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Joy

10 things that made us smile this week

Upworthy's weekly roundup of joy

VanVan on Instagram, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick singing, sleepy dog and cat

So much delight in this week's roundup of joy

Did you know that "happify" is a real word? It sounds like a cute, made-up slang term of some sort, but according to the Oxford English Dictionary, it's been in use since at least 1612.

As one might guess, "happify" means "to make happy." And that's what our weekly roundup of joy is all about—happifying you, dear reader.

This week's list of delights includes some moving moments of kindness, some genuine human goofiness, some awesome animal encounters and more. (I mean, we've got Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick and a kazoo—what else do we even need?)

Hope these finds happify you. Enjoy!


1. Cat 'massages' an old, blind dog and it's the sweetest thing

Mutual needs being met. And how about that little kiss in the middle there? Too sweet.

2. A reminder that a little human kindness can go a long way

The courtesy of the customer's apology for ordering so late, the kindness and generosity in the response of the employees—these are the small but meaningful interactions that create a better world. (Scroll through for the whole story.)

3. Woman is approached by cops for what looks like a body in the trunk of her car

@classy_melita

#rvp #wig #hilarous #icantmakethisup #police #policeoftiktok #embarrassing #blowthisup Police receive a call called that there was a body in my trunk.

The way the officer didn't make assumptions but gave her the benefit of the doubt was great, but her reaction was hilarious. Read the full story here.

4. Kevin Bacon and wife Kyra Sedgwick celebrate the 4th of July in the best way

Could these two get any cuter? Read more about Kevin and Kyra's musical farm life here.

7. Three cheers for the people with no chill and no self-consciousness whatsoever

The fact that he asked and the fact that the other dad obliged. These are next-level beach dads.

6. Man does an impressively accurate impression of a Keurig brewing a cup of coffee

@devonthenatureguy

How’d I do? @Keurig #keurig #coffee #impression #americasgottalent #thrivingtalent

Close your eyes and imagine the smell of coffee brewing. Does this count as an ASMR video? Read the full story here.

7. Lil' Van Van and Snoop Dogg giving us all the pick-me-up affirmations we need

Excuse me while I put this on repeat.

8. Man puts together creative games to keep nursing home residents active and now we all want to move in

Yay for caring occupational therapists. How fun does this look?

9. Mama cow named Milkshake shows off her new baby to her owner

@thegoodplacefarm

#fyp #cows #babycow #farmlife #babygirl #heartwarming #crying #cutebaby #cuteanimals

Udderly precious. Good job, Milkshake. Read the full story here.

10. Because how could anyone not smile at this cozy scene

Ending this week's list the way we began it—dogs and cats living together, offering the absolute best example to us all.

Hope that happified your day! If you'd like to get these posts delivered to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter, The Upwortiest, here.

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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