Hello and a happy Friday to you,
When I saw the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2021 finalists had been revealed, I knew I had to write an Uplift for you this week, despite a mental health dip that I am continuing to battle.
I adore the grey seal ‘Mr Giggles’ which leads the BBC gallery of images I have linked to, and also the expression on the baby otter’s face in the photo titled ‘Time for school’.
I hope the images make you smile.
Uplifting News Stories
Weather reporter's dog enjoys treats while walking all over the broadcast | Mashable
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2021 finalists revealed | BBC
Parents thank hero brothers who saved their son, 7 | MK Citizen
Features Worth Sharing
Football fan credits daughter with changing his racist beliefs | BBC
Female octopuses throw things at males that are harassing them | New Scientist
Interpreting for asylum seekers is about more than translation | Big Issue
Undoing the false narrative on the refugee crisis, one coffee at a time | Big Issue
(Disclaimer the latter two were as told to me and it was an honour to hear and write down these stories)
What I read this week
It’s been two weeks since I wrote to you and since then I have finished Michelle Elman’s The Joy Of Being Selfish and Rachel Thompson’s Rough.
The Joy Of Being Selfish: Why You Need Boundaries and how to Set Them is an essential read for anyone who wants to set boundaries and look after themselves. I’m so glad I got round to reading it. Michelle is a brilliant human and I love her writing, as well as her practical advice and coaching exercises that I plan to return to.
I have to admit I had been putting off reading Rough, which I was lucky enough to get a preview copy of, because I knew it had the potential to be triggering (How violence has found its way into the bedroom and what we can do about it). I devoured Rachel’s incredible book in 24 hours. The 2017 #MeToo movement made me question so many past experiences. Rough, a meticulous and evocative study, shed light on things I hadn’t even considered and made me see things in a new way. It wasn’t always an easy read but it is an important one.
OK, that’s it from me for now. Have a good weekend,
Becky x
This is The Uplift, a weekly newsletter by me, journalist Becky Barnes. If you enjoyed it, or my podcast, feel free to buy me a coffee.
The Uplift will arrive in your inbox every Friday, featuring good news and self care. I also have a podcast about life advice.
A bit about me: I’m a journalist living in London. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.