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Joy

10 things that made us smile this week

Upworthy's weekly roundup of joy.

Annie Reneau

05.06.22

Upworthy/Instagram (Via lunaanddiogi on Tiktok), Music Crowns/Facebook

Looking for a reason to smile? Look no further.

Hey there, fellow passengers on this thrill ride!

Are we having fun yet? I don't know about you, but I keep finding myself wanting to yell, "SOMEBODY STOP THIS THING—I WANNA GET OFF!" All of these ups and downs and roundy rounds are making me queasy, I gotta tell you. And that last drop was a doozy.

While we're wondering what lies on the other side of the next climb or around the next corner, let's close our eyes and take stock of what else is happening. Smell the buttered popcorn and funnel cakes in the air. Feel the warm sun on our face and wind in our hair. Be grateful for the friend in the seat beside us, holding our hand as we scream on the descents and laugh on the straightaways.

We can't control or predict everything. But we can choose to find some good amid the chaos.

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Heroes

Michael Sheen explains why he decided to become a 'not-for-profit' Hollywood actor

Heather Wake

12.10.21

commons.wikimedia.org

Welsh actor Michael Sheen.

It’s one thing to make it to the top. It’s another to help others up as well.

Michael Sheen has already gifted the world something really special. His long list of acting credits include some bona fide iconic characters. Even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ll know the face. Seriously, this guy has been in everything.

If Sheen’s incredible talent isn’t enough to make you love him, his compassion and generosity will certainly win you over. He recently revealed that he will no longer be earning profits from his acting work, and will use that money to support others.

“I’ve essentially turned myself into a social enterprise, a not-for-profit actor,” he explained in a recent interview with The Big Issue.

“I’ve realized in the last few years that I want to be one of those people who help other people the way so many people helped me…I’m at the stage of my life and career where I have a window of opportunity that will probably never be this good again. I’m able to get people in a room, I can open doors. I don’t want to look back and think, I could have done something with that platform. I could have done something with that money.”

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Family

10 things that made us smile this week

Annie Reneau

10.01.21

@getthebagcoach/Twitter, @buitengebieden/Twitter, @upworthy/Instagram

Need a break from the doom and gloom headlines? Of course you do. We all do.

Here's this week's round-up of fun, joyful, uplifting things to bring some peace to your heart and a smile to your face.

1. This mom sent a photocopy of her phone in the mail, which prompted a flood of endearing tech fail stories.

It's hard to call these stories "tech fails" when they're so fabulous. They're more like time capsule stories that remind us of the incredible advances our elders have seen during their lifetimes. Read them here.

Today I received in the mail a letter from my mom. It was a photocopy of her phone-she wanted to share a picture th… https://t.co/XZxDACpfrl
— Marti Woolford (@Marti Woolford) 1632522207.0

2. A mom turning 50 next month shows off the skateboarding skills she's worked on for the past nine years.

How many people pick up a sport like skateboarding in their 40s? This is just awesome. Go, mama, go.

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Heroes

10 things that made us smile this week

Annie Reneau

08.27.21

AFL Women's/Twitter, Instagram,Mary Katherine Backstrom/Facebook

As we digest this week's heavy news, it's vital that we all balance our media consumption with uplifting and inspiring content. Doom-scrolling is a quick way to slip into despair, so we're here to offer some joy-scrolling to lift your spirit.

Here are 10 things that can help bring a smile to your face as you wrap up your week:

1. A photographer captured the innocent joy of an Afghan girl skipping across the tarmac after landing safely in Belgium

It's hard to find uplifting news surrounding the tragic events in Afghanistan, but this Reuters image of an Afghan girl skipping across the tarmac with her family after being evacuated to Belgium offers a glimpse of hope and a reminder of what freedom means to those who are fleeing Taliban rule. A little beam of light in the darkness.

A girl skips across the tarmac as people evacuated from Afghanistan arrive at Melsbroek Military airport in Belgium. https://t.co/wrW0CRpiC0
— OSINTtechnical (@OSINTtechnical) 1629903556.0

2. This martial arts instructor took forgiveness to a whole new level after kids broke his studio window.

"To the kids that threw the rock at my window & shattered it, I was a wild kid too, and I forgive you," they wrote in a note. "If you want to learn how to channel your anger, I will train you for FREE. I will help you." Signed, Warrior Poet.

Warrior Poet indeed. What a beautiful example of the best of humanity.

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Upworthy's weekly roundup of joy.

May we all be as jaunty and jovial in our later years as this awesome auntie.

The future of medicine is bright, indeed.

Little boy sees his mom coming down the aisle and adorableness ensues.

A boy in Kansas sent off a note attached to balloons. A man in Quebec found them.

This boys' school marimba band is nothing but sheer joy.

Blue Jays fan caught a homer and immediately gave it to a young Yankees fan.

No idea who this guy is but he's amazing.

Kitten discovers a sun beam.

Gamer's girlfriend surprises him with a visit from an online friend he's had for 10 years.

This chipmunk's reaction to tasting an almond for the first time.

1. This mom sent a photocopy of her phone in the mail, which prompted a flood of endearing tech fail stories.

2. A mom turning 50 next month shows off the skateboarding skills she's worked on for the past nine years.

3. You think it's just a baby goat noshing on some berries, but then you see its companion.

4. This fussy baby lights up at hearing Rick James, and who can blame her really?

5. Kids and music are always a winning combo. These second graders dancing just proves it.

6. Old folks dancing is pretty delightful, too.

7. A new insulin that doesn't need refrigeration is a game-changer for people with diabetes.

8. Supermarkets in the Netherlands are adding "chat checkouts" for lonely people.

9. Rainbows are actually full circles and my mind is blown in the best way.

10. If you're still searching for some zen, these dolphins ought to do it.

1. A photographer captured the innocent joy of an Afghan girl skipping across the tarmac after landing safely in Belgium

2. This martial arts instructor took forgiveness to a whole new level after kids broke his studio window.

3. Elementary teacher perfectly illustrates fairness in a simple lesson using Band-aids.

4. Speaking of great teachers, Mr. Monroe and his therapy dog, Nala, are lighting up TikTok with empathy demonstrations.

5. Isaac Kearney might just be the best lip synch artist you've ever seen.

6. This bird actually can sing and pianist Kevon Carter adding some accompaniment to it is just sheer delight.

7. 11-year-old drummer Nandi Bushell finally got to perform live with Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters.

8. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson surprised a tour group in his neighborhood and I'm not sure who got more joy out of it.

9. Speaking of wholesome fun, this great aunt giving Australian football a go is definitely smile-worthy.

10. Want to see sheer, unadulterated joy? Watch Walter the Golden Lab book it down to the ocean in Sicily.

BONUS: You want the SOUND UP on this one, I promise.