Uplifting Stories
Please enjoy this long scroll of uplifting posts highlighting some of the most beautiful and resilient aspects of humanity that emerged as we collectively navigated the stormy waters of COVID-19.
With great thanks to conservation photographer, Morgan Rector who curated this blog from its inception through September, 2020. 🙏🏼
Photo from San Luis Obispo Tribune
Africa has been declared free from wild polio by the independent body, the Africa Regional Certification Commission.
Polio usually affects children under five, sometimes leading to irreversible paralysis. Death can occur when breathing muscles are affected.
Twenty-five years ago thousands of children in Africa were paralysed by the virus.
The disease is now only found in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
There is no cure but the polio vaccine protects children for life.
Photo from San Luis Obispo Tribune
Glenn Ohler is making our beaches even more beautiful with his sand art.
Inspired by his wife’s illness,
the Black Lives Matter
movement, racism, COVID-19, and the financial crisis, Glenn is staying balanced through art and moving meditation.
“I think my wife is right, love is the key.”
Photo from USAtoday.com
Finley now holds a Guinness World Record. For what, you ask? For holding the largest number of tennis balls in his mouth. This adorable pup managed to carry 6 tennis balls!
Finley began training to take on this seemingly impossible task when he was only 2 years old, picking up two tennis balls at a time. Four years later, he has worked his way up to 6 tennis balls!
Just last week, he was crowned as the new Guinness Book of World Record holder!
Photo courtesy of The Washington Post
10-year-old Chelsea Phaire has created 1,500 art kits for children in shelters and foster care during the pandemic!
Chelsea’s parents have commented that their daughter has always had a generous heart for others, and has always LOVED art. She wanted to spread her love of art to as many children as she could. With the help of her family, she has now sent her art kits to children in 12 states!
You are so inspiring, Chelsea!
Lilyana Roman, a 7-year-old from Manchester, U.K. decided to showcase her ukulele talents… to raise money for front-line workers! Truly heartwarming, check it out!
A recent survey on 2,000 American people has revealed that COVID-19 has sparked some promising revelations. While being forced to shelter in place, many Americans have reported that they have realized just how many resources they waste on a daily basis.
As a result, many have decided to make changes in their lifestyles to build a more sustainable lifestyle and future.
In such a devastating pandemic, we have been inspired by an overwhelming desire among a majority of the population to make a positive impact on humanity and our planet.
This doctor in Oregon decided to gather his coworkers to spread some joy… through dancing on TikTok! Thanks to this awesome doctor for keeping spirits high and spreading joy!
Matt long and his children, courtesy of BBC.
Aiming to spread hope and joy to their neighbors, Matt Long and his children decided to create a ‘hope board’! The board is a space for people in their community to share their hopes for after the pandemic!
Long explained that the board is a “symbol of hope,” for people in his local community. It now includes hopes from over 200 people!
Thank you for inspiring us, Long family!
Verge Aero and University of Pennsylvania teamed up last week to create an amazing message of encouragement and gratitude for the health care workers… IN THE SKY! They used drones to create their messages, and it was certainly uplifting to all who have seen it!
Kevin Procopio of Massachusetts, or “Papa Ken,” as his three grandchildren call him, figured out a creative way to deliver donuts to his grandchildren while maintaining social distancing guidelines. All of this kids were delighted to receive this gift form their grandfather, who they miss very much!
Thank you for spreading joy during this time, “Papa Ken!”
San Luis Obispo county residents have been creating their own ‘backyard’ sports! Check out these awesome kids showcase their talents horseback riding, playing basketball, football, and more!
People in Nashville, Tennessee lined up in their cars to celebrate their “Teacher of the Year,” while remaining socially distanced. The people shared their gratitude for this amazing teacher and his hard-work with signs, and a car parade!
This teacher sure has made an impact on his students, thank you Mr. Walls!
Photos by Morgan Marie Photography
Instagram @morgan.m.photo
While the human world has been turned upside down, for harbor seals, April and May is pupping season!! And boy are they cute…
This harbor seal pup is one of about 40 healthy newborns in Monterey, California this month! Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, and Point Lobos, (Monterey County) CA, are all home to harbor seals and their pups this season!
Aren’t they just precious?!
Image from padigear.com
Scuba, snorkel, and free dive company, PADI Gear has created MASKS MADE FROM POST-CONSUMER PLASTIC (recycled plastic)!
They’ve created an amazing product that tackles the problem of plastic pollution and addresses the need for masks during this time. PADI Gear is selling these masks at-cost, meaning they are making no profit off of the products.
Thank you, PADI Gear, for your incredibly innovative and environmentally friendly masks!
When taking out your trash can be the most exciting part of your day, why not make it FUN?
Originating in Australia, the trend has now swept across the world! People of all ages have been joining in on the fun and dressing up for themed-garbage bin runs!
Thanks to all of the wonderful people who brightened our day with their costumes!
Photo retrieved from KSBY.com
Thanks to Atascadero firefighters, San Luis Obispo ambulance, and Atascadero police officers, 7-year-old Gavin’s birthday was one to remember!
Gavin was greeted with a parade of police cars, ambulances, and fire engines honking their horns, driving down the Atascadero street where Gavin lives.
They even handed Gavin gifts from their cars, while of course, maintaining proper social distancing guidelines!
A beautiful reminder that a small act of kindness can have a BIG impact!
While people have been sheltering in place, animals around the globe have been enjoying the freedom from human activity!
In Phuket, Thailand, the number of sea turtle nests exceeds anything scientists have recorded in the past 20 years. Sea turtles in Florida are also reportedly thriving.
The increase in wildlife, decrease in air pollution, and decrease in other types of pollution may be able to provide vital information for conservation efforts for our planet, moving forward past this difficult time.
Ken Benbow, 94, slept with a photo of his deceased wife of 75 years every night. When a caretaker with a big heart at Thistleton Lodge, Mariah Tobin, noticed this, she decided to have a pillow made with Ken’s wife’s face on it. His response is one of the most heartwarming reactions we have EVER seen… you MUST watch it!
