Weekly Uplifting Stories - Week of March 6th, 2023

By Sarah @ Daily Motivation

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Last Updated: March 5, 2023

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Hello everyone and welcome to another week of Uplifting Stories to brighten your day! 

This week we celebrate the birth of two extremely rare baby tigers in the UK. Suspended coffees ensure people in need get a hot drink or a sandwich and a pair of former debt collectors turn the tables and start helping people clear their medical debts. 

In other news, an Iowa school finds a creative way to keep kids in class by offering Phys Ed. credits for doing yardwork for seniors and folks with disabilities, and a high school student puts down his video games to self-publish his first fantasy novel. 

Let's get started!

 

 

Extremely Rare Tiger Cubs Born at UK Zoo

The currently 'Critically Endangered' Sumatran Tiger sub-species just got a little boost of hope.

At Chester Zoo, located in Chester, UK, the birth of two tiger cubs was caught on camera, to the delight of conservationists everywhere. 

With only 350 Sumatran tigers left in the world, their birth is a huge deal in terms of keeping the species from going extinct. Zookeepers set up discreet cameras in the den to capture the incredible event on camera. They also got to see footage of mama tiger Kasarna, as she figures out motherhood. 

“One day, the pair will hopefully go on to themselves make a vital contribution to the endangered species breeding program, which is now playing a critical role in preventing these majestic animals from becoming extinct.” Dave Hall, Carnivore Team Manager at Chester Zoo

You can see the whole story and watch the video here.

 

 

Suspended Coffees, Sandwiches and Meals Are the Pay it Forward That Makes a Difference

In Angouleme, France, two friends headed to a little café for some coffee. 

“I went with a friend towards the counter, to place our order. As we were approaching the counter, two people in front of us ordered: - "Five coffees please. Two for us and three suspended.”

The customers paid and left with their drinks. 

One friend was intrigued, asking the other, "What is a suspended coffee?" Their friend simply smiled and said they should stand back and see what happened. 

Throughout the next few customers, some bought only one coffee. But a handful purchased three for themselves and four 'suspended coffees.' 

Perplexed, the friend was still trying to figure out what, exactly, this meant. 

Then, a man wearing worn clothing, a neighbor in need, walked up to the counter. After politely asking if there were any suspended coffees, the waiter served him one right away. 

This is similar to the North American tradition of 'pay it forward.' The suspended coffee tradition started in Naples, Italy, spreading to include places that allow suspended sandwiches and full meals.

It's a simple and humane way to pay in advance for someone who is not able to afford a coffee themselves. 

You can read the whole post here.

 

 

Iowa School Lets Kids Earn Credits Helping Seniors & Disabled Folks With Yardwork

What a smart idea!!

The Alternative Learning Center in Dubuque, Iowa is a school making headlines for their curriculum. It's allowing students to earn extra P.E. credits in the last few weeks of school by helping people in their community with yardwork. 

The high school teaches students having difficulty completing their education, and are at risk of dropping out.

Teacher Tim Hitzler says that at first, the kids aren't necessarily thrilled with the idea of going out to rake leaves, cut grass, clean gutters, and anything else the person needs. But once they get involved, they really get motivated to help. 

“What they really like, is helping people. They really like giving back to people and meeting the person.” - Tim Hitzler, teacher

Get the whole scoop here.

 

 

Two Former Debt Collectors Use Their Knowledge to Help People Clear Medical Debts

Already dissatisfied with his job as a debt collector, Jerry Ashton was inspired to change the course of his life after he stumbled upon the Occupy Wall Street movement in September 2011. 

“What they had to say resonated with me. How in any civilized country can you allow someone to go bankrupt just because they got sick? I walked into Occupy as a debt collector, and walked out as a debt forgiver.” - Jerry Ashton, from the Positive.News article

Jerry says he never felt right about tracking down folks who he knew didn't have the funds they owed. Joining up with fellow debt collector and colleague, Craig Antico, the two started RIPMedicalDebt.org.

It's a 'national nonprofit whose purpose is to strengthen communities by abolishing financially burdensome medical debt.'

In the 10 years since they started, their charity has pardoned an astonishing $8.5 billion of medical bills for some 5.5 million US families!

You can read more about the story here, or visit their website at RIPMedicalDebt.org.

 

 

High School Student Self-Publishes First Fantasy Novel in an Attempt to Put Down His Video Games 

Attempting to distract himself from video games during Covid lockdowns, 16-year-old Dylan Brennan ended up self-publishing his first fantasy novel, Noble: Betrayed. He has sold his books in Spain, Germany, the US, and Australia as well. 

“It’s amazing! It’s a dream I’ve always had. I’m so pleased with it but I can’t stop here, I’m already working on the next one. I love fantasy, it’s just my genre.” - Dylan Brennan

Aspiring lawyer Dylan started writing his book after he realized he was spending WAY too much time on his PlayStation. As a lover of writers such as George R.R, J.R.R Tolkien and Andrzej Sapkowski (The Witcher), Dylan had long dreamed of publishing a book - and the lockdowns gave him the opportunity. 

Get the whole scoop here.

 

 

Have a Great Week Everyone! 

And there you have it! 

I don't know about you. But I always feel a bit more positive after reading all of these lovely stories. Never forget! There are so many wonderful things happening in the world. Sometimes, we just have to look a little harder for them. 

Do you love our uplifting stories, and want to spread some joy yourself? Send us your ideas in the comments below, or message us on our Instagram page here

Photo by Anna Tarazevich

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  • Antonia says:

    I am so enjoying the Weekly Uplifting Stories. It sure beats fake news and puts a pep in my step as I start my day. Appreciate you.

    • Sarah @ Daily Motivation says:

      Yay, thank you Antonia! It feels good to focus on the good things that are happening in the world. Thank you for enjoying them, we will keep bringing more stories to you!

  • ADRIENNE TROUTMAN says:

    I love the daily motivation everyday I look so forward to it and just reading these inspiring stories I get my heart filled so open up and full

    • Sarah @ Daily Motivation says:

      Thanks Adrienne! We feel full when we're finding these stories too. It's wonderful to hear these are inspiring you, thank you for enjoying them 🙂

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