Stories of Kindness from Around the World

My Airport Angel

I might have titled this story, "I was an airport angel - and wasn't all that happy about it!"   I was going on vacation to meet up with family for a week of fun in Canada. I got to the airport in Denver ready to leave my work behind for a few days. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job of helping families with children who experience disabilities navigate the special education system in our state, but this was my vacation!   I was comfortably awaiting my flight with a good book to read, when an elderly lady was wheeled to our waiting area. I couldn't help but notice the trouble she was having trying to open a packet of nuts with her arthritic hands. I sighed. No one else was willing to meet her gaze so I offered to help.     She was very grateful. It turned out these nuts were ... Read Full Story >>

5453 Reads

Be Part Of The Game

Today I bought some cards. "If you're reading this," I wrote on them, "then you are a part of the game. The first thing you should know is how valuable you are to the world! So, understand that and smile! And if you want to join the game write down how you feel after reading this card and leave it somewhere like I did." Then I left the cards in various places around a shopping mall.

Then I wrote in a personal development book, "If you've found this book, take it and read it. I'm sure it will help you with something! After that put a number or a name on it and pass it on!" Then I left it somewhere it would be found.
 
I don't know what people thought when they found them and I'm actually really curious! Did they think it was stupid or did they smile and do those things I suggested?
 
But I think that's the fun of it, not knowing where they are now. So, I'm just happy I started it, and if even one person likes it that will be enough for enough for me.

 

1625 Reads

Encounter at a Trash Bin

My 25 year old daughter had just purchased a home in San Diego, near San Diego State University, and I wasn't too fond of the neighborhood at night.   We pulled into a gas station near her home around 8 PM. I was sitting in the passenger seat of her SUV, and noticed an old guy with a white beard taking trash out of the cans on the gas island. He picked out a smoothie container, half full, held it up to the light, and took a swig. He shuddered, and then put the lid on it and popped it in his bag. He repeated the procedure with a bottle of Sprite. I looked away, embarrassed for him that he didn't care who was watching (although he couldn't see me through the window) and so sad for him and for all of us, that we could let this happen in such an ... Read Full Story >>

7181 Reads

Dinner for Three

The other day, I called a friend of mine and asked her if I could stop by for a quick visit. She had recently just got married, and I wanted to congratulate her and her new husband.

When I got there, her husband was on his way home. When he walked in, he had two bags of food with him for dinner. I didn’t realize that it was dinner time for them before I got there. But my friend simply brought out three plates and started serving the food.

You could clearly tell that her husband had no idea I was visiting, and he had only brought enough food for two. I felt bad to be intruding on their dinner time, so I told her that she did not have to worry about me. Since I only live a few minutes away, I was going to have dinner when I got home.

She looked at me with sincere eyes and said, "It’s okay. There is always enough”.

That evening, I sat and enjoyed a dinner for two among the three of us. It goes to show you that there are so many ways to be kind.

This simple gesture truly showed me how my friend valued our friendship, and it made me feel good inside.

 

1488 Reads

Vulnerability Brings New Appreciation for Kindness

I think my mom raised me to be considerate. Growing up in a rather well-off family, where in a material sense I was wanting for nothing, kindness wasn't something I especially noted. I might have taken it for granted. As a teenager, to cope with some emotional challenges in my family, I taught myself to be a perfectionist, and developed a rather negative attitude towards myself. I always saw what was lacking in myself, or what I imagined to be lacking, in others, and in my life. You might gather it was difficult being this way. I lived this way well into my 30s.  Due to health problems, I left college without a degree, tried for an apprenticeship, fell ill again and left my employer.  After sick pay ran out, I ended up drawing something closer to welfare than unemployment benefits, though it was technically the latter. The family lore was ringing in ... Read Full Story >>

6981 Reads

"I Love Books!"

I love books! 

Today I went to my daughter's secondary school and noticed that they had curriculum linked texts and classic literature - but they did not have any inspirational books!

So, I decided to go through all my bookshelves at home and fill 2 big bags with 21st Century literature about positive thinking, positive psychology, the power of thoughts, and inspirational stories of people who overcame the most incredible challenges. 
 
I hope that each book will plant a seed of loving kindness or hope  for a better world in the students or staff members who read them. 
 
I am going to fill every shelf of that library with positive energy!

 

1393 Reads

Helping The Hairdresser

I was getting a haircut yesterday and could tell something was bothering the young lady who was cutting my hair.    

I asked and she told me her husband was home alone after having a seizure and she was worried about him. She was also a bit upset that none of her colleagues had offered to cover for her so she could go home. Apparently she had helped out on many occasions like that in the past. 
 
Well, the longer I sat there the more I wanted to do something for her. But what? 
 
When I got up to pay I wrote a check for the haircut and then handed her enough money to buy dinner on the way home. I told her she had enough worries and maybe not having to cook that night, or the  next, would help some.    
 
I could tell she was surprised. I just hope it made things a little bit easier for her. 

 

1405 Reads
  • Posted by tmillsnebraska
  • Sep 23, 2012
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Kindness at the Pharmacy

Today is a difficult one. It is my Dad's birthday. He passed away last July from cancer. I so dreaded this day. My husband and I picked up my Dad's sister, who was also just diagnosed with cancer. We took her out to breakfast. She told us that earlier in the week, she had tried to get a prescription filled before starting chemotherapy. She couldn't afford to pay for it, so we decided to stop at a drug store and ask if there was a generic form of the medication that was less expensive. I went inside and began talking to the pharmacist. I was alone at the counter when a women walked up and interrupted: "Excuse me," she said, "I would like to pay for that." She asked how much it was, and placed the money on the counter. I couldn't believe it. She just appeared out of nowhere! I hugged the woman, and thanked ... Read Full Story >>

4683 Reads

When Rice Krispie Treats Meet a Grudge

Early this morning, I got up to make a batch of Rice Krispie Treats for my neighbor across the hall. She barely greets me when we see each other, and her sweet little boy, who's now four, has picked up her hostile manner and will not talk to me, either. Last Monday, she had called the firefighters when a pan I'd forgotten on the stove caused my flat to fog up while I was out taking a walk. When I came home, the street in front of our apartment house was blocked by a police car, a fire truck and an ambulance! The instant I saw them, I remembered the pan! Luckily, nothing serious had happened, and all my neighbors agreed with the firefighter who said, "It could have happened to to anyone.“ When I thanked the neighbor who had called the firefighters - let's call her Ivy - and apologized for causing ... Read Full Story >>

6258 Reads

A Basket Full of Tomatoes

On my usual drive to the office, I pass by a vegetable market. The road there is generally very crowded, with lots of venders and people bustling about.

During my drive one morning, just as I was nearing the end of the market road, a vegetable vendor with a basket full of tomatoes crossed by. His hand slipped, and his basket fell down, causing all the tomatoes to tumble out.

I was focused on getting to work, but thought about how much more of a setback it must be for the vendor to spill his basket. So I applied the brakes and just waited until he finished collecting all his tomatoes.

When he finished, he looked up and gave me a very thankful smile. It made me happy. I felt very grateful for having been given the opportunity to be kind to someone.

949 Reads

A Home For Black Wolf

Around about Christmas time we met a beautiful dog on the street.

It quickly became apparent he was lost so we took him to my grandma's place. It took three weeks to find the owner, and when we did he gave Black Wolf to us. 
 
He lived with me for eight months in an apartment. This wasn't the best situation for him, so now he lives with a family in a house and I am his "Godmother". 
 
He is peaceful and happy there.

 

1310 Reads
  • Posted by m.nanda.gon
  • Sep 19, 2012
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Hands Like Sandpaper

On an overcast morning a couple of days ago, I was walking through the city center of my home town in central Germany. The gray sky didn't bother me because trees were finally putting on their green spring dress, and flowers strew gentle touches of color here and there. I was on my way to catch a bus, walking quickly, and easily outpaced a man whose stumbling gait had already caught my eye. While passing him by, I cast a glance towards him, and saw that his head was hanging so low, his chin touched his chest. He was holding a bottle of beer in his left hand. The cap was on, but the bottle was already missing a third of its content. He looked like he could fall over any minute, and hurt himself. I stopped a couple of yards ahead of him, wanting to offer him my help to ... Read Full Story >>

5460 Reads

The Grief of Loss and the Gift of Listening

Today and every morning I wake up and think about the son that is no longer physically present in my life.

It is a mourning sickness that does not ever go away. No prayers, no bargaining with God, no amount of walking, talking to the psychiatrist, medication or hugging my dog eases the suffering.

Some days are easier than others. I am so tired of my coworkers telling me "to get over it, this will make you stronger."   Today, I called one of the members in the Survivors of Suicide group and we cried together.

I have been told tears are cleansing so I suppose it was a kindness that we cried and listened to each other. What a lovely gift to lean on one another. Sometimes just listening to someone's troubles is a gift in itself.

 

1457 Reads

The Snack Machine

The other day I had an appointment at my psychiatrist's office. It's a pretty big place so they have a soda dispenser and a snack machine. 

I usually like my appointments later in the afternoon or early evening. When I was done I asked the receptionist for some tape, grabbed some paper from my purse, and wrote, "This is a random act of kindness. This snack is on me. Have a nice day! =)"  
 
I took the note, a Smile card and a one dollar bill, and taped them on the glass of the machine. 
 
I wanted to stay to see the person who got to the snack machine first, but I had to get home to the kids. 
 
Even though it was a tiny act of kindness, it still made me feel really really great! I hope that person passed the Smile card on with another act of kindness!

 

3843 Reads

Smile Cards And Strawberry Pie

I went to the gym with my best friend and her husband. After working out we were hungry, so we decided to go out for breakfast.     While we were talking I told her about Random Acts of Kindness and gave her and her husband a Smile card.    Then came a light bulb moment! I thought, 'I'm treating you two to breakfast!' They said, "No, it's okay!" But I told the waitress to give me the bill, and she did.    I wrapped a $20 around a Smile Card and gave it to the waitress. On our way out of the restaurant my best friend wrapped another $20 around a Smile card and gave it to an employee there.    So, she had started her Random Acts of Kindness! It only takes a spark to get a fire going.   While still at the restaurant I also ordered a strawberry pie for my husband. (He had mentioned that ... Read Full Story >>

1829 Reads

Wanting to Give Helps Learning to Receive

I had been feeling distant from someone for quite some time.  We hadn't been talking and there were hurt feelings on both sides.  I decided to reach out and text her.  I said I missed her and her kids and asked if they wanted to spend some time together.  She enthusiastically accepted.

Later in the day someone else texted me and offered to take me on a trip in the fall, her treat.  At first I felt guilty, like it was too much.  But then I remembered how good it feels to give and I decided that I would respond with gratitude rather than rejection of her generosity. 

Giving naturally feels good and comes easily to me.  Learning how to feel good about receiving is new for me.  I'm learning about it on this site from other people's stories.  It helps me to remember that giving feels good to the other person.  I don't want to take that feeling away from them by rejecting the gifts they offer.

Give and take, it all balances out.

1734 Reads

Cost of a Miracle

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.   She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even.. The total had to be exactly perfect.. No chance here for mistakes.   Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.   She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.   Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!   'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked ... Read Full Story >>

11.8K Reads

Be Not A Giver Only

Today I decided to bless June who is 90 years old and part of the Senior Rides program. In the early years I was able to drive many seniors to their appointments and June was one of them. She lives with her family, but is so lonely! It's amazing that you can be surrounded by people and still be lonely.   Often, when calling in her ride requests for the month, she would say, "I want to take you to lunch, dear. When you have the time." I would say, "Okay," but not make an effort to receive the blessing.   For months, she's waited patiently for me to call about lunch plans - and now I have! She is so excited about it!   I have realized that blocking or stoping other people's acts of kindness is unhealthy. Someone said it can turn to pride. Ouch! Don't want that.   One of my goals for this year is ... Read Full Story >>

1947 Reads

Gift for the Cashier

My friends and I recently returned from our annual week at the beach.  While we were there, a couple of us needed to pick up a few items at the grocery store. As we were checking out, the cashier complimented me on my necklace.  I thanked her, and she asked where I bought it.  I had gotten it at the department store just down the street, and told her that it was on sale for 40% off.  My friend suggested that she should walk over and purchase one during her break. But the cashier said she couldn't afford it right now.   As we left the grocery store, I told my friend I was tempted to buy one for her. She agreed, and offered to pay for half.  So we went back to the department store and picked out a matching necklace for the cashier. As we paid for it, the sales ... Read Full Story >>

7091 Reads

A Cake A Day

I have just realized that this month, on average, I must have baked a cake a day!

I love cooking and baking for family, friends and colleagues. There is some kind of magic about cooking for others and it makes my heart smile.
 
Tonight I went to a friend's home to deliver more cakes because it was their birthday. On the way back I was feeling so happy for seeing my friend's face when I gave the cakes. The phrase that just filled my mind was, "How can I serve more?"
 
I had to buy some juice for my husband so I went to the local supermarket. When I was paying I realized the young man in front of me was short of cash for his shopping. So I asked how much he needed and I paid the difference. It felt great to be of assistance!
 
It is such a wonderful feeling to be of service to others!

 

1463 Reads