I am focused on this moment, right here, right now. Today I will be mindful, I will be happy, and I will live in the moment.

What mantras can do for you… there's been a fair amount of neuroscience research on the effects of daily mantra and/or affirmation practices. These short, simple phrases, whether spoken aloud or meditated on throughout the day, can greatly affect your subconscious.

Images: Good News Network

Long-time pianist Paul Harvey went viral last year for his stunning composition “Four Notes,” a classical piece composed entirely of four notes on the keyboard.

While the piece is both gorgeous and impressive, Paul didn’t necessarily rise to fame for the composition alone.

• The 81-year-old musician suffers from dementia, and it’s through the power of music that Paul is able to “return” to himself.

🎶 The miracle of music… The idea that musical ability can survive memory loss has long been a hypothesis, but this super senior is a walking example.

• “Dad was having a particularly bad day at the time [Four Notes was written],” shared Paul’s son Nick. “It was fascinating how getting dad at the piano brought dad back to me.”
• Soon after the original video was posted, the BBC Philharmonic orchestra reached out to Nick to professionally record the piece. Thanks to the generosity of the orchestra, all proceeds from the song would be split between The Alzheimer's Association and Music for Dementia.

🎼 It doesn’t stop there… As Paul’s song rose to the top of the charts, his memory continued to deteriorate – but last month, thanks to Music For Dementia, Paul was able to achieve a lifelong dream.

In a day the musician has only been able to describe as “magical,” Paul was invited to conduct his piece live for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

• Standing in front of a group of professional musicians with their instruments at the ready, Paul picked up the baton and began to conduct Four Notes live for the first time since composing it last year.

“Paul the musician seeing beyond his diagnosis and having contact with the musicians was a wonderful thing,” shared the director of Music For Dementia. “It was very emotional.”

Watch him in action.

🤗 Get your “awwwww’s” ready. Mary and Bob are close siblings who rarely miss their daily phone calls, but the 95 and 84-year-old haven’t seen each other for nearly five years.

• This summer, Mary got the surprise of her life when she entered the facility’s common room and saw her little brother standing right in front of her.

Each week, we’re asking YOU, our amazing readers, to share your everyday wins and accomplishments.

🌟Marissa M. from Manhattan, NY, is ready to take center stage.

• I’m an actress in NYC, and I had two really huge auditions this week! One for a brand new movie, and another for an exciting musical here in the city. The musical audition was actually my first in-person audition since Covid hit, and it was great to perform for people in-person again. Fingers crossed I book one!

🕺 JP from Brooklyn, NY, is upside down with excitement (literally).

• I dislocated my shoulder last year while performing a breakdancing routine. It’s been months since I’ve been able to perform some of my most complicated tricks, but I recently was able to do airflares again with the approval of my physical therapist. I can’t wait to get back out onto the dance floor for good!

🚗🏔 Mara N.and her husband from Plymouth, MI, are experiencing #roadtripgoals on their latest adventure.

• My husband and I just celebrated our 32nd anniversary and have been taking a road trip across the West to celebrate. We drove through Glacier National Park last week and... wow. To see the beauty and majesty of these mountainous wonders is so glorious!!!