I think we can all agree that 2020 has been quite the year. I’m talking garbage trash fire kind of year. Amidst the devastating news, exposed issues, and various crises, we could all do with a dose of positivity. So I’ve gathered a number of heartwarming, wholesome, good news that’s happened this year.
1. Tattletales from Tanqueray
View this post on Instagram
Brandon Stanton, the founder of Humans of New York, caused quite a stir when he shared Tanqueray’s story, where she talks about her experience as a stripper in the sixties. After their initial meeting, Tanqueray (real name Stephanie) shared her life story with Stanton, who planned to turn her tale into a podcast. But when Stephanie’s health worsened, he shared her stories over a 32-post series named “Tattletales from Tanqueray”, to raise money for her care and trust. Let me tell you; her story has some TEA. Between wayward presidents, lost loves, and flirty celebrities, her intriguing tales delve into the intricacies of New York City’s nightclub scene. Fans rallied around her stories and raised 2.65 million dollars for her trust. Although the fundraising campaign is over, I encourage you to read her story; it’s truly remarkable.
2. Tabitha Brown serving us wholesome content
Amid the chaos that was 2020, Tabitha Brown has been blessing our feeds with her online presence documenting her journey on a plant-based diet. From her quirky Tik Toks to her uplifting videos, Brown’s mission to spread love and light has certainly been one of the brighter parts of the year. We stan a joyful queen, and that’s our business.
3. Goats about town
Llandudno is run by goats pic.twitter.com/C7nENePcEA
— Andrew Stuart wears a mask (@AndrewStuart) March 31, 2020
As lockdown has kept many indoors, some animals have taken the opportunity to explore the undisturbed outdoors. In the town of Llandudno, Wales, the goats have taken it upon themselves to roam the streets. Want to see more of the frolicking fuzzies? Check out this thread.
4. A legend playing this uplifting song…
Yo-Yo Ma, the legendary cellist, released a new album with British pianist Kathryn Scott, titled ‘Songs of Comfort and Hope’. The album was inspired by the cellist’s quarantine performances; using the hashtag #SongsofComfort, he tweeted clips of himself playing a collection of popular songs and new tunes in a bid to uplift people during anxious times. With his uplifting tunes, Ma reached millions of people. I don’t know about you, but watching these musicians peacefully do their thing certainly puts a smile on my face.
5. Dancing in the streets
The Dance Theater of Harlem went viral earlier this year when they posted a video, showing beautiful ballerinas leaping through the streets of New York. Created for Harlem Week and the African American Day parade, the choreography features eight of the company members. Five minutes of perfection, if you ask me.
6. … and around the city
Likewise, a violinist and a ballerina decided to take advantage of Amsterdam’s empty streets. They collaborated to make a beautiful video to spread hope to others through their art. So beautiful.
7. An adorable stowaway
8. Senior Socials
9. A lonely elephant is lonely no more
10. A new take on album art
Sydmar Lodge Care Home residents and carers have been recreating classic album covers. The home has now been in lockdown for 4 months. pic.twitter.com/XS5YQ4f1Sw
— ℝ𝕠𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕥 𝕊𝕡𝕖𝕜𝕖𝕣 (@robertspeker) July 10, 2020
Residents of Sydmar Care Home found some creative ways to have fun during the lockdown. Their activities manager, Robert Speker organized an activity where the residents posed for photos to recreate classic album covers. Each picture even had a personal touch for the resident, and the caretakers too part as well. The fun pictures went viral, to an overwhelmingly positive response from people. From Adele to Bowie, these seniors sure know how to have a good time.
11. Reindeer contemplating nature
If you’re struggling with deciding whether to focus on the beautiful sky or the beautiful reindeer, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone.
12. Dwayne Wade’s reaction to a proposal
View this post on Instagram
This couple in the middle of an adorable engagement got quite the surprise when an unsuspecting guest strolled by— former NBA superstar Dwayne Wade. After walking by, he joined in on some of their photos and congratulated them on social media. Dwayne Wade’s reaction is the literal definition of wholesome.
13. These students planning a sweet surprise
@vizzywapduring these tough times it’s important to show extra appreciation! #fyp #foryoupage #zoom #dontletthisflop #college #covid #professor #thankyou♬ original sound – James Blake
The pandemic has certainly had an impact on education, with many schools opting for virtual programs. Teachers have been a large part of helping students adapt to the new learning modes. So after a semester of teaching students virtually, this class planned a sweet way to thank their teacher. Because not all heroes wear capes.
14. Time Magazine named its first ‘Kid of the Year’
15. Italians making the best of lockdown
Earlier this year, when Italy went on lockdown, its citizens still found a way to connect joyfully with each other—through music. Neighbors turned their balconies and rooftops into concert venues, serenading others with ballads or belting out songs together. All over the country, people used the power of music to lift spirits and stay connected.
16. The first IVF cheetah cubs were born
17. A sweet chain reaction
18. The adventures of Sapphire the fairy
I think everyone could use a lighthearted/happy story right now so here goes:
At the beginning of the pandemic I went through some painful personal stuff and would often go out at night for long walks because no one was around and I couldn’t sleep anyway. One night I was walking
— kelly victoria 🪐 (@saysthefox) December 12, 2020
This heartwarming thread by photographer Kelly Victoria went viral, and for good reason. On a stroll one day, Kelly came across a fairy garden set up by a four-year-old wanting to spread some cheer. So Kelly wrote the little girl a letter, pretending to be a fairy named Sapphire. And thus began a regular correspondence that boomed into a magical friendship. This wholesome interaction is truly definitely the stuff of fairytales.
19. Good vibes
@420doggface208Morning vibe #420souljahz #ec #feelinggood #h2o #cloud9 #happyhippie #worldpeace #king #peaceup #merch #tacos #waterislife #high #morning #710 #cloud9♬ Dreams (2004 Remaster) – Fleetwood Mac
Tik Tok star Nathan Apodaca, aka Doggface, started a wave on the Internet when he posted this clip of his commute to work after his car broke down. The video went viral, starting a trend where others grabbed their skateboards and a bottle of Ocean Spray Cranberry juice. It even caught the attention of Ocean Spray’s CEO and Fleetwood Mac’s co-founder. But the good vibes didn’t stop there. Ocean Spray provided Apodaca with a new truck, filled with cranberry juice. And after fans discovered he was living in an RV, they pooled enough donations for him to put a down payment on a house.
20. This generous artist
View this post on Instagram
Many artists have been negatively impacted by this year’s pandemic, which has caused a lot of independent artists to lose their income. So one artist decided to do something about it. NYC-based painter Guy Stanley Philoche spent 65,000 dollars buying over 150 works of art from friends and strangers. Artists supporting artists—we love to see it.
21. And finally, a great way to start the morning
Multi-instrumentalist Acoustic Trench and his trusty sidekick Maple have been responsible for a lot of YouTube’s most wholesome videos. In this one, he plays the kalimba while his adorable pup wanders through a field. These vibes are on point.
2020 has certainly been a challenging year, but through it, there have been some uplifting moments of kindness; between strangers and friends alike. Through the turbulent times, I hope we can all find reasons to smile.
Get The Tempest in your inbox. Read more exclusives like this in our weekly newsletter!