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:

• How Sweden’s 50-year-old parental leave policy changed the game for dads

• Drone captures first-ever glimpse of newborn great white shark

• This customer mails their $20 tip to a server after forgetting to leave it

PARENTAL LEAVE IS THE NORM IN SWEDEN

In Sweden, it's totally taboo for dads to skip out on their parental leave duties. That’s right, forget the old stereotypes; Swedish dads are rocking the parenting scene like never before.

So, what's the deal?

Well, over in Sweden, parents are given a sweet deal when it comes to parental leave. New parents get 480 days of paid leave to split between them!

But here's the twist: 90 of those days are reserved exclusively for each parent. This means dads have their own little slice of parenting paradise, and they're encouraged to use it.

This fantastic system promotes gender equality and gives dads the chance to bond with their little ones from day one.

It's a win-win for everyone involved, and it's changing the game in Sweden. And let's not forget the adorable baby fashion show that happens when dads take charge of dressing their mini-me's!

So, if you ever find yourself in Sweden, don't be surprised if you see dads ruling the playgrounds and dishing out expert diaper changes.

It's all part of their fantastic parenting culture that's making us smile today.

Sweden, you've set the bar high for parental leave, and we're loving every moment of it. Let's hope more countries take a page out of your book and encourage dads to embrace their time off for some quality family fun.

⚾ Jackie Robinson statue to be replaced after theft and destruction

🌲Ancient Amazonian cities discovered by laser mapping

👪 Lost cat survives multi-car crash and finds way back to Pennsylvania family

🦈 Drone captures a first-ever glimpse of this newborn great white shark in the wild

🐶 Pet detective reunited dogs with their owners using a thermal imaging drone

🧠 Teen inventor’s concern for his grandmother led to a breakthrough in dementia care

Meet Ted, the hero of this tale, who made sure a North Carolina restaurant server got the tip she deserved!

At Side Street Pour House and Grill in Lenoir, North Carolina, a server had an unexpected surprise. Ted and his wife enjoyed a delicious meal there a few days ago.

But, wait for it—Ted accidentally took the wrong copy of his receipt, leaving the server without her tip. Oops!

Days later, Ted noticed the mistake on his bank statement and decided to make it right. He wrote a heartfelt letter and included a $20 bill for the server.

The restaurant shared Ted's story on Facebook, praising his kindness. They said, "It's a beautiful example of doing the right thing!"

Ted's wish in the letter: "Here's to a fresh start."

Remember, it's never too late to spread kindness. Ted's story has already touched over 4,000 hearts on social media. Let's make 2024 a year filled with good deeds!

Mindfulness doesn't need a yoga mat or a silent retreat – you can practice it right from your cubicle!

Yes, amidst the clatter of keyboards and the occasional chatter, find your zen.

Take mini mindfulness breaks.

Close your eyes for a minute, and visualize a place that calms you (like a beach, not a vending machine). Better yet, personalize your space with a plant or a photo that makes you smile.

It's like bringing a piece of serenity to your work hub.

Remember, being mindful in a cubicle is all about finding peace in the little things – like not jamming the printer or enjoying your sandwich without multitasking.

So, the next time you're in your cube, take a moment to pause and soak in the now. It's the best way to beat the cubicle blues!

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

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