10 Reasons to Feel Hope This Week

Maybe it’s the winter blues. Or maybe it’s the news, filled with talk of a scary virus and daily heaps of political drama. For whatever reason, some of us are feeling a bit fearful and down lately. Hope, on the other hand, is really healthy, so with that in mind, here are 10 reasons to feel uplifted.

Go, Mamas!

Nine new North-Atlantic right whale calves have been born so far this season, reports NOAA. The right whale is one of the most endangered types of whale, with only about 400 left, so every baby is critical to avoiding extinction.

Inspiring Heroes

The Maryland State House has unveiled life-size bronze statues of abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. “A mark of true greatness is shining light on a system of oppression and having the courage to change it,” ABC News quoted Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, the state’s first black and first female House speaker, as saying. “The statues are a reminder that our laws aren’t always right or just. But there’s always room for improvement.”

Going Greener

The mayor of Paris announced she will make the city 100-percent bike friendly by 2024. Anne Hidalgo made the announcement as part of her work to make Paris’ transportation more eco-friendly. She is also promoting walking and public transport options.

Caring Vegans

A record-high 400,000 people worldwide participated in Veganuary. Run by a UK-based vegan group, Veganuary asks people to pledge they will try a plant-based diet for the month of January, in support of better human health, animal rights, and earth-friendly food sourcing.

(Want to try a vegan dish? This portobello bourguignon is amazing!)

Golfers Rejoice

A new study found that older adults who enjoy playing golf at least once a month had a lower risk of death compared to non-golfers. While the exercise is low intensity, it increases social interaction, reduces stress, and encourages relaxation. What we want to know is: Does putt-putt count, too? Because mini-golf sure involves a lot of laughter!

(If you do not care for golf, another healthy option is to take a nature pill every day.)

Plants with a Past

A few ancient seeds have turned out to be viable, resurrecting a yummy type of date that had previously been lost to the sands of time. Scientists in Israel used 2,000-year-old seeds to grow Judean date palms. The fruit was known in the ancient world for its sweet flavor, large size and long shelf life, but had died out. The new plants are being grown from seeds that came from three archeological sites in the Judean desert, reports Inside Science.

Cute Babies!

Gerber is on the hunt for a new spokesbaby. Parents and other loving caretakers can enter photos of that super adorable little face in their life, here.

Comfort Food

The Food Network has a list of 33 of the country’s best burritos, which means that no matter where you are located, you are probably within range of a decent burrito. Whether that means ordering a newer style, like a sushi-inspired burrito, or something more traditional and authentically Mexican, is up to you.

Home for Pets

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi vowed to pay the adoption fees for all of the dogs in a local shelter if his team won the Super Bowl. The Chiefs won, Nnadi paid the adoption fees as promised, and all 109 dogs from the KC Pet Project in Kansas City quickly found forever homes. Chef Rachael Ray helped out, too, giving each of the adopted dogs a year's supply of free pet food.

Cream Puffs and Smiles

The world’s oldest living man, 112-year-old Chitetsu Watanabe of Japan, reportedly loves desserts such as custard and cream puffs. He shared in USA Today that the secrets to living well are “Don’t get angry” and “keep a smile on your face.” (And cream puffs.)

Want more? Read about the habits of hope.