Yesterday was Groundhog's Day and today is Elmo's Day! What a busy two days!

The Weekly Poll Results! 🎈

Two weeks ago was an iconic holiday... it was National Cheese Lover's Day! Did you all get out there and eat some delicious cheese? I hope you at least ate one of your favorite types of cheese. Speaking of the best type of cheese, let's see what you all thought. The good news is nobody picked cottage cheese and if someone did, I would be concerned. For this poll, it is evident that CHEDDAR was a win! Make that charcuterie board, cheese and cracker dish, or even a grilled cheese because cheddar is 100% a win!

Want to partake in the next newsletter poll?

Go to the bottom of the newsletter to find out more!

In The Headlines! 

• The 988 hotline has seen a major increase in use in funding in its first few months! It has already proven to be more useful than the old 10-digit number. Read more here.
    

• Dolphins have been spotted in the Bronx River for the first time in a while! This is due to the decades-long work they have done to restore the river. Read more here!

• Dogs can smell when we are stressed out. Our furry friends care so much about us and we love them! Read more here.

The news here might be small but, it was good news! If you want consistent good news updates, follow The Happy Broadcast on Insta! Want to be featured "In the Headlines" or have an article that you want to feature? Share your good news here to have it featured in the next newsletter!

Friendly Reminders and Affirmations

• It is okay to feel lost. With time you will find your way again.

• Spread kindness to a stranger because it will come back around to you.

• Winter is hard but, every day you get through is a win. You made it to today and you can make it to tomorrow. Before you know it, the sun will be back in our lives!

Alex's Book, Show, and Music Corner

• The After Party - This is a show on Apple TV+ and it is just a fun comedy to watch. I wouldn't say run to watch it but, it was fun watching with the roomie!

What's Alex Working On?

Other News - January

Every year I come face-to-face with you. It is a war that I dread but, I don’t have a choice but to go to battle. I have to face the cold, dark, long nights, and many of the days I lose the battle. When I try to get a leg up and win a battle, it rains or snows or is simply unpleasant. During those hardest days at war, all I want to do is hide. I want to be under a weighted blanket feeling safe. I want to be lulled into a warm, calm safety and it turns out what I think is safe is a trap. It is a landmine. 

Each time I stay inside all day, I lose. That is what you want. I know I can’t sit by idly watching you conquer my mental health. I have to put up small fights. It is the moments that I laugh, go on a beautiful winter walk, or go on a rewarding run in the rain. In those moments, it reminds me that I will win. I remember that I defeat you and win the war every year. I reveal in the small accomplishments even though you beat me in battle most days. You might win more battles but, I will win the war. I win because I know I can and will make it to spring. I can survive the war. And today, January, I won a battle. I fought the rain and became victorious. 

*After running in the cold rain with FRNY on a Wednesday night - 1/25/2023 @ 7:50pm

This Week's Newsletter Poll!

We are going to take a SHARP cheddar turn away from cheese and look at something different this week for our next poll. Because today is Elmo's Birthday, who is the best Seasme Street Character? Find out what you all thought in the next newsletter!

One more thing: Want to see your poll question in the newsletter? Submit your ideas here!