At Inspirited Living we are supported this week by light. We know that for many people in the northern hemisphere the long nights and short days can feel heavy and dark. In this National Geographic story about Festivals of Lights, we feel supported by the reminder that all over the world and many different religious traditions light candles, put on light displays, and light bonfires to share joy, celebration, and hope for the return of the sun.
We are uplifted this week by this article from Berkley University showing how gratitude can change lives. In a series of studies with children, different researchers found that teaching about the components of gratitude had long term benefits in happiness for children aged 8-11. Gratitude and joy can be taught and it changed lives. Bundled in the lessons, the children also learned about empathy, appreciation, compassion, and consideration. Not bad for 30 minutes a day for one week!
Photo by Paul Crook on Unsplash
We are uplifted this week by how Spoonbills have recovered and thrived when given some attention, protection, and advocacy. These stunning birds are a photographer’s delight and a reminder of the resiliency of all living things.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
We are uplifted this week by this Sea Turtle story from The Smithsonian about how other creatures navigate the world. It’s tempting to think that everyone else has a plan, knows what they are doing, and travels in straight lines. It turns out sea turtles are just feeling their way intuitively, along with everyone else…
We are supported this week by the awe-inspiring and magnificent Monarch butterfly mass migration (trying saying that 3 times quickly!). In October, the Monarch butterflies—up to 4 generations—make their way to Mexico. As we understand more about vanishing habitats, our milkweed gardens, and wildflower meadows form part of a web of communities across Canada and the United States that protect Monarch butterflies. The butterflies arrive in Mexico in November, around the Day of the Dead celebration, in spectacular mass swarms.
We hope you enjoy the stories this week as much as we have enjoyed curating them!