Uplifting Stories

Book excerpt: This collection of inspirational narratives, curated by the popular founder of Uplifting Content, is sure to change your perspective—and maybe even restore your faith in humanity. If you can’t bear to watch the news lately, you’re not alone. Luckily, Ione Butler is here to offer you an alternative—and maybe even restore your faith in humanity. As the founder of Uplifting Content, a social media platform followed by over 1.4 million people, she has interviewed some of the most inspiring people in the world. Here, she shares their remarkable stories and the lessons they’ve learned to help you through life’s many challenges. Among the amazing folks you’ll meet is Kyle Maynard, a motivational speaker and the first quadruple amputee to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro without the aid of prosthetics—thanks to his “no excuses” attitude. You’ll also meet Destiny Watford, a high school student whose passionate activism helped save her town, once dubbed “the most polluted zip code in America,” and Kouhyar Mostashfi and Greg Smith, two men from Ohio with completely opposing political views who have done the seemingly impossible and set aside their differences to become great friends. At the end of each story, you’ll also find exercises to help you take action in your own life—whether by asking deeper questions about what’s important to you, forging new connections and nurturing existing relationships, or reflecting on the contributions you wish to make in the world. The stories explore themes like human connection, service to others, and the pursuit of passion. Butler, who struggled with depression herself, firmly believes that focusing on the good in the world helped bring her back from the brink. Uplifting Stories reminds you that the world is still full of great people—even if their voices sometimes get lost in the noise.