Sometimes the news can be, well, not so inspiring. When headlines get you down, it’s important to remember that positive things are still happening all around us. Here are five hopeful and encouraging stories to pay attention to this week:
Chef Pays it Forward
High-end chef Brandon Chrostowski trains and employs formerly incarcerated individuals in his restaurant, because he, too, knows what it was like to to behind bars. His restaurant doubles as a culinary arts training program for ex-convicts. He was given a chance after he was released from prison, and now he’s paying it forward in a pretty big way. Read more.
Tough Guys Have Feelings, Too
Keith Negley wanted a picture book that would show his young son that it’s perfectly okay – and healthy! – to express his emotions. But when he shopped for picture books, he could only find death-defying super heroes and strong, powerful ninjas for his son to look up to. So, he created Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too), featuring an astronaut who occasionally misses his family on earth, a race car driver upset that he didn’t win first place, a pirate growing frustrated when he can’t find buried treasure, and so on. Negley is attempting to change the cultural narrative that tells boys how to express their feelings, one picture book at a time. Read more.
200 Strangers Attend the Funeral of WWII Vet
Only a handful of people planned to attend the funeral of Serina Vine, a homeless WWII veteran who had no known living relatives, until word spread on social media. The day of the funeral, hundreds of cars lined up, and a diverse crowd of 200 people gathered to pay their respects and honor Vine’s life and service. Retired Marine William Jones, who helped to organize the funeral, highlighted the strength of community in service. “We serve together, so therefore we should not die alone.” Read more.
New Mr. Potato Head Raises Awareness for Food Waste
Most of us realize that cultures impose beauty standards on people – but on food, too? Mr. Potato Head, a popular children’s toy, is switching things up, looking less “perfect” and more like the way food is supposed to look to raise awareness about food waste. The creators hope to see a day in the grocery store where not only the most Instagram-worthy produce gets picked up and eaten, but where all of the food is considered equally good – because it is! Read more.
Haircuts for the Homeless
Sometimes, making someone’s day can be simple. Mark Bustos, a celebrity hairstylist, uses his talents to help the homeless by providing them with free haircuts every Sunday afternoon. Mark believes that the individuals he interacts with often feel refreshed and motivated after getting a new ‘do. Bustos says that “God gave us two hands, one to receive and one to give.” Read more.