Good News of the Week
by Veronica Joce
Studies showed that saying "Hello" and "Thank you" to strangers can enhance our happiness
Something as simple as saying hello to a stranger can enhance your happiness and feelings of well-being in these troubled times, two new studies show.
Both studies were recently published as a paper titled "Minimal Social Interactions with Strangers Predict Greater Subjective Well-Being,” in the Journal of Happiness Studies. "Simply taking a moment to greet, express good wishes, or say thank you to strangers is linked with greater happiness in everyday life," the authors wrote.
McDonald’s teen employee pays for family’s meal when mom forgets her wallet–then she raises 32k for him
When Brittany Reed rolled up to a McDonald’s drive-thru to purchase a meal for her children, she realized she’d left her purse at home. But the teenage server at the window, Wyatt Jones, said he’d happily pay for the meal.
Brittany wrote in a Facebook post, “I just want his parents to know how KIND & COMPASSIONATE your son was tonight! He made this stressed out momma pause for a moment and realize this is exactly what we parents are trying to do, raise great humans,” she explained. “Wyatt, do not let this world change your kind heart young man for its people like YOU that will change this world for the better!”
On hearing that he was saving up to buy a car, Brittany began a GoFundMe campaign on his behalf. As of October 1, she’s raised nearly $32,000 for him.
David Adjaye won a prestigious RIBA award and made history
Sir David Adjaye, a Tanzanian-born British architect of Ghanaian descent, won a royal gold medal, one of the world’s highest accolades for architecture. It marks the first time in the 173-year history of the medal, awarded annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), that it has been given to a black architect.
David Adjaye is the founder of Adjaye Associates, which is best known for designing the gilded Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, US.
“His work is local and specific, and at the same time global and inclusive,” said the RIBA president, Alan Jones. “Blending history, art and science he creates highly crafted and engaging environments that balance contrasting themes and inspire us all.”
Elevate yourself, be happier, focus on the good, improve relationships, and shift your mind to state of optimism with this gratitude journal.
