ADVERTISEMENT

We are often bombarded with fear-mongering and shocking headlines that make us feel that the world is falling apart.

While it’s important to report problems and issues, I believe there is so much good in this world that just needs to be found and promoted. This is especially true after the last few years we have had with COVID, political, and social unrest, and seemingly more negative headlines than we care to count.

That’s why I started The Happy Broadcast and, this year, it's why I am so proud to announce WHOLE, the free happiness app. WHOLE is a culmination of what we started 4 years ago with The Happy Broadcast, a positive place filled with activities aimed at improving your mental health and happiness. We partnered with science to identify activities that are known to boost happiness, and then built them into a daily tracker that suggests simple things you can do to boost your mood.

Consuming positive news is one known activity that can boost your outlook and mood. We need more positive news to acknowledge that the world is actually getting better little by little. So, with that said, here are some of the top performing positive news illustrations from 2021.

You can find my previous articles about The Happy Broadcast on Bored Panda here (2020), here (coronavirus), and here (2019). And if you'd like to read about the good news in more detail and see the sources that I used, you can go to my website, here.

More info: Instagram | WHOLE

2020 and 2021 feel very much the same. The challenges facing the human family right now are big and scary and there’s no guarantee we will overcome ALL of them. But, as millions of people have demonstrated in the past 24 months though, action is possible, better solutions are available and a better future can be built. Science has really helped us overcome a pandemic but it is the people that have shown their kindness and love for one another.

One at a time, we can all make a positive impact. While I don’t want to be cynical and stop believing that the world can get better, I’m also not naive to think that the world can change if I don’t contribute. That’s why the future will be better if, instead of getting overwhelmed, we celebrate and get inspired by the millions of people that have shown us that we can all have a positive impact.

I’m always optimistic. Every year is better than the one before and even in the past couple of challenging years, there have been several silver linings. The new generations are becoming more and more aware that we need to advocate for a better future, and we need to do that fast. I see more and more kindness and more and more people acting selflessly to change what’s wrong and help whoever is in need.

ADVERTISEMENT

Even small acts of kindness towards the environment will, in turn, benefit all and I see that happening. That’s why I’ve built The Happy Broadcast, to highlight the selfless actions of many amazing human beings.

2021 has been a great year filled with hard work, fun, kindness, pizza, and dogs. I always have to keep my mental health in check, but that’s why I love to use my art as a beacon of positivity for me and the people that are kind enough to follow my projects.

The biggest challenge (and reward) has been the launch of WHOLE. After three years of hard work on The Happy Broadcast, I met Keith, who is now my partner in this amazing company that wants to become the one-stop source for happiness. We created WHOLE, an umbrella brand that included The Happy Broadcast and other projects focused on mental health and happiness.

Ultimately people are not seeking to be “meditators,” “mood trackers,” or “journalers,” they want to be happier. WHOLE is a brand, community, and all-in-one mobile app focused on delivering all the “spokes” of mental health training within a single app that guides users towards the ultimate goal of increased happiness. The first big milestone was the launch of our WHOLE app, now available in the App Store and Google Play Store.

ADVERTISEMENT

Our goal is very simple yet ambitious: To provide comprehensive solutions that increase the overall happiness of individuals while improving society as a WHOLE.

#7

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let’s hope it isn’t patented 200 times in order to keep costs out of reach

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

One of the best things I heard in 2021 involves an organization in Finland called Aktivistimummot, meaning “Activist grannies.” It’s a group pushing for environmental change that delivers a lot of information about climate change. Their aim is simple: to ensure their grandchildren have a safe and sustainable future.

It’s a great example of how we can all come together, despite our age difference, for the greater good of a sustainable and fulfilling life for everyone.

#10

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
ozzier3d avatar
Ozzie Ogawa
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not just the number of the trees but the species as well. They should plant not just native trees but natives plants as well. A healthy forest should be diverse, both genetically and species.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Last year, I told Bored Panda about how rough it was in 2020, what helped me keep my sense of direction and not get lost during the pandemic, and what new artists should keep in mind. I think that 2020 was definitely a rough year, but I’ve never seen so many great stories of human kindness like then.

Despite all the challenges, it looks like humanity understood how deeply we depend on each other and how much our mental health is central to everyone's recovery and well-being. Sharing good news is a joyful experience for all and also an important part of daily conversations.

There is so much good in this world that just needs to be found and promoted. Never forget that the reason why we have positive news to share is that some amazing and brave individuals did something to solve an issue that worries us all. So, one at a time, we can all make a positive impact. It's our time to BE the positive news.

#14

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
oshaunfisher avatar
Jerry Mathers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope they take it a step further and prohibit all goods by companies use shark fins in any product.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

One of the things that helped me through the pandemic was working on The Happy Broadcast and interacting daily with my community. Sharing good news is a joyful experience for all and also an important part of daily conversations. Also, baking bread and pizza had a huge impact on my sanity during lockdown.

ADVERTISEMENT

One of my favorite pizzas, besides the classic Italian Margherita, is pizza Bianca (which means no cheese and no sauce) topped, after being baked, with a cold mix of vegan feta, arugula, olive oil, salt, and fresh thyme. It’s very fresh and different from the usual pizza we eat at a restaurant, but I’m a creative person, so cooking is another avenue to express that.

Having a sense of purpose makes me feel less lost. I also try to not spend too much time on my phone scrolling through hundreds of posts and I turn my phone off before I go to bed. If I’m feeling blue, I put on some songs that make me want to play the air-guitar and the air-drums, like ‘Gloria’ by ‘The Lumineers.’

I've always loved doodling... especially things with cute faces because it's so relaxing, creative, and fun! I like the message more than the style, so I don’t spend a lot of time on an illustration. Most of my time is spent sketching all the ideas that float in my brain. My advice to young artists is not to focus on trends; focus on what you like to draw. 

ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We really don't need to keep people in dangerous underground slavery conditions, and allowing a very small number of people to control the supply and get rich on the backs of the workers, just for a tiny gemstone that can be safely replicated in a lab.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
wianjama avatar
Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to be a doozy, because it's admirable that we are capable of change if we set our minds to not using cfc's, but sadly CO2 emissions need to get down (which is a lot harder) to not undo that success in the long run. Bad news stinks of course so, see we can do it, go humans!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
juliajuhas avatar
JuJu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have a few hundred of these in Leipzig. And nobody gets stung.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
josy-b avatar
earloflincoln avatar
Martha Meyer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is already a progressive mosque in Berlin, the Ibn-Rushd-Goethe mosque which was founded by women's rights activist Seyran Ates, where men and women can pray together. But all the conservative Muslims hate it and she still gets death threats, so I can't see this House of One having any better luck.

Load More Replies...
michaelfuhry avatar
lyndagutierrez avatar
Lynda Gutierrez
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're all Abrahamic religions anyway, after all -- Christianity and Islam are just later "spin-offs" of Judaism.

assistanttodj avatar
Karis Ravenhill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like the temple at Petra? They theorized it was a mashup temple filled with all the deities and religions of all the tradesfolk passing through.

kelly_hartle avatar
Kelly Hartle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The more people are exposed to different cultures, the more it makes us all see that we're the same inside. Hopefully it will cause at least a little less hatred in the world.

robynross avatar
Robyn Ross
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The world needs togetherness not “otherness”. Bravo Berlin. ♥️

fleurmissaghian avatar
Fleur Missaghian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone could also go to the Baha'i temple in Frankfurt - which is open to all Faiths and none .

riccarter avatar
ric carter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What, no provision for Scientologists, Satanists, or Clapton worshippers? How constrained...

felyperennan avatar
Felype Rennan
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn that's an excellent and brave idea I mean, those 3 are basically one the "supposed follow-up" of the other they all have the same branching origins at some point they all intersect.

mofirst avatar
Monika Lachova
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

saw something similar in small village somwhere at Ruegen years ago.

tkwaryr avatar
Joanne Hicks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Omaha, Nebraska, a former Jewish country club has been redeveloped into a diversified campus that includes a retirement village, an apartment for those 55+, resturants, business offices, private homes and best of all three religious houses of worship. A synagogue, a protesant church, and a mosque each have thier own buildings; plus a tri-faith building for gathering and education. It's the only tri-faith campus in the US. The NY Times and other media have shared this success. It's not one building but the intent is to become friends and show respect of others viewpoints.

jonndie avatar
Jonny Chevalier
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

religion is like food.. same ingredients just cooked differently.

maggansmini avatar
Margareta Hagman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

good news, really?? a place of worship ! its 2021 now not the old age

anyone_3 avatar
Stephen Solar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a child (not saying when) there was one church in our area of Northern England and each denomination used it for worship according to their traditions. There were Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews and Sikhs, possibly others too. What a change from the current hatred that exists from some fanatics.

parkeanne avatar
a. parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could I suggest the addition of a teepee or something to represent indigenous cultures? First Nations' traditional eathbased spirituality is what our planet needs most.

parkeanne avatar
a. parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could I suggest the addition of a teepee or something representative of Indigenous cultures ? First Nations traditional earth-based spirituality is what our planet desperately needs.

gzoontjens avatar
Glenn Zoontjens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this idea- Judaism, Christianity and Islam all arose from a common belief system

laurenpotts avatar
Lauren Potts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Christian, I think this is what's it's all about, "love your neighbors" = tolerance!

boaventura_j_carlos avatar
Boaventura Carlos
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have something similar to this in Portugal. It's the "Templo Ecuménico Universalista de Miranda do Corvo".

adromir avatar
adromir
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um in the City of Hannover, we already have that.. It even includes Buddhism, Hinduism, Humanism and many more

helenanderson avatar
helen anderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is excellent! We can learn form one another about our religions! Understand there's really no big difference. We all believe in the same God (that is if one believes in a God)it doesn't matter what you call him Lord Yahweh or Allah. To me if one believes its the same God.

j_f_ avatar
J. F.
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not that optimistic about that, because one of the three religions doesn't seem to be open for such projects. (The leading council for muslims here in Germany is run by conservatives and turkish nationalists). Remains to be seen if that goes well or end in desaster

vyren avatar
Mindghost
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

jerrylaon avatar
julien
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

" simultaneum " or shared church : a term first coined in 16th-century Germany, is a church in which public worship is conducted by adherents of two or more religious groups. Such churches became common in the German-speaking lands of Europe in the wake of the Protestant Reformation. today there are still 50 simultaneum churches in Alsace, France

emmaking avatar
E
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sounds good but lots of hospitals and airports in the UK have multi-faith rooms that are used by all religions (they change the central symbol). Is this not the norm elsewhere? Or is the new thing that this has permanent large congregations?

alicorbo avatar
Gelato Cat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is an amazing concept but I feel as though it would be a hotspot for terrorist attacks

aboutyvonne avatar
Yvonne Thomas
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

As an atheist, churches should be taxed to pay for the homeless to get recovered into a life they deserve.

ryandeschanel avatar
Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

That's a tragedy waiting to happen. I am blaming nobody, but a lot of Jewish and Christian blood will be shed.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
nosyparkerisacat avatar
Stacy Parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe that Iceland, Sweden, Costa Rica, and Uruguay are part of that group. Not sure about the rest.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
elhulkova avatar
Romenriel
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very good, also helps with poverty that is endangering humans.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
alexia_1 avatar
Alexia
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here is a photo from the campaign. It was actually efficient, several dogs were adopted. It also produced some sweet moments, as some dogs woulnd't leave their humans' arms or would run away on the field :))) 646x528-61...b422a5.jpg 646x528-61b3513b422a5.jpg

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#34

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In short: Common sense! Nature has its pest control. Just make friends with it. (Yes, I am okay with snakes. One black ratsnake native to my area means you won't see rats, mice, or the venomous snakes!)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
elhulkova avatar
Romenriel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd like to see a source on this one, it would be awesome but I don't see how it could happen.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Add photo comments
POST
imatic86 avatar
ivan bolitekurac
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tbh,if it isn't durable i won't buy it.I have a leather jacket that is 10 years old and it is the same as the first day.I would call that a sustainable piece of clothing.Fake leather will have cracks after a few years so you need to buy new furniture/clothing

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Good News

thehappybroadcast Report

Note: this post originally had 112 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.