👋 Hey, dear readers! Good to have you back. I am not sure if you heard, but there’s been a really big event this week. Yes, that’s right - it was World Merlot Day yesterday🍷. So, if you’re reading this after work, grab a glass and share in some heartwarming headlines, feature stories and videos to boost your mood (and unwind after a whirlwind few days).

Let’s jump right in with the good stuff…

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Happy Headlines of the Week 📰

It’s not all doom and gloom out there. Here’s some positive news items from publications around the world.

🔬 In a world first, scientists reprogrammed a woman's fat cells to become insulin-making beta cells, reversing her type 1 diabetes.

🍬 'It's overwhelming.' Kids leave candy for family on Halloween after noticing sign about son's hospitalization

🎄 A symbol of resilience and hope: White House Christmas tree chosen from North Carolina area hit hard by Hurricane Helene.

🎤 Watch the moment boy sings 'I'm Still Standing' after coming round from heart surgery.

👏 USDA to eliminate school meal ‘junk fees’ for low-income families.

🌴 Hawai‘i Gets $9.1M Boost for Forest Restoration.

❤️ Neighbours of deaf girl, 6, learn sign language so she can trick or treat for first time.

The Weekend Long Read ☕

Discover Part 1 of Sebastian’s incredible - and moving - adoption story.

All He Ever Wanted Was A Family… And Then He Got The Call He’d Been Hoping For

The moment Colombian orphan Sebastian first heard the voices of the American family he'd spent the summer with remains etched in his memory. But even more unforgettable was the moment those same voices asked him to become part of their family forever, changing his life in an instant.

JoBen and Amanda Barkey, from California, USA, saw a social media post about Kidsave.org while they were on vacation and knew immediately they wanted to adopt Sebastian, 11.

While working through the process, the couple discovered they could host Sebastian in their home for five weeks with their four children Asher (9), Judah (8), Mishayla (5) and Jameis (4).

Under Colombian hosting/adopting rules, they weren’t allowed to tell Sebastian they were hoping to adopt him – rules that they followed explicitly.

However, that meant they also couldn’t tell their own children because they knew it would be too hard of a secret to keep while Sebastian was staying in their home in the U.S.

But just a few weeks later, JoBen and Amanda recorded the moment they broke the news to their kids that they were going to be adopting their friend – news they were ecstatic to hear…

A cloned black-footed ferret gave birth for first time ever this week in Colorado…and her fur babies are simply the cutest 🩷

Quick Lifts 😃

The latest heartwarming human interest stories from Happilynews.com.

A Name-sake Surprise Brings Happy Tears! 😭💖

A woman thinks her sister is joking when she reveals her newborn daughter's name... but the tears start flowing when she realizes it's true!

Bride's Touching Tribute to Stepdad 👰‍♀️💖💖

A bride and her dad had an awesome surprise in store for her stepdad - who had raised her from a young - with a beautiful gesture that shocked not only the stepdad but all the guests, too.

"They're HERE?!" Grandma's Surprise Video Call Reunion 👵💖

While on a video call with her grandkids, this grandma slowly realizes they're not just on screen... they're in her house!

As the holiday season approaches, why not buy family or friends (or yourself) some gifts from our store and help fund our mission to spread positive news worldwide?

As a Smileworthy subscriber, use EOS24 at checkout for exclusive discounts 👇

Live Life Happily 😃

Tips from experts in their fields on how to live a happier, healthier life.

Unlocking Your Potential with The 7 Habits 🚀

Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels but not getting anywhere? This week, we're diving into Stephen Covey's classic self-help book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," to uncover timeless principles that can help you become more productive, purposeful, and fulfilled.

What are the 7 Habits All About?

This isn't about quick fixes or life hacks. It's about building a foundation of character and integrity that empowers you to achieve your goals and live a life of meaning. Covey introduces seven interconnected habits that, when practiced consistently, can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on Character: True effectiveness starts from the inside out. Develop your character and integrity before focusing on outward achievements. Do this by identifying areas where you can take more initiative and responsibility.

• Take the initiative: Be proactive and take responsibility for your life. Don't wait for things to happen; make them happen. Visualize your ideal future and set goals that align with your values.

• Prioritize: Define your goals and values, then focus your time and energy on what truly matters.

• Seek Win-Win Solutions: Approach interactions with a collaborative mindset, seeking solutions that benefit everyone involved.

• Listen First: Truly understand others before trying to make yourself understood. Try to practice active listening and empathy in your conversations.

• Synergize: Collaborate with others to achieve more than you could alone. Find opportunities to collaborate with others and leverage their strengths.

• Renew: Continuously invest in your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Make time in your schedule for that run, social meet-up or hobby.

Go deeper:

Before You Go…A Serotonin Booster* 📺

*Studies show that watching cute, heartwarming videos can boost your mood. So sit back and start your weekend positively!

This dad has finally figured out the hack to getting your little one to sleep…

P.S. Fancy spreading some extra sunshine? ☀️ Your support helps us keep the good vibes flowing and brings these heartwarming stories to life. If you're feeling the Happily spirit, why not buy our team a virtual coffee? ☕ It's like a warm hug for our hearts, and it fuels our mission to share the best of humanity with you. Just click here to show your support! buymeacoffee.com/happily