Weekly Uplifting Stories - October 2nd, 2023

By Jigeesha

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Last Updated: October 1, 2023

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Be it consciously or subconsciously, our minds take in a staggering amount of information every day.

This information drives our thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

While we can't control everything that goes into our minds, we can try to focus on the good stuff as much as possible!

Every week, we invite you to a weekly reset where we encourage you to release distractions and pay attention to ideas that align with your values. 

Let's have a look at some of the most uplifting stories we found this week. 

  •       Man found his sense of purpose in helping others after being laid off
  •       World's largest dam removal project is underway in an attempt to heal a river
  •       Upbeat school bus driver has a special bond with children
  •       A woman's passion project inspires happiness and kindness

 

 

Man's kind gesture becomes a nationwide movement

In an attempt to cope with being laid off, Brian Schwartz, a resident of Wayne, New Jersey began tending to his lawn. This reminded him of his grandfather and he began mowing lawns for the elderly in his neighborhood. 

He then found a way to transform his situation into an opportunity and came up with the idea of mowing lawns for those who were not able to. 

Brian's nonprofit provides free lawn mowing services for senior citizens, veterans, people with disabilities, and caretakers.

“They’re offering gifts and money. No, it’s voluntary. It’s why we do it. And they just can’t get over that fact sometimes," says volunteer Steve Edgeller.1

The I Want To Mow Your Lawn movement has caught on! Brian's act of kindness led to the creation of a platform that allows people to give back to the community. 

This movement has received overwhelming support from people all over the country. There are now around 500 volunteers in 46 states, working to make a positive impact. 

 

 

A massive movement has begun to bring balance back to the ecosystem

A movement to tear down the dams on the Klamath River is underway. 

By the end of 2024, all of the dams that block off the Klamath River will be demolished to allow the river to flow freely again. These aging dams pose threats to fish and wildlife in the area.

For decades, native tribes in California and Oregon, as well as environmentalists have been protesting for the removal of the dams. 

“One of the fastest ways to heal a river is to remove a dam,” Ann Willis, the California regional director for American Rivers, a nonprofit focused on protecting clean water, said. “The good news is, when you have the opportunity to unjam a river, the river can start to restore itself almost from the moment that the water starts flowing again.”2

Removing the dams is expected to restore the natural environment and enable fish to return, which is a major source of food and livelihood for the Native tribes.

Mark Bransom, the CEO of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, said, "The river will be able to flow freely once the dam’s infrastructure is removed."  

He also said they have plans to help nature take back the area.

 

 

Little kids find a great cheerleader in "Miss Sparkles"

Lori Brooks, a school bus driver for Grandville Public School in Michigan is known for her upbeat attitude.

Miss Sparkles, as the kids call her, sets the tone for a positive school day. 

Regardless of her personal circumstances, she always shows up with a big smile and greets everyone personally with encouraging words and a warm hug. 

“No matter what you do, I think you can change the world a little bit,” Brooks says.3

She makes every child feel special and aims to be a calm, safe zone for them. 

“I’m good at reading facial expressions. I can see in their eyes when they’re struggling and I let them know they can come to me."

She has been a school bus driver for 10 years. What a wonderful way to start the day!

 

 

One person's passion project led to a ripple effect of kindness

Nothing brightens up a day better than the sight of gorgeous flowers. 

Amanda Rutan, a resident of Marysville, Ohio runs the Plant Kindness Project where she offers flowers and vegetables that she grows on her family's farm - free of charge. Everyone is welcome to take a bloom from her produce stand!

“It’s just my way of giving back to the community and doing something nice,” Rutan said.4

Amanda also encourages visitors to write personalized messages to help promote kindness. 

Her project has made quite an impact throughout the community.

Taking inspiration from Amanda, Lakeview resident Eric Brown decided to create a Plant Kindness Project at the local library. He started a community garden where he grows flowers to give away to the public. 

 

 

What's Your Uplifting Story?

And that wraps it up for this week! 

Do you have any Uplifting Stories of your own? You can contact us in the comments below, or reach out on our Instagram page. We might just share your story in a future article.

Thanks everyone for reading, and have an uplifting week ahead. Take care and see you next week! 

Photo by Norma Mortenson

Sources: 

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