As we all prepare to step into a new week and continue on the mindfulness journey we’re taking together, we at Nice News want to create space to ponder what it means to walk through life with gratitude — consistently giving thanks for the beauty and goodness around us. You may have heard that gratitude can have tangible and transformative effects; in fact, there isn’t room enough in this edition to list all the benefits. Studies suggest that gratitude can help you sleep, eat, and feel better, and that the simple act of writing down three things you’re thankful for each day can improve your health. But while it’s easy to acknowledge the advantages, we don’t always take the time to build the habit, especially when we’re experiencing negative emotions. To help you take that step, consider this your extra encouragement to begin regularly practicing gratitude. If you get stuck, here are 492 things to be grateful for, including the warm morning sunshine, the kindness of a stranger, and the breath in our lungs.
Many families have their own lore — oft-shared tales of ancestral kin who led incredible lives. For Julie Klam, those relatives were the four Morris sisters. All self-made millionaires, one sister is known to have advised President Franklin D. Roosevelt while another romanced J.P. Morgan. Or did they? This is the “fascinating and funny true story” about a family history that may be more fiction than fact.
What’s better than watching lion cubs, newborn seals, and toddling young elephants learn the way of the world? Listening to Helena Bonham Carter’s soothing voice narrate the action as you do. Wild Babies is a docuseries, so in addition to heartwarming moments, be prepared for an honest look at some of nature’s harsh realities. That said, the level of cuteness is truly off the charts.
In 1981, David Bowie and Queen combined creative forces to write and record what would become an anthem for the ages: “Under Pressure.” This year, the “biggest rock band on Earth,” Rockin’ 1000, performed an amazing cover of the hit song as part of a two-hour concert in Paris. All 1,000 musicians sang and played together, a moving display of harmony in every sense of the word.
As we mentioned in Wednesday’s edition of Nice News, an exciting lineup of celestial events is in store for stargazers throughout September, and this free digital planetarium can help you make the most of what you see. Enter your location or point your phone at the sky using the app to identify and learn about stars, comets, constellations, planets, and more, all in real time.
These gorgeous notebooks aren’t just easy on the eyes — they’re also eco-friendly, made with 100% post-consumer-waste recycled paper and printed with soy ink. Browse the vast selection of artistic and colorful designs to find your favorite (or favorites, more likely). We think it’s the perfect medium to begin a new gratitude journal.
If you’re a candle fanatic, you’ll love this fun find. Hand-poured and crafted in London, cent.ldn’s unique wax creations are designed for household decor. Choose from incredible representations of real objects, or if you’re feeling extra fanciful, go the bespoke route and bring your own design to life, including a custom scent. Order from the U.K. or check here for a retailer near you.
Have memories of begging for a taste of cookie dough before a batch went in the oven? Doughp, which was featured on Shark Tank, has created flavored cookie doughs that can be eaten raw or baked into warm, gooey treats. Even better, the company is “committed to reducing the stigmas around mental health & addiction,” and a portion of each sale supports a nonprofit recovery charity.
*Recommendations are independently selected by our team but may result in a commission to Nice News which helps keep our content free.
Video of the Week
A bustling street in downtown San Antonio, Texas, comes to life in this restored and colorized footage from the 1940s. With multiple camera angles, there’s so much history to soak in. From the cars and buses to the clothing and hairstyles, you’ll be transported back in time — and the added sound design makes for an even more immersive experience. Enjoy poring over the vintage signage and spotting different groups of friends and families going about their days. (Credit: NASS / YouTube)
I recently fractured several vertebrae in my spine and can only walk short distances. On a recent trip from Seattle home to Milwaukee, my wife and 8-year-old granddaughter were pushing my wheelchair and dragging our luggage. It was an unusually long distance to the gate, and they were struggling up a small incline. A woman asked if she could help, and with her help, we made it to the gate. She hurried off to her own gate before we could really thank her for this simple but meaningful act of kindness.
Les B.
Have you witnessed something inspiring? Click here to submit a story.
Challenge
Send a Thank You Note
In addition to taking stock of all you’re grateful for this week, put your appreciation into practice and send (or hand deliver) a thank you note. It could be for something simple, like your local barista making you the perfect pumpkin spice latte each morning, or something more impactful, like a good friend supporting you when you needed it most. For inspiration, check out author Gina Hamadey’s experience writing a daily thank you card in what she dubbed her “year of gratitude.”
Quote of the Day
“This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.”
