The world is a scary place. We all know that. Every day, we witness heartbreaking stories of war, kids dying, and people losing their life-long possessions due to natural disasters, and we all grow a little bit sadder and fed up with the world. But then again, while scrolling through the endless doom of negative whatnots, you come across a random story of a pilot flying around the world to bring a lost toy to an 8-year-old, and then you feel better. It’s not all bad and sad, right? Think about it. Every day, people around the world are doing random acts of kindness to brighten someone else’s day.
We found five of these heart-warming stories that will make you say, “there are good people around the world.”
1. Airplane’s crew helps Broadway understudy get to the show just in time
All of us would unanimously agree that airlines often suck, and they don’t care about you and your plans when they delay or cancel flights. But, after reading this story, which seriously sounds like it’s straight out of a rom-com, you might change your mind.
Mikayla Renfrow, a Broadway understudy for Disney’s “Aladdin,” was returning from a European vacation with her boyfriend on a Delta Air Lines flight when she received a career-changing text from her show’s stage manager. The lead actor had fallen ill, and Renfrow, originally not scheduled to perform due to the delay in her flight, was urgently needed on stage.
Renfrow, who had been part of the company since April, faced a daunting challenge: her flight was still four hours from New York’s JFK Airport, with a 5 p.m. expected landing, and the show was at 7 p.m. In order to make it, she would need a magic carpet ride. And Delta gave her one… well, sort of. Renfrow’s story shared on TikTok, where it gained over 1 million views, began with a simple request to disembark first.
“That’s when it got crazy,” Renfrow said in the video. The flight attendant moved the panic-stricken actress to first class for easier exit and comfort, and the pilot offered a helicopter ride from JFK to ensure she made it on time. He even altered the flight’s gate for a quicker customs clearance.
Despite a slight delay, Renfrow caught her helicopter to Manhattan, and after a quick run and train ride, she made it to the theater just in time.
To add to this fairy-tale ending, Leisha, the flight attendant who orchestrated Renfrow’s timely arrival, attended the show. “Hearing her cheer me on… carried me through the whole thing. So that show was for her.” Renfrow told People.
2. A 106-year-old woman wins a $1K Jackpot While Celebrating Her Birthday — then the casino doubles it
Talk about a birthday to remember! Serafina Papia Peterson, or ‘Sarah’ as her friends call her, had a 106th birthday bash that’ll go down in the books. This sprightly Wisconsin lady hit the jackpot at the Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee, where she’s made her birthday spot for years. But this year, the centenarian had a stroke of birthday luck and hit the jackpot, winning over $1,000. Sarah, who has lived her entire life in the Milwaukee area, was in for an even bigger surprise when the casino decided to match her winnings.
“All of a sudden, we see ‘jackpot,” and we looked down, and she had pressed 400 by accident instead of 50, and the jackpot was over $1,000,” Sarah’s niece, Marge Larson, shared with WDJT-TV. The casino was buzzing with excitement as Sarah, surrounded by her family and balloons, lit up the room with her win.
“We’ve welcomed Sarah every year for her birthday and are grateful that she and her family celebrate with us,” the casino’s CEO, Dominic Ortiz, told ABC affiliate WISN-TV. “We were all elated when we heard about her big win and wanted to make her 106th birthday even more special.”
And it’s not just about the money. For Sarah, it’s about the joy of the moment. “I’m happy to win this money,” she told ABC affiliate WISN-TV. ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do with it, but I’m going to make a good choice.”
3. Boutique owner gifts $700 prom dress to high school senior
In a heartwarming story of kindness and fairy-tale moments, a boutique owner in Charlotte, North Carolina, turned a high school senior’s prom dress dream into reality. Summer Lucille, owner of Juicy Body Goddess, a boutique specializing in plus-size fashion, gifted a stunning $700 prom dress to 18-year-old Elyse Monroe, who had traveled six hours in search of the perfect gown.Lucille, who understands the challenges plus-size teens face when shopping for special occasions, shared her own experiences with Today “I went to my prom looking like a church lady in a suit dress with a jacket because it was the only thing that fit. It was a very sad period in my life. But I’m thankful for those experiences now.”
During Monroe’s visit, she was drawn to a sparkling purple gown priced at $700, well above her $400 budget. Lucille, touched by Monroe’s journey, gifted her the gown. “Don’t worry about the budget, we’ll figure it out,” Lucille had assured Monroe as she recounted to People. This random act of kindness was shared on TikTok, where it quickly went viral with over 14 million views. “Not only does it fit — but it makes me feel good about myself,” Monroe told Today. “Shopping is usually pretty stressful for me, which is why I mostly shop online — but we were laughing the whole time. It was actually fun.”
Lucille’s act of kindness has since inspired others, leading to over $12,000 in gift cards donated to her boutique, helping to continue her mission of empowerment and inclusivity.
4. 8-year-old raises more than $100,000 for his favorite waiter
Breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day. In a heartwarming story from Little Rock, Arkansas, 8-year-old Kayzen Hunter’s bond with his favorite Waffle House waiter, Devonte Gardner, led to an incredible act of kindness. Kayzen and his family, regulars at the Waffle House, always requested Gardner’s section, drawn by his friendly service and engaging chats, particularly over Kayzen’s favorite cheesy hash browns.
After the Hunters learned about Gardner’s difficult situation—his family had to abandon their mold-infested home, losing most of their possessions—Kayzen urged his mom, Vittoria, to start a GoFundMe to raise funds for a car for Gardner, who had been walking to work. Initially aiming for $5,000, the campaign quickly surpassed its goal, raising over $100,000.
This overwhelming support enabled Gardner to find a new apartment and pay a year’s rent upfront, with plans for a new car and savings.
Gardner, deeply touched, considers Kayzen a lifelong friend. “I’m really touched deeply by it all,” he said. Kayzen summed up his feelings to local station THV11: “It just feels good to help someone else.” This story of empathy and community support highlights the impact of small gestures and the big difference they can make.
5. Pilot reunites girl halfway around the world with lost doll
The Dominguez family’s return journey from Indonesia to the United States took a distressing turn when they discovered their 9-year-old daughter Valentina’s most cherished possession, her American Girl Truly Me Doll, specially designed to look like her owner and named Beatrice, was accidentally left behind on a plane during a layover in Japan.
“We checked our bags to see if maybe she was in there but we all remembered seeing her on the plane so once we did the search, didn’t find her, we called the airline and then we sent an email to the airline looking for her.” Valentina’s father, Rudy Dominguez, recounted the anxious moments to Good Morning America.
The family turned to Facebook in a desperate bid to find Beatrice. Their post unexpectedly reached James Danen, an American Airlines pilot based in Dallas-Fort Worth, who decided to find Beatrive and bring her home.
Danen managed to locate Beatrice at Turkish Airlines’ lost-and-found at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Regularly flying the Tokyo route, he brought Beatrice back, documenting the doll’s journey with photos to keep Valentina’s spirits up.
The emotional reunion was captured on “Good Morning America,” showcasing Valentina’s overwhelming joy and relief. “When she was missing, when we got settled into our hotel, I felt very bad. I felt like my heart was broken,” she expressed.
“It’s my nature. I like helping people … that’s just what I like doing,” Dean shared with WFAA-TV. “I was really glad I could do something nice for somebody.”
“I knew Beatrice was going to be mad at me,” Valentina told GMA. “But I was happy that I get to see her again.”
This story was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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Feeling down? These delicious foods could boost your ‘happiness hormone’
It turns out you really are what you eat.
Serotonin—”the happiness hormone—” is a chemical in our brain that regulates mood. Over the years, scientists have found that certain foods play a crucial role in increasing or this chemical that can make you feel happier.
From oranges to chia seeds, these 24 foods are great for boosting the happiness chemicals in your brain.
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Bananas are not only loaded with potassium, but they also contain a powerful amino acid, tryptophan(TRP), which acts like a mood stabilizer and helps in boosting serotonin levels.
This mighty fruit can also turn a frown upside down because it’s a good source of B vitamin folate.
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Feeling beat? Try eating beets. Beets are a great source of betaine,which promotes serotonin production in the brain. Beets also contain folic acid.
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Cracking some shells in the morning is a great way to get your mood on the “sunny side up.” According to many studies, eggs are great mood regulators.
Eggs are packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc, vitamin D, folate, and iodide, which are known to improve the health of brain cells and contribute to feeling more energetic and stable.
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According to research by Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, berries contain nutrients that have the chemical similarity to valproic acid — a prescription mood-stabilizing drug. Berries also contain flavonoid anthocyanidin, which reduces inflammation and promotes the production of serotonin.
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The protein-packed whole grain has been enjoying its time in the limelight recently. And there is a good reason why. According to a 2010 study in the Journal of Neuropharmacology, quinoa contains a flavonoid known as quercetin, which has been shown to have mood-improving effects.
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Oysters already have a reputation for purportedly being an aphrodisiac. As it turns out, they’re also great for boosting your mood north of the navel. Oysters are loaded with iron, potassium, magnesium, and omega-3s. Oysters are also chock-full of zinc, and according to a study in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, low levels of zinc have been linked to anxiety.
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This tropical fruit might lift your spirits when you have the winter blues. Coconut is loaded with medium-chain triglycerides fats known to promote the production of serotonin in the brain. According to a joint study by SUNY Albany and Yale researchers, coconut also has a neuroprotective effect.
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Greek yogurt contains higher levels of calcium than milk or regular yogurt. And calcium works miracles in fighting the grumps and grouches. Studies show that low calcium levels are linked to impaired memory, irritability, and slow thinking. Greek yogurt is also loaded with protein, which will keep you full and energized.
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It turns out that the warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you eat chocolate is scientifically backed up. According to a study by the British Pharmacological Society, cocoa contains flavonols that boost cognitive performance and improves blood flow to your brain. According to a study in the Journal of Proteome Research, dark chocolate is also a great source of antioxidants and reduces the stress hormone cortisol.
But chocoholics should keep in mind that only dark unsweetened chocolate has these benefits, as other cocoa-based sweets are packed with sugars and unhealthy fats, which are often bad news for your health.
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An apple a day can keep the blues at bay. According to the British Journal of Health Psychology, eating fruits like apples regularly creates more energy, produces a soothing effect, and boosts overall happiness.
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Now we have the answer to why the millennials are more relaxed than other generations. It’s because of their invention — the almighty avocado toast. A 2020 study found that avocados contain healthy fats that reduce anxiety. But that’s not all — choline, which regulates your nervous system and mood —is found in abundance in the creamy fruit. Avocados are also rich in vitamin B, which has been linked to reducing stress levels.
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One of the most important nutritional components in pumpkin seeds is tryptophan, an amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain. Tryptophan can also help you sleep better at night and wake up refreshed in the morning.
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Wondering why Popeye is one jolly sailor? It is from all the spinach he eats. According to the Journal of Physiology, spinach is a great source of folic acid, which reduces fatigue. Spinach is also a powerful source of iron, which is essential for feeling energized and vibrant.
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According to a study in the journal of Pharmacological Research, omega-3 fatty acids in salmon can reduce inflammation throughout the body, and improve mood.
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Whether mushy, frozen, or fresh, peas can make you happier. A great source of iron, peas can also keep you energized.
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Chicken dinner might be a winner for getting you in a good mood. Chicken is rich in nutrients like zinc, B6, and potassium. A study conducted at the University of Adelaide and Queen Elizabeth Hospital found that eating a high-protein diet, such as chicken, improved self-esteem in women.
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Apricots are mighty weapons for battling a lousy mood. Studies have linked these stone fruits with increased production of serotonin in the brain due to their high vitamin C and beta-carotene levels.
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A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are also loaded with mono- and polyunsaturated fats that promote heart health. A study at the University of New Mexico
found that young men who consumed a half-cup of walnuts each day saw significant improvements in their moods within eight weeks.
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As a nutrition powerhouse, lentils are loaded with B-6, protein, and complex carbohydrates and can help promote the production of serotonin in the brain.
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We all know that millennials turned the leafy green veggie into “celebrity food.” But we didn’t know kale is more than just a food trend. A single cup of kale contains a full day’s worth of Vitamin C, B-6, iron, and potassium, all of which are great for increasing serotonin levels.
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Magnesium is scientifically proven to boost serotonin, and beans are chock-full of this nutrient. The tiny but mighty legumes are also loaded with happiness boosters like antioxidants, fiber, iron, copper, and zinc.
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Feeling blue? Try oranges. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a link between vitamin C and mood. According to the study, citrus consumption reduced the risk of mood-related disorders by up to 18 percent in women who consumed two or more servings a day.
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Whether you use them in a smoothie, oatmeal, or dessert, chia seeds can boost happiness. They are packed with omega-3s which are great for serotonin production and improving brain function.
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The yellow spice is more powerful than you previously thought. According to ethnobotanist Chris Kilham, turmeric contains curcumin, which has been shown to boost mood.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed
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