Hi there.

Welcome to today's edition of The Good – a gentle pause in your day, filled with beauty, kindness, and inspiration.

What's good in your life? Hit reply and let us know. We read every email and love to hear about the good you experience.

To listen to an audio version of today's edition, check out The Good Podcast.

If this note was passed along to you, you can click here to subscribe.

A COMMUNITY AS SHELTER

After a rare winter storm swept through St. George, South Carolina, an unhoused man named Chris Brannon and his dog, Mowgli, were left shivering in the cold. Spotting icicles in Brannon’s beard, local resident Carlos Canales sounded the alarm on Facebook and within hours, the town rallied, raising enough money for a weeklong hotel stay and delivering warm meals, coats, and cash donations, according to CBS News.

More than 70 acts of generosity followed, including an EMT who donated a winter coat for Mowgli. The local motel manager added extra nights free of charge, and neighbors from all backgrounds stepped in without hesitation. For Brannon, the outpouring meant safety and a fresh start. For the town, it was something just as powerful: a reminder that even in hard weather, humanity shows up.

START SOMETHING THAT STICKS

Personal growth doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes it begins with just a few focused minutes each day. Learning a new language is a powerful way to challenge yourself, build confidence, and expand your world. With Babbel’s expert-designed lessons, you can start having real conversations in just 10 minutes a day—at a pace that fits your life.

During the Presidents’ Day Sale, enjoy 60% off a Lifetime subscription and unlock unlimited access to all languages—forever. No recurring fees. No pressure to rush. Just steady progress and a skill you’ll carry with you for years to come.

SAVE 60% ON BABBEL LIFETIME

Some ads are placed to help us keep The Good free and full of optimism. Thanks for supporting our mission to share a little more light each day.

A SANCTUARY IN EVERY SENSE

As temperatures plunged to dangerous lows in Green Bay, Wisconsin recently, one local animal rescue widened its circle of care. Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, known for caring for special-needs cats, opened its doors to unhoused neighbors when warming shelters reached capacity, offering a place to rest and warm up, according to Press Times.

With just two rules of being kind to each other and being kind to the cats, the sanctuary partnered with trusted community members to supervise overnight stays and ensure safety. Volunteers brought meals, blankets, and supplies, turning a feline-focused nonprofit into an emergency refuge. Compassion has room to grow when a community chooses to step up together.

A FOUR-LEGGED FIRST RESPONDER

A neighborhood dog is being celebrated after helping police find a missing 3-year-old in Louisville, Kentucky. Officers were searching on foot with drone and helicopter support when a barking dog persistently led them toward a nearby home, ultimately guiding them to the child, who was found frightened but unharmed inside a vehicle, according to Newsweek.

Bodycam footage shows the dog refusing to back down, circling officers and drawing them to the right spot. The toddler was quickly reunited with his family, and the Louisville Metro Police Department praised the four-legged friend who stepped in when it mattered most.

GRATITUDE AS A RESILIENCE SKILL

Saying “thank you” may seem like simple manners, but research suggests it does far more. Studies show that expressing gratitude out loud can calm the brain’s stress response, strengthen emotional regulation, and help people recover more quickly after setbacks, highlights Power of Positivity.

Neuroscience links spoken thanks to the brain’s reward system and its ability to shift out of survival mode. Over time, small, consistent expressions of appreciation help the mind anchor to stability instead of spiraling into overwhelm. It’s a gentle practice with measurable impact, reminding us that resilience can begin with two simple words.

Some ads are placed automatically to help us keep The Good free and full of optimism. Thanks for supporting our mission to share a little more light each day.

START AT THE CENTER

Feng shui experts say an answer to overwhelm might be closer than you think, at the very center of your home. Amanda Gibby Peters of Simple Shui calls it the home’s “motherboard,” and explains to mindbodygreen that this space influences the energy of every room and, in turn, your mindset. When the center feels cluttered or stagnant, it can unknowingly contribute to stress.

She suggests clearing and organizing the space, adding something living like a plant or fresh flowers to anchor calm and steadiness. Intentional sprucing in this central spot can carry outward, offering a steady reset for your home and mind.

SARANONI

Bamboni luxury plush XL throw blanket*

MRS. MEYER'S

Clean Day Pet Stain & Odor Fighter*

FENG SHUI MODERN BY CLIFF TAN

Tips from TikTok Sensation Dear Modern*

*We only share what we genuinely love. If you choose to shop through one of our links, The Good may earn a small commission. It won’t cost you anything extra and it helps us keep the goodness going.