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 😌

Here’s what to know for Monday:

• Atlanta tries a fresh way to recycle subway cars

• Bam Margera gets help from an unlikely source

• A raccoon gets his head stuck in a jar of peanut butter

REBUILDING CORAL REEFS ONE SUBWAY AT A TIME

Did you hear about MARTA's new plan for their old train cars? They're going deep with it!

They're working with the Department of Natural Resources to turn old train cars into artificial reefs. This plan will create new homes for sea creatures off the Georgia coast.

A $2.1 million contract will take up to eight retired railcars and prepare them for their journey into the big blue.

These old railcars are now underwater condos for marine life and will be in-demand listings, for sure.

But this isn't the first time transit has transitioned into marine habitat creation.

Over 2,500 retired New York subway cars have found a new home underwater, including some off the coast of Georgia.

Sea creatures love these underwater subway cars. Divers found thriving algae communities, invertebrates, and fish within three months.

This summer, Kinksharyo International will strip two MARTA railcars, clean them of harmful substances, and ship them to Savannah for their journey to the seafloor.

MARTA has tentative plans to prepare another six carriages for "reefing" next year. And with 254 rail cars slated for replacement through 2028, a whole underwater MARTA network could be in the making.

In the past, MARTA would sell old trains for scrap metal, which was standard practice in the industry. But now, they're taking a different approach and turning the trains into something that will have a lasting impact on the environment.

So, for those who ever dreamed of a subway line to Atlantis, your wish is MARTA's command.

Just remember to pack your scuba gear along with your metro card!

🗞 More Good News

⛑️ A new Baltimore drug treatment program is changing the way they save lives

🤝 Lamar Odom steps in to help Bam Margera recover in rehab

🐧 The Little Penguin habitat in Tasmania is expanding into a nearby car park

🏳️‍🌈 This veteran disarmed the Club Q attacker and is now leading this year’s gay pride parade in the city

🐢 One teenager’s mission to help endangered Leatherback Turtles

🍑 A class sing-a-long starts up by accident when this kid sings “Peaches” for his school talent show

☀️ The Bright Side

In a wild tale of adventure and peanut butter, a mischievous raccoon became an unexpected headliner.

How, you ask? By getting her head stuck in a peanut butter jar—talk about a crunchy conundrum!

Luckily, the Strong Island Animal Rescue, led by our hero Frankie Floridia, was on the case. After a gripping three-day stakeout, Frankie caught the furry bandit, giving a whole new meaning to "caught red-handed."

With a bit of oil and gentle persuasion, our hero released our raccoon friend from her sticky helmet. She scampered back to her family with a wild tale about her nutty adventure.

The moral of the story? Let's remember to recycle those jars, folks. And as for our raccoon friend, she's probably considering a switch to almond butter.

🧘 A MINDFUL MOMENT

Mindful coloring is a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to practice mindfulness while reducing stress and boosting creativity.

As the name suggests, it is about engaging your senses and focusing on the simple, calming act of color.

Here’s how to get started:

• Choose the right coloring book: Find one that resonates with you. It could be floral, geometric, abstract, or themed like animals or mandalas.

• Get good coloring supplies: The process is much more enjoyable when your tools are excellent.

• Create a calm environment: Reduce distractions, add soft music, and make tea. Make your coloring time a particular 'you' time.

• Color without judgment: Choose the colors that make you happy, and enjoy the process.

• Breathe and relax: This isn't just about creating a pretty picture; it's about calming your mind and body.

The goal is to inspire creativity, manage your focus, and promote mindfulness.

Why not give it a try? It might become your new favorite hobby!

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