Good People: Stories From the Best of Humanity
Gabriel Reilich, Lucia Knell 2024
"There are so many good people in the world. Their stories may not dominate headlines or get a million clicks, but they matter, so much. Because stories of good people hold the power to change how we see each other, how we see the world, for the better." Upworthy
There is so much unhappiness in this world, which leads to even more bad behavior and deeper despair. But there are good stories out there happening every day. Stories of kindness, thoughtfulness and unselfish love that don't get mentioned on the news or social media because they are so small and fleeting.
Back in the 1980's, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen tried to make more of these stories public with the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. People would write in with inspiring stories and they would be edited and made into a book. These books grew from one single book to an entire series of books of various stories dealing with the human condition. Chicken Soup books are still being made today, and they are now being joined by a great group of British editors at Upworthy.
Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell have come out with their first book, Good People, that includes dozens of entries sent to them on their media platforms. These stories are a lovely and inspiring, and restore my belief in the goodness of humanity. (At least some of humanity.) This is a great book to read for short moments when you need a quick pick me up. It comes with illustrations and a variety of topics including the kindness of strangers, when I needed it most, and it's the little things.
We need more evidence that good works are happening and being greatly appreciated. I also recommend Upworthy's many online platforms to brighten your day. Here then is one of the many stories from Good People.
Do it for Peggy
Peggy was a train attendant, but I like to refer to her as St. Peggy, patron saint of smiles. I met her while visiting Toronto with my boyfriend. We took the train into the city, and Peggy was the attendant checking our tickets. After she clipped them, she stood and talked with us for a while. Every few sentences, she would smile or laugh, and immediately, we would smile and laugh too. I'm telling you, it was contagious.
We talked to her for less than 10 minutes, but I swear, she changed my life. I've never met someone whose presence struck me so strongly. She was joy personified. When the train reached our stop and we walked down the platform, we both glanced back. There she was, waving at us from the window, wishing us safe travels.
Since that day, my boyfriend and I have coining the phrase "Do it for Peggy" which we exclaim when we need to do something challenging.
Moving a mattress down the hallway? Do it for Peggy! Have to get a root canal? Do it for Peggy!
Headed to a family reunion, a funeral or the DMV? You know what to do. Do it for Peggy. See? You can't help but smile.
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