👋 Welcome…is anyone else still feeling that Thanksgiving food coma? 😴 Whether you're rocking stretchy pants or ready to hit the Black Friday sales, we've got the perfect antidote: a heartwarming dose of Smileworthy stories to brighten your day.

This week, we’ve got Thanksgiving miracles, pregnancy pranks, geriatric cheerleaders, plus the science behind giving thanks this Holiday weekend.

Let’s jump right in…

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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.

🦃 Thanksgiving Miracle: Non-verbal man missing since 1999 reunited with family after sister spots his photo in news article

🦸 Dad who can’t swim rescues toddler when their car is engulfed with flood waters

🐋 Pod of up to 40 beached whales rescued thanks to gargantuan volunteer rescue effort

🕵️‍♀️ Two cops reunite 104 missing kids with their families in India

🧑‍🏫 University of Texas System announces free tuition for students whose families earn $100K or less

💕 Arizona grandma and stranger she mistakenly texted in 2016 celebrate spending 9th Thanksgiving together

Quick Lifts 😃

Heartwarming human interest stories from Happilynews.com guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

"She's Already Here!" Wife's Hilarious Baby Prank 👶😂

This wife's prank is next-level! She convinces her husband he missed the birth of their baby daughter, and his reaction is priceless.

97-Year-Old Cheerleader Still Got It! 👵🤸‍♀️

97-year-old former cheerleader reunites with her high school squad and shows off her moves.

Blind Sister's Dream Comes True with Taylor Swift Tickets 🎶🥹

Viral video captures the moment a blind sister is surprised with tickets to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

Those Thanksgiving leftovers won't last forever, but our Black Friday deals will disappear even faster!

Shop now and use our exclusive Smileworthy subscriber code MERRY15 at checkout for 15% off everything 👇

Live Life Happily 😃

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

The Science of Giving Thanks 🙏💖

As we bask in the warm glow of Thanksgiving, we're diving deeper into the transformative power of gratitude. It's not just about good manners; science shows that cultivating gratitude can significantly boost our well-being, both mentally and physically.  

Research by leading psychologists like Dr. Robert Emmons and Dr. Martin Seligman has revealed that gratitude can lead to a host of huge benefits.

😃 Increased Happiness. We all have those days when we feel like something's missing. But what if the key to happiness wasn't about getting more, but appreciating what we already have? That's the core message of Robert Emmons' book "Thanks!" He shows how gratitude can transform our outlook, helping us find joy in the everyday and embrace life with a renewed sense of purpose. So, next time you're feeling down, try shifting your focus to all the good in your life. You might be surprised at how quickly your spirits lift.

💪 Stronger Relationships. Ever feel that warm fuzziness when someone expresses sincere gratitude towards you? It's like an invisible thread that strengthens the bond between you. That's because gratitude is more than just a polite "thank you"; it's a powerful tool for deepening our connections with others. Studies have even shown that couples who regularly express appreciation for each other are more likely to build a fulfilling and lasting relationship.

💚 Improved Health. It's amazing how a simple shift in perspective can transform our health. Studies have shown a remarkable link between gratitude and improved well-being. Grateful people tend to sleep better, experience less stress, and even have healthier hearts. Feeling thankful can also lower inflammation in the body, protecting us from disease. And when we appreciate the good in our lives, we're more likely to make healthy choices that nourish our bodies and minds. 

🌱 Greater Resilience. Imagine facing life's toughest challenges with a sense of gratitude. It sounds almost impossible, right? But that's exactly what Sheryl Sandberg explores in her powerful book, "Option B." She shares how finding gratitude amidst unimaginable grief helped her navigate the loss of her husband and discover unexpected strength. And she's not alone. Research shows that even in the face of trauma and adversity, gratitude can be a guiding light, helping us heal, learn, and even grow from our experiences.

✨ Increased Self-Esteem: Ever feel bogged down by self-doubt? Gratitude can be a powerful antidote! When we take time to appreciate our positive qualities and accomplishments, it's like shining a light on our inner awesomeness. This not only boosts our self-esteem but can also help combat those negative thoughts that try to creep in. Studies even show that practicing gratitude can lead to greater happiness and reduced anxiety.

So, how do we cultivate more gratitude in our lives?

The great thing about gratitude is it's a skill you can develop with practice. Here’s some simple yet powerful ways to weave more gratitude into your daily life:

• Keep a Gratitude Journal: Take a few minutes each day to write down things you're grateful for.  

• Express Appreciation to Others: Tell the people in your life how much you value them.  

• Use Affirmations: Start and end your day with gratitude affirmations, such as "I am grateful for all the good in my life."  

• Practice Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment and appreciate the small joys in everyday life.  

• Savor Positive Experiences: Take time to truly appreciate and soak in the good times.

Go deeper and grab a copy:

Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert Emmons

Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being by Martin E. P. Seligman

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg

Before You Go…A Serotonin Booster* 📺

@abcnews

A curious cat wandered onto stage during a live orchestra performance at the 52nd Istanbul Music Festival. #turkey🇹🇷 #orchestra #catsoftiktok

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

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