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If You’re Tired Of All The Depressing News, These 50 Wholesome Stories Might Just Balance Everything Out
For the past few years, the world has been a painful mess. You open the news wishing to find positive things, but the headlines offer only more despair.
However, just because mass media paints a grim picture of our times, that doesn't mean it's all hopeless.
Recently, Redditor ItsTheCess wanted to cheer themselves up and asked: "What are some good things happening in the world right now?" Immediately, people flooded them with wholesome things, and we at Bored Panda believe this post, together with the replies it has received, is exactly what we need to start the week with a smile on our faces.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I bought a f**k ton of milkweed and wildflowers and got rid of 20% of my grass lawn to make a meadow.
Bees are thriving in my lawn.
I also successfully seed bombed quite a few places in my area from last year's fall that are BLOOMING this year.
We managed to get in touch with ItsTheCess and they agreed to have a little chat with us. "I don't remember exactly what I was doing right before I posted it but I can guess the news cycle had been more depressing than normal that day," the Redditor told Bored Panda. "The question itself was almost sarcastic. 'There's so much evil happening in the world right now, is anything good actually going on?' Part of me expected to get downvoted into oblivion and just a few comments saying some variant of 'No.'"
ItsTheCess said the replies really stuck with them. "The fact that literally anyone took the time to give real answers and not just some variant of 'No' meant a lot to me. I particularly enjoyed the answers that pertained to space, such as the JW telescope, or the medical field, such as the new treatments for cancer, because scientific advancement is something I hope to never stop seeing or learning about."
RELATED:
#3
An Arkansas school district installed 1400 solar panels, turned a $250k deficit into a 1.8 million dollar surplus due to the amount of energy they saved, and are now raising teachers salaries by 2,000 3,000 dollars.
As Pamela Rutledge, director of the California-based Media Psychology Research Center, explains it, our tendency to doomscroll “really just describes the compulsive need to try and get answers when we're afraid." We do have to assess whether new information constitutes a threat. "We are biologically driven to attend to that," Rutledge said.
"Unfortunately, journalism to some degree plays to that tendency,” she added. Provocative headlines and stories draw in readers because they elicit fear and urgency. We tell ourselves, if I know all the latest news, I can better protect myself and my family.
And while this soudns reasonable, most people scroll well past the point of ascertaining any valuable information.
#4
Polio was officially eliminated from Africa last year.
🧶𝔹𝕚𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕂𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣🪡 2 years ago
And yet we're finding new cases here in the US because people are refusing lifesaving vaccines 🤦🏻♀️
#5
I was at the Phoenix airport a couple weeks ago. An older gentleman sat next to me at our gate. Both his feet were wrapped in some sort of bandage and he was struggling to get around with a cane.
On his other side were a pair of teenagers just giggling over kitten videos on their phones. They were strangers but made sure this man got helped to the restroom, had a drink, carried his bag, got to his seat, had access to a wheelchair when he got off the plane! It was seamlessly selfless.
The kids are alright. They really are. I'm 47. I am seeing it around me so often.
Jiminy 2 years ago (edited)
I was in a restaurant some days ago and a group of kids were celebrating a birthday. Between 16 and 18. They were so heartwarming and genuinely nice. The birthday boy made a speech after receiving a big present, explaining to each of his guests why exactly he cherishes and loves them.
A day of scrolling through positive news probably won't erase or counteract the habits we've formed from months or even years of doomscrolling and their negative effects on our mental wellbeing, however, good news do, in fact, bring us joy.
From what they see in the media, ItsTheCess believes publishers should really step up and cover more positive stories. "I know they don't do it because it probably doesn't equal rating or at least they think it doesn't equal ratings. Good things are happening. Good people are out there. People should be aware of that too," the Redditor highlighted.
"That balance is incredibly important to me and I believe it should be important to everyone. All that negativity takes such a toll on the mind; it's not healthy or sustainable," they said.
"[I would like to] remind everyone reading this to be kind to those around you and those who you interact with online. You never know what someone is going through and you don't want to add to it. The only way to get kinder people into the world is to be one," ItsTheCess added.
#6
I finished my Master's degree on Wednesday. I'm the first woman in my Hispanic family to have one and I'm a single mom.
The last three classes were extraordinarily difficult for me due to my mental health issues and financial situation. However, my instructors worked with me and supported me through out them.
#7
There is a video going around of this Ukrainian refugee woman who told her son that they were going to see Jon Cena in order to get him to escape with her.
Jon cena heard the story and flew over there to see them so he could meet her son.
Sheila Stamey 2 years ago
He's awesome. The son is severely mentally challenged and simply was having a horrible time leaving his routine and his home even in time of danger. I totally understand. Ok here I am. Safe and sound. They tell me well you are not safe anymore where you have been everyday. Ok. I don't want to go. You have to. Idc. But John Cena is waiting on you! Me: where's the car?
#9
I made some friends for the first time in a while
#10
I ditched Facebook completely and my mental health has improved by 90%.
Mark Fuller 2 years ago
I've never done social media apart from Bored Panda. I reckon I dodged a bullet.
#11
R Kelly got sentenced to 30 years. It's about time IMO
🧶𝔹𝕚𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕂𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣🪡 2 years ago
Seriously. Aaliyah was like 15 when they were together - it's shocking his behavior wasn't called into question sooner!
#12
Ukraine is generally beating Russias a*s which is good
#13
Greater one-horned rhino or Great Indian rhinoceros population stands at around 3,700 individuals, a significant increase from around 200 remaining at the turn of the 20th century. Strict protection and management action from Indian and Nepalese authorities and their partners are responsible for bringing the species back from the brink.
T'Mar of Vulcan 2 years ago
Now we need to do the same with white and black rhino populations in Africa.
#14
I know it may be selfish to put here but I’m proud of myself for this.
I went from not seeing a purpose in living to living every day with purpose.
#15
Scientists have discovered a worm that can digest plastic, and they are currently trying to copy it's digestive system. This can help solve a huge problem.
RandomCitizen 2 years ago
Plastics are made of oil. Oil contains energy, like grain. Just need a digestive tract capable of accessing that energy. What happens when it escapes into the wild and it eats the seals on the windows of airliners. Or the insulation on your electrical system...
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Angela B 2 years ago
Although I think the scientific work is truly amazing, could we please, please continue to raise human effort to reduce waste and reuse/recycle?
Iifa A. 2 years ago
Couldn't we do both? Considering how much cannot be recycled or reused and recycling those items can cause more damage to the environment
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Csaba Hegedűs 2 years ago
Ten years later: scientists have discovered a promising new agent against the global plastic-eating worm infestation that threatens humanity...
Paul Pienkowski 2 years ago
When can humans eat plastic. I've been wanting to eat my old phone case for awhile now.
Ovata Acronicta 2 years ago
I did a quick google because I wasn't sure if this was just a silly photo or the actual bug in question, but it is! I am familiar with superworms as feeder bugs for reptiles, and they're pretty neat generally, so it's even more awesome to see one of their species doing Great Work. Just let them dine, though, they like to nibble fingers.
Colin Timp 2 years ago
Now we just need to absolutely cover the Earth with them and we're good!
Gabriela Cink 2 years ago
I remember from school that earthworms are able to digest oil from contaminated soil and clean it. Sooo I'm not so surprised.
DennyS (denzoren) 2 years ago
This is extraordinary! Imagine what it can do to help with plastic waste.
Mark Fuller 2 years ago
This is encouraging. But tackling a symptom rather than the root cause of the issue. We still have much to do because this won't resolve litter...
Glen Ellyn 2 years ago
I read something about that just a few days ago. Apparently, it's proving to be not feasible. Too many worms are needed, and the amount of time it takes them to devour even a tiny amount of the material is dwarfed by the tons and tons of plastic dumped in the meantime. 🙁
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Ricardo Ferreira 2 years ago
I'm just praying for, after all the wasted plastic has gone, we don't have a worm crisis in our hands. T_T
Linda Mermaid 2 years ago
Are they actually digesting it or does it just go through their system in bits, unchanged, like corn?
Vietnamispretty 2 years ago
Not so wholesome when I compare the size of a warm and the amount of plastic I use in a typical day.
Autistic apricot 2 years ago
I knew about this, but can someone explain it so I can understand please :)
Jacqui Bryden 2 years ago
Enzymes eat plastic too! https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/super-enzyme-breaks-down-plastic-bottles-in-a-matter-of-days/
Reese’s pieces 2 years ago
I have tried it, it’s really cool. It takes a lot of them, but at the end you have no styrofoam, fed mealworms and broken down styrofoam so it’s safe for the environment!!!
🤣🤣🤣 (Me while reading bp) 2 years ago
Or.... can scientists breed loads of them and set them free in every tip, dump, floating garbage heap, river (if they can swim?) In the world. Just a thought
#16
I left an abusive relationship after 5 years and have found a nice niche helping my brother remodel his house- the house we grew up in.
#17
Ozone layer has been almost 100% repaired after the CFC bans from years ago
Laura Ketteridge 2 years ago
We're not quite there yet. The ozone layer is most definitely becoming thicker, and we are back to pre-2000 levels. It's estimated that it will take until 2040 to 2070 to fully repair, but we are most definitely headed in the right direction. https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/ozone-layer-recovery-environmental-success-story
#18
Several extremely promising treatments for cancer are being developed.
#19
More people are seeking to "break the cycle" of all the c**p they had to deal with as children, and I couldn't be prouder.
#20
The aboriginal flag is having a permanent fixture on top of the Sydney Harbour bridge
#21
Earlier today i saw a post of a woman asking where she can get free menstrual products and the very first comment was 'sent me a amazon wish list, I got you girl!' And that really restored my faith in humanity
#23
There's a woman (forgot where she lives. I think in Africa) who started collecting plastic waste and compressing all of it into bricks for roads and giving people jobs. They're still trying to perfect it or get it to last longer, because it will erode no matter what, but it's still limiting the space where all the plastic is.
Michelle M 2 years ago
Nzambi Matee. She is a Kenyan engineer based in Nairobi. Everyday, her company turns tonnes of plastic wastes into over 1500 bricks. Overall, the bricks are cheaper, three times stronger than concrete and twice as light. Already paving Nairobi roads with them and working on a prototype for low-cost buildings. Brilliant woman!
#24
The amount of machines in development to clean up plastic pollution is just crazy. Want a large boat patrolling the oceans? What about a small drone for busy waters? A gate stopping plastic in rivers from entering the oceans in the first place? You name it, someone is working on it.
Nicola Roberts 2 years ago
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.
#25
There have been advances in vaccine tech that will likely cut development time from up to twenty years down to 1-2 years.
#26
my girlfriend said she loves me
CelticElff 2 years ago
wholesome, yes, but (and please don't lambaste me for this) do you love yourself?
#27
In recent drug trials, Dostarlimab had a 100% success rate in treating colorectal cancer. 18 out of 18 participants were in remission 1 year from being administered the drug. Enormous news as this is the closest we’ve ever been to a cancer “cure”.
Edit: i misremembered the number of participants. It’s 14 out of 14 not 18 of 18.
Article [here](https://ascopost.com/news/june-2022/unprecedented-100-of-first-14-untreated-patients-with-rectal-cancer-respond-to-pd-1-blocker-dostarlimab-gxly/)
RandomCitizen 2 years ago
I hope so, I have a strong history of it in my family. Would be nice to think that if the worst happens, then I have options.
#28
Johnny Depp’s victory is a promising sign for other men in abusive relationships.
RandomCitizen 2 years ago
And might help more men speak out. Or even to realise what the difference between being "the strong one" and being in a manipulative, abusive relationship.
#29
My son.....he was born yesterday. We got lucky to find out Walmart got a supply of formula in this morning too. I may sound selfish but I might have a better job by the end of the week to afford this new bundle of joy
RandomCitizen 2 years ago
Enjoy. Just remember that feeling that you'd sacrifice anything for your kid? Well.. tiredness is that sacrifice. You'll lose 1,000 hours sleep in the first couple of years. That's ok. Being tired is ok.
#30
New Lyme disease vaccines are on the way, accelerated thanks to the knowledge learned from making the Covid vaccine.
#31
Canada and Greenland (Government of Denmark) have just come to a peaceful resolution of the 38 year territorial dispute over the highly coveted Hans Island, where they've agree to share the island and split it right down the middle.
This is of course the famed "Whiskey War". The main aspect of it (swapping schnapps with whiskey or vice versa), I imagine, will remain in some part as a celebrated border-crossing tradition.
Laura Ketteridge 2 years ago
The treaty will go before the various parliaments for ratification. It will create one of the shortest international land bordered in the world.
#32
I heard on the news, a guy spent a whole year planting his blind wife’s favourite flowers, and that really warms my heart
#33
Trees are blooming, wild animals reproducing, bees making honey. Nature is beautiful man.
#34
Germany will reform its laws surrounding identification to better support the rights and safety of transgender people.
https://www.dw.com/en/germany-unveils-plans-for-simpler-legal-gender-change-process/a-62315345
#35
My guava plants produced fruit, I had so many tomatoes that I gave some to the neighbors, gave some to the chickens and ducks, and still had lots left over for salads and sauces. I got about a hundred cucumbers. And found out my new puppy likes to steal ripe tomatoes off the vine (which sounds like a bad thing, but they were just going to rot there cause I can't pick them in time, so good job Bleu)
Down With Agent Hedgehog! 2 years ago
That sounds nice. My avocado plant (which I grew from a grocery store avocado core) is also producing fruit after 8 years
#36
Psilocybin therapy is helping people overcome addiction, depression, and anxiety.
🧶𝔹𝕚𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕂𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣🪡 2 years ago
Like many people, I've had a few experiences with mushrooms and LSD and they were life-changing. It's truly amazing how just one experience with hallucinogens can open your mind and totally change your perspective. I think the world would be a lot better place if everyone got to try these drugs in a safe, comfortable, and preferably natural & green environment at least once in their lives.
#37
More and more nations accept trans and gay people, women's rights are becoming an acyual matter and equality is becoming possible
#39
The ocean cleaner that everyone said wouldn't do anything years ago has carried itself into an outstanding success!
#40
Advances in stem cell research.
More awareness on mental health and treatment.
$cagsy 2 years ago
I'm really pleased that many people have helped to raise mental health awareness. That can only be a good thing, but we need to start turning that awareness into tangible resources that the psychiatric services so desperately need. Better pay for staff would only lead to better care. I know of one ward which was understaffed last summer to the point that the patients were only allowed outdoors access for three fifteen-minute periods per 24hr day. Whilst awareness is great, it isn't quite enough. For instance, I am aware that I am a terrible singer (as are my family and neighbours) but without a tangible injection of cash so I can take singing lessons, nothing will change and I will continue to howl like a strangled cat. My family and neighbours will continue to be aware that I am making a hellish sound but will be unable to improve their situation either. I suppose that what I'm trying to say is that having more people know that I can't sing doesn't improve my singing.
#41
Science has discovered a way to grow a type of biological plant life with only artificial light
Science has improved solar power to the point where it is now a very viable solution to our energy needs if we just muster the political will
Science has improved electrification (eg heat pumps, EVs, et al) to such a point that if society were to muster the political will we could probably dramatically slow, halt, or even reverse the current climate crisis if used in combination with solar and other renewable forms of energy
#42
On the surface of Mars, the mars rover was able to successfully separate oxygen from carbon dioxide.
#43
I've almost beaten a lifelong skin condition that seriously affected my confidence :D
Edit: I meant to use the word chronic not lifelong.
#44
Breakdancing will appear in the Paris Olympics in 2024!
Ali H M Salehuddin 2 years ago
To me this is sad. A more 'mainstream' sport such as Squash wasn't Olympic worthy while breakdance is. Is certainly wasn't World Squash Federation lack of trying though..
#45
Some journalist wrote something based off of one of my tweets and now I accidentally named a movie. Even if it sucks I hope the film gets a release since that's a notch on my belt
#46
The California Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act passed! Monterey Bay Aquarium Senate Bill Act 54 Article
#47
The Ozone layer is healing.
#49
Australia prioritizes reducing emissions and cheaper EVs:
Australia's new government is putting climate change at the top of its legislative agenda when Parliament sits next month for the first time since the May 21 election, with bills to enshrine a cut in greenhouse gas emissions and make electric cars cheaper.
MonkeyInTheMiddle 2 years ago
YAY!!!! (I'm not Australian, but I'd love to live there someday)
#50
Space programs are moving forward at a pace not seen since Apollo.
What do you think ?
Yugan Talovich 2 years ago
Some good news from Taiwan. First, wildlife is rebounding now that pollution is better controlled. Barking deer are pretty common now, as are eagles. A Truku friend said that deep in the mountains in Hualien, there is a herd of wild water buffalo, descended from water buffaloes farmers released when they got mechanical plows. Even the clouded leopard has been spotted (pun). Second, aboriginal culture is rebounding. Christian missionaries told them their cultures were taught by the devil. Now that the power of the church is waning, traditions are returning (for example, the Paiwan established a new sorceress, and she's only 18). There are about 150 indigenous traditional archery teams. Most people in Taiwan don't care much about the aborigines, but it's great news.
Mark Fuller 2 years ago
Don't get me wrong, I have two cats and the occasional "what's wrong with my cat?", "my dog is malfunctioning!" posts are entertaining. But we're seeing them virtually every week on BP and this post is so much more enjoyable and refreshing to read! Lifts the spirit and brings about some positive, feel good vibes. We should have far more regular "good news" posts and celebrate the fact that we as a species aren't perpetually screwing up!
Den Ver 2 years ago (edited)
Science (experimentation) is going to be required to fix a lot of the world's problems. I'm glad to see so many upvotes for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) posts, since I'm used to seeing it criticized by the Make America Great Again/Anti-Vaccination/Anti-Fact crowd. Ending science would take us back to the 1600's. .
Katy McMouse 2 years ago
Some good news here, in the States - the father and son who murdered Ahmaud Arbery for jogging in their neighborhood were both sentenced to life in prison and Trump's bunker in Florida was just raided by the FBI. I'm practically giddy with happiness (and sincerely happy for Mr Arbery's family. The scum almost got away with it).
Heather Talma 2 years ago
Why do so many of these have something negative as the top comment? Enjoy the positivity, don't throw cold water on it and remind people how terrible things actually are.
Den Ver 2 years ago
Hi I understand your point of view, but I’d say what you see as ‘negative’, others see as ‘hopeful’. In order to be HOPEFUL, it’s necessary to acknowledge reality and then acknowledge progress that has been made. Otherwise, what would be defined as being ‘positive’ is just escapism. Nothing wrong with escapism. I love the, “dogs greeting UPS drivers” posts.
Load More Replies... Linda Mermaid 2 years ago
Many of these only affect one or two individuals. That’s great, but we need to see good things happening to A LOT of people. Like entire continents not starting wars.
l bee 1 year ago
You never know what starts with just one person. Could be a revolution? Of course, it might not be, but the older I get the more I'm an optimistic pessimist, not a pessimistic optimist.
Load More Replies...
Monica Pryts 2 years ago (edited)
Quit following garbage media outlets and you won't see the clickbait, gossip, fake news, biased reporting, etc. You have to do your homework.
Vanja Vidovic 2 years ago
Finally some good news! We are bombarded with so much terrible news every single day that it's hard to endure it.
Chase Urso 2 years ago
I want to upvote this page a million times because it's so awesome and has made my day and prolly my week too.
Yugan Talovich 2 years ago
Some good news from Taiwan. First, wildlife is rebounding now that pollution is better controlled. Barking deer are pretty common now, as are eagles. A Truku friend said that deep in the mountains in Hualien, there is a herd of wild water buffalo, descended from water buffaloes farmers released when they got mechanical plows. Even the clouded leopard has been spotted (pun). Second, aboriginal culture is rebounding. Christian missionaries told them their cultures were taught by the devil. Now that the power of the church is waning, traditions are returning (for example, the Paiwan established a new sorceress, and she's only 18). There are about 150 indigenous traditional archery teams. Most people in Taiwan don't care much about the aborigines, but it's great news.
Mark Fuller 2 years ago
Don't get me wrong, I have two cats and the occasional "what's wrong with my cat?", "my dog is malfunctioning!" posts are entertaining. But we're seeing them virtually every week on BP and this post is so much more enjoyable and refreshing to read! Lifts the spirit and brings about some positive, feel good vibes. We should have far more regular "good news" posts and celebrate the fact that we as a species aren't perpetually screwing up!
Den Ver 2 years ago (edited)
Science (experimentation) is going to be required to fix a lot of the world's problems. I'm glad to see so many upvotes for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) posts, since I'm used to seeing it criticized by the Make America Great Again/Anti-Vaccination/Anti-Fact crowd. Ending science would take us back to the 1600's. .
Katy McMouse 2 years ago
Some good news here, in the States - the father and son who murdered Ahmaud Arbery for jogging in their neighborhood were both sentenced to life in prison and Trump's bunker in Florida was just raided by the FBI. I'm practically giddy with happiness (and sincerely happy for Mr Arbery's family. The scum almost got away with it).
Heather Talma 2 years ago
Why do so many of these have something negative as the top comment? Enjoy the positivity, don't throw cold water on it and remind people how terrible things actually are.
Den Ver 2 years ago
Hi I understand your point of view, but I’d say what you see as ‘negative’, others see as ‘hopeful’. In order to be HOPEFUL, it’s necessary to acknowledge reality and then acknowledge progress that has been made. Otherwise, what would be defined as being ‘positive’ is just escapism. Nothing wrong with escapism. I love the, “dogs greeting UPS drivers” posts.
Load More Replies... Linda Mermaid 2 years ago
Many of these only affect one or two individuals. That’s great, but we need to see good things happening to A LOT of people. Like entire continents not starting wars.
l bee 1 year ago
You never know what starts with just one person. Could be a revolution? Of course, it might not be, but the older I get the more I'm an optimistic pessimist, not a pessimistic optimist.
Load More Replies... Monica Pryts 2 years ago (edited)
Quit following garbage media outlets and you won't see the clickbait, gossip, fake news, biased reporting, etc. You have to do your homework.
Vanja Vidovic 2 years ago
Finally some good news! We are bombarded with so much terrible news every single day that it's hard to endure it.
Chase Urso 2 years ago
I want to upvote this page a million times because it's so awesome and has made my day and prolly my week too.
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