiquette lessons, and from as early as 18 months, they can pick up on fundamentals about manners. They can learn to say thank you and please at this age, even though they may not fully comprehend why they need to be polite.
The Small Acts Count The Most
An article posted by BBC News suggests that one of the best ways to help the homeless is to give them time, and not money. Rik James, who is behind the Birmingham Homeless Outreach, claims that if you give a homeless person cash, they are likely to spend it on drugs or alcohol.
Natassja Morgan is one happy daughter to have a dad who went out of his way to extend some generosity to a homeless man. When attending a football match, he handed an extra ticket he had to a homeless man he met on the street.
Mom, I Love You
Kids usually find their folks embarrassing, and on the other hand, their parents would just like them to show a bit of affection. Well, Ashley Willis is one lucky mom because her son isn’t afraid to face some embarrassment in front of his friends as long as he lets her know that she’s appreciated.
Her kid was gaming, and she brought him a snack. His response, “thanks; love you.” Laughter erupted from his headset, and he asked his friends what was so strange about him telling his mom that he loved her. He finished off by telling them that he’s sad for them if they don’t love their mothers.
Aging Gracefully
We’ve seen many people recreate past photos, and they are always inspiring. We get the same feeling from this photo taken 71 years later, at the same place, same bike, and with the same person as the subject.
The only thing missing is little Fido, but we have to agree that this is an epic photo. We also have to give it to this lady who is aging ever so gracefully. Your body will thank you later for putting in two and a half to five hours of aerobic exercise combined with muscle-strengthening workouts per week, as recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Throwing Down A Mean Barbeque
Research shows that engaging adults with autism in activities that foster independence reduces their symptoms. It also helps to increase their daily living skills. Unfortunately, a large percentage of 25-year-olds who suffer from autism have never been gainfully employed.
Fostering this sense of independence starts right at home by entrusting children with autism with household tasks. That explains why this dad is proud that his son can work a grill, and from what we can see, he can whip up a pretty mean barbecue. He also looks pretty happy with the result.
Happy Valentine Grandma
Every February 14th, people across the world celebrate Valentine’s Day. The day sees flowers, candy, and cards being exchanged. It all goes towards pampering those you love, and contrary to popular belief, it’s not only a day for lovers.
This post about a teenage boy who took the time to buy his grandma a Valentine’s card is a lesson that we shouldn’t forget about our grannies. The card had the sweetest message saying that they are “the same kind of weird.” He identifies that he is cut from the same cloth when it comes to his grandmother.
A Lesson About Perseverance
Congenital disabilities form in utero, and they are minor to severe in nature. They may affect mental or physical development, organ function, or appearance. Many congenital disabilities are harmless, while others require long-term medical intervention. This lovely lady, unfortunately, fell in the latter category.
She shared these two photos to show how far she has come with facial reconstruction surgeries. The first photo shows her in first grade and the second, most recently in 2020, when she had completed her dental treatment. She endured several months with her jaw wired shut as part of the treatment.
The Butterfly Effect
It’s never easy to come to terms with the death of a loved one. It’s more of an uphill task explaining to kids about the passing of a pet or a family member. This family had to explain to the little sister that whenever she saw a butterfly, it was the spirit of their late mom.
When they went on a family vacation since their mother’s passing, they found the little girl talking to a butterfly. The little girl told the insect that she knew that she (her mother) would never miss the memorable trip.
Little Brothers
Younger siblings can make your day with their quirky little ways, like his guy whose younger brother turned 17, and he couldn’t be there on time before his brother turned in for the day. His brother left him this tear-jerking note.
He tells Tommy to stop by his room and tuck him into bed. He should also wish his brother a happy birthday, goodnight, and hug him. It melts your heart more, knowing that his brother has autism. The PS is even more touching, asking his brother not to forget to read the note.
Harry’s Reward
Little kids are among the most curious souls you’ll meet. They want to see what you’re getting up to around the house, and they don’t spare the quests either like Steph Kemp’s six-year-old who couldn’t stop stalking and shadowing a builder.
The family had their patio redone, and after the job was done, the builder presented them with this pay packet for their little boy. Harry had helped out with several tasks, including passing bricks and pavers, as well as mixing cement. His handiwork earned him a decent £10 (around $13) payment.
Purr-Fect Friends
Our grandmothers are everyday heroes after our hearts, much like our mothers. When the cat in this household ripped open one of his toys, grandma got down to business and started sewing it back to its former glory. The aww-worthy part is how the feline family member is keeping a watchful eye.
Cats might not share similar emotions like humans or even express themselves as dogs do, but they have complex emotions that motivate their behavior. Cat Sense author Dr. John Bradshaw explains that cats do not reflect on the past or plan the future; they simply live in the moment.
Limitations Only Exist In Our Minds
We can draw a whole lot of inspiration and motivation from people with disabilities. It’s also essential to learn the preferable language to use when talking about people with disabilities. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, avoid using terms that focus on their abilities like differently-abled or handicapped.
We should also avoid comparisons that suggest a person with a disability performed well compared to “normal” people. We should use non-disabled instead and just refer to accomplishments made by a person with a disability instead of mentioning their disability. This man built himself an arm using an electronic 3D printer. He went on to show the full capability of the limb by holding an egg with it.
The Happiest Place On Earth
It’s hard to dispute that Disneyland is one of the happiest places on earth. It’s the place where you can see your favorite movies come to life, and it allows you to step away from the real world. There’s always something new to see, and you could never get bored going there countless times.
This three-year-old is yet another child who proved that miracles happen. Despite going through five surgeries and her folks being told to prepare for the worst, she survived. The best treat at the end of it all was a trip to Disneyland.
Healing Through Words Of Love
Most of us are very curious about what happens when you have near-death experiences or slip into a coma. Does your entire life flash before your eyes, or do you stay aware of what’s happening around you?
This Reddit user responded, sharing his experience going into a coma for a week following surgery. He recalls that it felt like an instant, and he also remembers having a conversation with his late mother. After his experience, he took it upon himself to share kind words with his mother until her final breath.
An Artistic Tribute
Everyone copes differently after suffering the death of a loved one, moreover, a parent. Such a loss changes children and grownups alike, both physically and psychologically. Therapy can help with the grief process, and time also eventually takes its course.
Our loved ones never truly leave us, and they remain in our memories. A few people, like this girl, choose an artistic way to pay tribute to the ones they’ve lost. The line tattoo is spot-on, and it gives the lovely photo the justice it deserves. Now she can always carry the memory of her late father wherever she goes.
Vaccine Done and Dusted
Some folks just don’t trust vaccines, and they believe that these jabs are the gateway to chronic conditions, and more specifically, anti-vaxxers think that these jabs cause autism. Others don’t see the need for “fixing it if it isn’t broken,” but immunization is credited for curbing the contraction rate of preventable diseases.
This girl’s post is touching because she finally decided to get an immunization shot, despite having folks who are anti-vaxxers. She finally has the ability to make her own choices. Can we also mention her super cute Spiderman-themed bandaid?
A Lesson In Humility
Liverpool star Sadio Mane is worth an approximate $20 million. Like most celebrities banking such figures, you would expect him to own everything his heart desires. However, through this photo, he taught us a lesson in humility.
Fans spotted Mane proudly carrying his iPhone that has a cracked screen. This is a man who can buy ten more iPhones just to replace the damaged one, but he chose otherwise. Mane explained that he is just thankful to be able to help people in his native country, Senegal, who are facing similar circumstances he did when growing up.