👋 Ready for your weekly dose of delight? This week, discover why kids in Japan are collecting grandpa trading cards (seriously!), cheer on an incredible mom graduating med school with her baby, and get inspired by a teacher running miles for her students' futures. Plus, find tips for your own relaxing staycation recharge.

Let's dive into the good stuff👇

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Happy Headlines 📰

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

🏃‍♀️‍➡️ She runs so her students can go to college – and she’s raised over $100,000 doing it

🙌 Man with cancer embarks on volunteer tour to all 50 states

💪 Police officer sets aside fear of heights to rescue child from roof

📚 Community joins together to move 9,100 books in a giant human chain to new home one by one

🐶 Dog leads missing toddler lost in Arizona wilderness to safety

🫎 Slow TV! Millions tune in to watch a 24-hour rolling livestream of Sweden’s great moose migration 📺 You can watch the stream here.

🐢 Beloved pet tortoise is reunited with its family weeks after disappearing in a Mississippi tornado

🪐 Student stuns astronomy world by discovering 1.5 million hidden space objects

🎖️ 100-year-old WWII veteran who hoped for 100 cards for his birthday receives over 1,700

⛰️ These national parks will still be free to visitors for National Park Week, despite funding cuts

Quick Lifts ❤️

Feel good stories from Happilynews.com guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Single Mom Who Struggled Taking Multiple Buses to Work Surprised With Car by Kids

Sonya Rivers, who had been commuting via seven buses daily, was left in tears at the sacrifice of her kids to get her a new car.

Mom Balances Pregnancy, Parenthood, and Med School—Then Walks the Stage With Her Baby

Adedamola Badewa juggled clinical rotations, newborn feedings, and final exams—then crossed the graduation stage with one child in her arms and another on the way.

Woman Turns Surprise 30th Birthday Party Into On-The-Spot Wedding

She flipped her surprise 30th birthday party completely on its head when she told gathered family members that she and her fiancé were getting married right there and then in their living room.

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Smileworthy Snapshots 📸 

A unique, sometimes quirky, but always eye-catching photo feature each week.

Japan's Most Wholesome Collectible Craze? Grandpa’s!

Forget superheroes and fantasy monsters – the hottest trading cards in one Japanese town feature… local grandpas! In Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, kids are eagerly spending their pocket money on "Ojimon" cards — a playful nod to Pokémon — dispensed from classic gacha capsule machines. But instead of fictional creatures, these cards showcase real-life elderly residents.

Each card features a smiling photo of a local senior, complete with their name, age, occupation or special skill – think "Master Bean Paste Maker" or "Expert in Local History." There are even fun, game-like stats for things like "Agility" and "Experience," plus charming personal details like hobbies or life mottos.

What started as a local project by a community group and a printing company, aimed at bridging generational gaps and celebrating the town's elders, has unexpectedly gone viral. Children are absolutely captivated, excitedly comparing cards and learning about the skilled, knowledgeable, and friendly older gentlemen living in their community.

The cards sell out almost instantly. And the featured "Ojimon" are reportedly loving the newfound local — and now international — fame it’s brought.

Support our mission to spread positive news worldwide while treating your loved ones- or yourself! - to some uplifting merchandise.

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Live Life Happily 😃

Exclusive Happily+ content. Here we share lifestyle, health, home improvement, food & drink and finance tips from experts in their fields on how to live a happier, healthier life.

Why a Simple Staycation Might Be More Relaxing Than That Big Trip You're Planning

When you have some time off approaching, perhaps you're thinking about a getaway? Breaks are wonderful, but sometimes the thought of travel stress – the packing, potential delays, and expense – can feel daunting. Often, we return home feeling like we need another holiday just to recover!

If that sounds familiar, maybe it’s the ideal time to embrace a simpler, yet still refreshing alternative: the Staycation. Staying close to home can be a fantastic way to rest and recharge, offering a real break without the usual travel fatigue, according to Dr. Chris Mosunic, chief clinical officer at Calm.

Why a Staycation Might Be Your Best Break Yet

Traditional holidays, while exciting, can involve complex logistics and pressure. A staycation lets you skip all that. Less stress means avoiding frantic planning and travel hassles, leaving more time to, you know, actually relax.

It's also easier on the wallet; savings on travel can go towards treats closer to home. Plus, there’s the undeniable comfort of your own bed, your favourite chair, and tea just the way you like it.

Staying home allows for genuine relaxation. Stripping away the 'must-dos' of travel lets you tune into what you truly need – perhaps quiet time, sunshine, or a good book. It provides the space for your nervous system to unwind in familiar, safe surroundings.

Crafting Your Relaxing Weekend at Home

How can you make time off feel special without leaving town? Consider exploring your own backyard. We all have local spots – museums, cafés, parks, walking trails – we keep meaning to visit. Use your break to see them with fresh eyes.

Another approach is to create a gentle theme for your days: perhaps a cosy reading day, a day for a favourite hobby or classic films, or even a mini "Spa Day" with a relaxing bath and soothing music.

Embrace comfort by making your living space a real nest. Gather soft blankets, prepare favourite snacks, and settle in for movies or quiet games. Focus on creating an atmosphere of ease.

And amidst it all, consider mindful digital disconnection. You don't need a total ban, but maybe turn off work notifications, designate phone-free periods, or delete a distracting app for the weekend. Even small pockets of unplugged time can significantly boost your sense of calm.

So, next time you need a break, remember the power of staying put. Give yourself permission to recharge close to home – your mind and body will thank you for the genuine rest.

For more health, wellness, money and home content to help you live life more happily, visit our website: www.happilynews.com

Before You Go…A Serotonin Booster* 📺

Navy Dad Surprises Daughters After 3 Years Apart 💗

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

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