Every year, there are many things to be grateful for, if we take a bit of time to review. Even during economically trying times, there are lights at the end of all of our tunnels.

Thanks to the Good News Network for naming some of the best, most uplifting stories of this last year.

Here are GNN’s number 9 & 10:

10) Humpback Whales to Leap off Endangered Species List

Even more heartening than the 6,000 rare dolphins discovered in South Asia (prior to this, the largest known populations of Irrawaddy dolphins numbered in the low hundreds or less), or the discovery this year of a new population of orangutans in a remote, mountainous corner of Indonesia - perhaps as many as 2,000, or the “spectacular” finding that rare mountain gorilla populations have grown by 13 percent over the last 16 months in the Congo, is the news that humpback whales may soon be graduating from the endangered species list. Despite almost hunting these beautiful creatures to extinction, conservation efforts have led to steady population growth of 4-7 percent annually, to an estimated 19,000 animals, from fewer than 1,400 before the 1960’s ban on whaling. (physorg.com)

9) Researcher’s Love for Wife Leads to MS Breakthrough

Dr. Zamboni’s studies began when his beloved wife developed MS in 1995 at the age of 37. He undertook a massive in-depth review of the literature, and modern imaging techniques such as ultrasound and MRI. His findings led him to believe that Multiple Sclerosis is not an autoimmune issue, but a vascular disease, a radical departure from current thinking. He performed experimental surgery on his wife using a simple catheter / angioplasty / balloon operation, getting blood flowing normally again. Many of her MS symptoms disappeared. She had the surgery three years ago and has not had an attack since. In Italy where the doctor works, 65 patients have since had the MS surgery, and in the two years since the operation, 73 percent of subjects are symptom-free. (Good News Network)

Take some time this week to look at some of your personal highlights. And remember, it doesn’t have to be collassal! Here’s a few we collected from our staff:

“I learned to swim! I never knew how and this summer, I actually took lessons.”

“I bought myself a new computer. I know. It doesn’t sound like a big deal but its been a tough time for me financially. I needed it, took the plunge and I feel like its helped my business.”

“Writing for Only Positive News was one of my best “stories” of 2009! It’s interesting, when you write about positive things, it slowly but surely changes your own attitude.”