Inhale the present, exhale the past.

Now, let your breath guide you back to the present moment, where peace and mindfulness reside.

Thank you for reading today’s edition of Grateful Gazette 😌

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Ahead—the ultimate emotional intelligence companion. Take charge of your emotions and aspirations with your own personalized pocket coach.

I’ve been looking for a way to improve my emotional intelligence. With their bite-sized tools, it feels easy to digest and learn these nuggets of wisdom. I’m empowered to understand my emotions and navigate my emotions more effectively with Ahead.

It truly feels like a friendly coach who’s always there for you, cheering you on.

And guess what? You can try it for free here.

Here’s what to know for Wednesday:

• Nepali women transform Everest waste into beautiful crafts

• Microrobots could float inside the liver to fight cancer

• NBA legend gifts size 23 shoes to teen

TURNING TRASH INTO TREASURES

Sunita Kumari Chaudhary and her squad of crafty ladies are on a mission to turn Mount Everest waste into stunning crafts.

So, what's the deal? Well, these amazing women are taking ropes once used by daring climbers tackling the mountains and giving them a stylish makeover.

From jewelry boxes to dinner table mats, they're weaving wonders with ropes that were once destined for the dump.

"It's like a magical transformation," says Sunita, expertly crafting a vibrant blue rope into a funky oval-shaped box. And she's not alone in this crafty crusade – there's a whole group of talented ladies getting in on the action.

But hold your horses because there's more to this story than recycling ropes. This isn't just about cleaning up the mountains; it's about empowering communities and championing sustainability.

Thanks to Shilshila Acharya and her crew at Avni Center for Sustainability, these discarded ropes are getting a second chance at life.

And it's not just about making pretty trinkets—it's about making a real, tangible difference in people's lives.

"It's not just about the crafts; it's about creating economic opportunities," explains Acharya, beaming with pride as she shows off a gorgeous dinner mat made from ropes rescued from Mt. Everest.

But hey, let's not sugarcoat things – this isn't a walk in the park. Sorting through all that mountain trash is no easy feat. Yet, despite the challenges, these folks are rolling up their sleeves and getting it done.

"We're talking tons of waste here," says Acharya, as workers sift through a mountain of discarded gear. "But hey, we're not backing down."

These crafty creations aren't just decorations; they symbolize hope and resilience, showing the world that even the biggest messes can be turned into something beautiful.

🏊 Swimmers brave frozen Vermont Lake in Winter Festival

🤖 Microscopic robots could treat liver tumors in an MRI device

🐶 Missing dog found alive after avalanche

⚖ Houston ordered to temporarily stop ticketing for feeding the homeless

🌕 Astronomers uncover hidden moons around Neptune and Uranus

🦭 Blind seal gives birth at Illinois zoo

Jor’el Bolden is a 16-year-old with a unique style and a love for shoes as big as his dreams. 

Now, Jor’el's not your average teen – he's got a serious knack for rocking kicks that stand out in a crowd. But there's one tiny hiccup – his feet are size 23 shoes.

Now, finding shoes to fit those fabulous feet? Let's just say it's been a bit of a challenge. But fear not, because here comes our hero, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, to save the day!

After a chat that probably left Jor’el doing a happy dance, Shaq worked his magic and sent only one or two, but a whole bunch of shoes and clothes!

Jor’el's mom, Tamika Neal, described the moment the packages arrived as "better than Christmas morning." Move over, Santa, because Shaq just stole the spotlight!

And here's the kicker – Shaq's not just a one-time hero. He's like the fairy godfather of footwear, having previously swooped in to help another needy teen.

Before Shaq's generosity, Jor’el was stuck squeezing his feet into size 22 shoes that were about as comfy as a bed of nails. Ouch!

But now, thanks to Shaq and the amazing support from a GoFundMe campaign, Jor’el's shoe game just got a major upgrade.

So, here's to Shaq, the ultimate shoe savior, and to Jor’el, whose dreams of strutting his stuff just got much comfier.

In the most difficult times, having a friend can mean the world.

Success and all that comes with it don’t mean much if you’re alone.

So go out and foster some connections today!

- Thank you for reading Grateful Gazette. Remember to breathe deeply to bring your mind back to your body 💜

If you like what you’ve been reading, you can show your support by clicking that button and contributing whatever you’d like.*

*There’s no pressure here; we’re grateful for our readers. You all make spreading positivity possible, and we appreciate the support!