11 Good News Stories to Welcome The New Moon

Your healthy dose of feel-good current events in pop culture, fashion, travel, science, and everything in between…

And like a toasty breeze, the latest round of carefree weekly updates has arrived, showcasing 11 (an extra bonus round welcomes this week’s new moon!) topical reports cherry-picked to deliver an opportuuunity to chill out and deeply breathe in that soon-to-be-Saturday scent of easy spring times that lie so very directly ahead.

Take the chance to unapologetically recline, perhaps in a petal-soft robe, and lounge with some harmless (yet fascinating) stories selected to give you some clickable, likeable current events that are finally worth sharing with your favorites.

Peruse, ponder, audibly “awww,” lol a little, and enjoy the good news you might have missed:

What may be fueling our future? “We see this as a technology for decarbonizing transportation,” David Keith, a professor of applied physics at Harvard, told The Atlantic of his new study on recapturing carbon dioxide in the air and turning it into liquid gasoline. If all things go as planned, Keith’s process, which already functions on a smaller scale, could be a widespread solution to climate change in about a decade. In the meantime? Keep thoughtfully requesting carpools or take a ride on this vehicle of the future, but if, and ONLY IF, you brought your safety helmet.

According to Columbia and Yale scientists, spiritual experiences are a part of your brain, and tapping in could help balance your emotions. Their studies suggests that the phenomenon involves “pronounced shifts in perception [that] buffer the effects of stress,” and since analytical thinking relies on a different set of pathways in the brain than spiritual, empathetic thought, flexing both muscles could bring greater perspective and peace. “By cultivating spiritual experiences in addition to strengthening our intellectual abilities, people can lead emotionally richer lives and develop more open minds.” 

When sweet Syrian stray Amira was rescued from the streets of Aleppo, her savior recognized that she was pregnant and gave up his room so that she would have a comfortable place to rest. Unfortunately, Amira lost her entire litter, and soon took to cuddling stuffed animals in their absence. Junior, a tiny kitten taken in by the same group, noticed the new dog’s teddy bear and gently made her way over to offer a friendly face rub. Soon becoming the pup Amira never had, these photos of Junior perched proudly on her back will take your breath away.

For anyone who has yet to make it through the latest Mr. Rogers movie trailer without crying, try making it past the intro pic of this personal essay on how the cultural hero and master communicator taught us how to take care of ourselves. “I feel that if we in public television can only make it clear that feelings are mentionable and manageable, we will have done a great service for mental health,” Rogers told the US Senate in 1969. Sandi Rankaduwa’s touching words serve as a reminder that openly loving a public figure that encourages true kindness is worth the risk.

Over the past decade, photographer Beth Moon has made it her mission to document the oldest, rarest trees standing in the world. Traveling to locations “untouched by time,” she put together a humble collection of black and white images for My Modern Met that beg for a moment of reflection on these living, breathing bodies that just won’t quit.

Can you really manifest something through positive thinking? In short — maybe. “There is a huge mind-body connection, so in many ways, when we believe that we can do something, we are putting ourselves in a better place to actually do it,” says Marni Amsellem, PhD, a clinical psychologist who touts the power of mantras and warns against harboring negative, self-fulfilling prophecies. Her simple reminder? “Our mind is our most powerful asset as far as shaping our behavior.” 

Prepare to cry, again, at this school picture. Linda, beloved service Labrador to 11-year-old Rachel, has been embraced as one of the students at Orange City Elementary. Sometimes photographed in a polo, sometimes a snug school shirt, Linda’s dog smile is always worthy of a wallet size. “Basically, she’s my best friend,” Rachel shares of the bond that extends past her title. “Basically, it’s me, her and family.”

Please don’t forget the importance of being bored, y’all. “A flash of inspiration would lose much of its luster without the wait that precedes it.” Referencing creatives who used long gaps in their careers to their advantage, this piece on why taking a break can make you a better artist is nothing short of refreshing.

F.O.B.O., or Fear of Better Options, is a reality that extends from choosing what to watch on TV to what to eat for dinner. Understanding your MFD, or the minimum outcome you’re willing to accept, can help you make decisions quicker, easier, and with less chance of regret. Find out if you’re naturally a perfectionist maximizer or a low-key satisfier, and choose your future more wisely.

Oh, just a wife living the dream in Target as she’s carefully towed by her helpful husband. 

BONUS: As our 11th piece of feel-good news to welcome the week’s new moon, relationship experts unite in this sweetie-pie list of the eleven things lasting couples do differently that help them stay together (and grow stronger) every year. Whether taking up new hobbies to share experiences, sticking it out in a fight rather than walking to the nearest arcade, or keeping the spark alive with official outdoor date nights, these tips are designed to enhance love’s long game for life.

 

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I never knew there was a thing called FOBO. It’s definitely something we’ve all dealt with!

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

5 years ago

Love this post!

5 years ago

Very amazing post dude.

5 years ago

Neat post!

x
StephC

Rey
5 years ago

Free people blog has always been my go to for a good feeling and vibe :) Thank you for the informative posts!

5 years ago

Wonderful post!

5 years ago

Hey,
Your 11 good stories are awesome. Thanks.

5 years ago

You jumped on that blame Google bandwagon pretty quick. You’re clearly not a person who requires evidence before making a decision.

5 years ago

It’s not that humble at all. Fake Good News Stories was just one component in the collection. It will endure having far-ranging and likely negative effects on political treatise in this country.