2014 was a tough year for some of us. With all the troubles in the world, combined with our own personal issues, it can often seem like the world is getting worse. It’s exhausting and depressing, and trust us, we totally know how you feel.
Luckily, we got to see a number of bright spots this year, too. They reminded us that the world, for all it’s problems, can still be a good place full of good people (and animals) doing good things. Here were some of our favorites. They include random acts of kindness, as well as people turning struggles into something beautiful.
1. Being responsible
share
Everyone knows that litter is bad for the Earth, including this elephant. A security camera captured it
being a responsible citizen and disposing of garbage properly.
2. Getting a new start
share
A stray dog in India was badly injured in an accident. Luckily, he was found and cared for, and was able to
make a full recovery. He even found a loving home with one of the rescue workers.
3. A crusade of kindness
share
When a high school student became the victim of bullying, she decided to react–with kindness. She wrote
sweet, uplifting messages on Post-Its and attached them to her fellow students’ lockers. This one says, “Your [sic] a sprinkle cupcake in a world full of muffins!”
4. Being a real neighbor
share
A severe snowstorm trapped this man in his house and caused him to miss life-saving dialysis treatments. His neighbors teamed up and
shoveled him out, helping him get to the hospital and saving his life.
5. Using gifts for good
share
Olive Garden offers a “never-ending pasta” deal that gets buyers 7 weeks of all-you-can-eat pasta for $100. Matt Tribe realized he could use that to do some good, and so he used his pasta pass to
distribute food to the less fortunate in his community.
6. Inspiring generosity
share
When Raleigh Callaway needed a kidney transplant, his daughters took to Facebook with a
sign asking for support. The image reached Chris Carroll, who was a perfect match.
7. Making memories…for everyone
share
3D printing is making huge strides in fabrication, but it can also bring simple joys. Company Pirate3D created a way to
render family photos in three dimensions, allowing blind people to be able to relive memories in a whole new way.
8. Helping out the little guy
share
He was going to swim in the frozen lake anyway, but on this day, this daring swimmer also managed to
rescue a duck trapped beneath the ice.
9. Healing one another
share
A hospitalized man just wanted to see his dog one last time when he took a turn for the worse. The two were
reunited, and when they were, something amazing happened: they both got better.
10. Getting a second chance
share
Lots of animals lose limbs due to accidents and illness, but medical technology can give these creatures
another chance to enjoy life.
11. Helping your fellow creatures grow
share
This “
nanny dog” watches over new kittens at an animal shelter, helping them feel secure and learn to socialize with other animals. The dog also helps them get used to living with humans.
12. Showing your support
share
When her sister lost her hair to chemotherapy, this 7-year-old decided to
show her solidarity by having her head shaved as well.
13. Making a dream come true
share
After being paralyzed in combat, this groom decided he was going to
dance on his wedding day no matter what. He surprised his bride with a harness that allowed them to share a very special first dance.
14. Fulfilling one last wish
share
The only thing this woman wanted before passing away was to see the ocean one last time. And she
got that wish.
15. Honoring your community members
share
When they learned she had only months to live, 17-year-old Lynzee Ford’s schoolmates and family banded together to give her the fullest life possible, including
staging an early graduation so she could experience the milestone.
In case you don’t feel better yet, there are many more good deeds and heartwarming stories out there!
