Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Reflections on My First Humbling Act of Kindness

Today I did one small random act of kindness. A few days ago, I read about RAK and felt an urge to do something...today I did it!  I paid for the person behind me in the drive thru line at Taco Bell. His/her bill was less than $5. And I felt like I should pay it. It took some time for me to make sure that I did not feel ashamed. Even doing a kind deed, I felt people will laugh at me and I felt self-concisous.  And then I thought no I should really do it. So, I did it.  Now that I am thinking about it... I feel really happy. It is a different feeling which comes after you do something different. I think there is more behind the feeling I have right now. It is a feeling of unknown. When you help somebody randomly, you do not know what the outcome will be. ... Read Full Story >>

Because Being Nice Matters

I always try to teach my children that being nice matters.  I have signs hung in their rooms and over the front door about kindness and do unto others as you'd have done to you.  And we always talk about how important it is to be nice to others. 

When we are out shopping I always suggest that they go help an older person, put bags in their cars or help them reach something on a shelf at the store.  At first they were a bit shy about going up to people, but now they ask if they could go help without my suggestion.  They say they like to help people because they would want someone to help their Mom-mom if they where not with her.  It is nice to know that my kids have been listening to me all this time.

Teaching Kindness in Health Class

I teach health to 7th grade students and I always inculde a unit on Kindness.  Each student is asked to perform random acts of kindness during the health program.  They are told to perform some at school and some at home and after they are to record them and hand in the paper with all their acts on the paper.  They start out with small ones like picking up someone's pencil but then they really start to get into it and they end op doing things for their parents without being asked.  I really enjoy seeing them get so exctied about what they are doing and the reaction they get from the people they do a random act for.  I even get notes from parents asking who is this child and what have I done with their child.  It is so nice to see my students from years ago and when they tell me they are still doing random acts and how much they still enjoy the way they feel after a random act of kindness.

Life Is An Untiring Teacher

Life seems to be an untiring teacher. At every turn, in every twist, it holds out a lesson. Is it because we are the typical, indifferent, happy-go-lucky students who forget the lesson the moment the class is over? I wonder. But, whether we like it or not, the teacher teaches us constantly. It is up to us whether we learn or not. The other day, after my morning walk, I stopped my car at a roadside teashop in Secunderabad in India. I like to patronize the small vendors, whether it is the local grocer or the vegetable hawker who sells vegetables from house to house carrying the basket on her head. Or the flower seller on his cycle. My conviction is that my business with them goes a long way for them. The personal relationship built up through daily interaction goes a long way for me. Therefore, the stop at the ... Read Full Story >>

The Flight of a Little Girl

There came a frantic knock at the doctor's office door, A knock, more urgent than he had ever heard before, "Come in, Come in," the impatient doctor said, "Come in, Come in, before you wake the dead." In walked a frightened little girl, a child no more than nine, It was plain for all to see, she had troubles on her mind, "Oh doctor, I beg you, please come with me, My mother is surely dying, she's as sick as she can be." "I don't make house calls, bring your mother here," "But she's too sick, so you must come or she will die I fear," The doctor, touched by her devotion, decided he would go, She said he would be blessed, more than he could know. She led him to her house where her mother lay in bed, Her mother was so very sick she couldn't raise her head, But her eyes cried out for help and help her the doctor did, She would ... Read Full Story >>

The Giving Tree

Many of you may have read Shel Silverstein's classic story "The Giving Tree" about a tree which gives everything of herself to a boy she loves. (If you haven't read it, please do and share it with a child!) During my childhood, my mother's friend gave the book to me and my brother.  Many years later, I discovered a card that accompanied the gift--it said "The tree reminds me of your mother".  I was so touched by this that I taped the card to the inside of the book. Over the years (like in the story) I have watched my mother give selflessly, to her kids, family, neighbors and friends.  Even when she had a serious illness earlier this year, she continued with her volunteer work, cooking for sick friends, and walking for various causes.  She does it all without any fuss and everyone knows they can always count on her--because she ... Read Full Story >>

For Your Time, Effort And Smiles, Thank You!

Today I received my very own set of Smile Cards from HelpOthers.org. Yay! I opened my envelope with great excitement and found my promised ten cards along with a larger card with ideas printed on it. Immediately I started planning my next kind act – the cards truly have an inspiring effect! It was then I realized the value of these cards and of websites such as HelpOthers.org. Not only does it inspire you, but receiving these cards, knowing that there are others out there with the same aim to be kind to others as I myself have, really made me smile! And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? In other words, the Smile Cards have already done a great deal: they made me smile! And in the future I hope each and every single card I hand out will make someone else smile too. I’d like to thank HelpOthers for offering ... Read Full Story >>

Smile Cards, Notes and Little Surprises

I have a little book of 'sticky notes' I purchased at a card shop at Christmas time, not sure who I would give the notes to or if I would use the individual funny notes at work. Well, I finally figured out how to use them.

I selected about 10 different notes, added my own little messages to them and placed them in envelopes w/ a smile card. One says how everything tastes better with hot fudge on it, so I will buy a jar of hot fudge to have ready to pass on to someone. One mentions a relaxing bubble bath so that will go with a nice bottle of bath bubbles. One jokes about popcorn so of course I will attach some microwave popcorn to the envelope. A couple envelopes have money in them for a treat which the sticky note mentions and so on.

On the backs of the envelopes I have penciled in what is inside or what should go with it so I can easily give them out when the occasion arises.  On some envelopes I wrote things like, "If you found this, it's for you," or "Finder's keepers... this is yours."

An Unexpected Welcome Home

We just got back from enjoying 10 wonderful days of our vacation in Idaho with our daughter Amy & son-in-law Mark and grandbabies Sarah & Gracie-cakes. Amy, last month had our 4th grand-daughter, Grace Eliza (better known in our family as Gracie-cakes). We came home very late last night to find an area of our front yard under our large orange tree, planted in beautiful flowers and a handmade "Welcome Home" sign that after an almost 500-mile trek home was a welcome sight to see indeed. Denise & I had one of our friends, Pat, make sure that our yard was watered and cared for while we were on vacation. Well, it appears that she or someone else (we still don't know who as of this writing) had taken upon themselves to plant several dozen flowers and liven up our front yard, and we were soooo happy that they did! It looks awesome. This random act of kindness ... Read Full Story >>

A Drop-In-The-Bucket Act

I was entitled to a free burger because I had 10 stamps on my Smart Alec's card. Awesome, I was pumped!  I liked the burgers, was on a tight budget, and had enjoyed accumulating the stamps on my card (the cashiers had been very nice about it, providing extra stamps here and there : ). I was really going to saver this burger. It suddenly dawned on me: the thing to do with this card was give it to someone who needed it more than I did. I plotted to leave the free burger card along with a smile card under someone's sleeping body on the street or something...it sounded like a good plan. But, as time went on and I did not find what seemed like the right opportunity, I went through a period of cashlessness and I thought maybe I will get myself a burger with this card. ... Read Full Story >>

Helping a Lost Dog Find Its Way Home

I saw a beautiful sunset today. It reminded me of a special favor I did not too long ago. I was driving home and noticed a small dog on the side of the road. Oddly, it just didn't seem to belong there. It was a busy route and an 18 wheeler was coming.

I stopped the car and dotted across the street.  The little mutt looked at me and came right over. He had a collar around his neck but no name, nothing. There was nothing but woods on this road, but about 6 homes on the other. So, I put pooch in the car and drove up one of the long driveways.

I knocked on one door and asked, "Do you have a dog?" The lady who opened the door said no, so I showed her the dog and asked if she had an idea whose dog it could be.  She immediately recognized it as the dog from four houses down.  I thanked her and went over. The owner was outside looking for the dog when I pulled up the driveway. She was so happy to see her dog, knowing how dangerous the road is. Well, I missed the sunset that day, but today's was really cool.

An Unforgettable Breakfast at McDonalds

This was a story I wanted to share with you, from a woman who helps the homeless. I am a mother of three and have recently completed my college degree.  The last class I had to take was Sociology.  The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.  Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'  The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.  I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake. Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.  It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.  We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of ... Read Full Story >>

A Contest To Feed Hungry Children

I decided to share this story and have been doing this for a very long time. It all started 5 years ago. I was watching a movie and then a comercial came on.  It was a commercial for an organization called The Feed the Children Foundation.  It was a very sad thing because it showed how little kids are suffering, because they had nothing to eat.  When the commercial was over, I asked my father if he could go to my account and take out $150 and send it to that foundation. He wasn't surprised because I did little kind things for people since I was able to walk. He went right after the movie and sent the money. Two weeks later, I got a letter from them telling me that they are very thankful and asking me to send more money. I didn't have a lot of money to give, so I thought of having a contest. ... Read Full Story >>

Help With A Bicycle Pump (and So Much More!)

I have a neighbor who is very handy with bike repairs. Due to a chronic illness, he is at home most of the time and is on continuous pain meds.  He is a very cheerful and helpful guy so when I had trouble figuring out how to put air into my tires (my bike pump apparently was assembled wrong in the store--who knew?!) I went to him, thinking it would be a "quick fix".   Well, who knew what all was wrong with the bike (not me, that's for sure).  This sweet guy insisted on "checking it all out" to make sure it was safe for me to ride--and he spent quite a while doing so (at least half an hour!) while I watched and chatted with him.  By fixing up my bike, he gave me so much more -- the freedom to not use my car, and the joy of being able ... Read Full Story >>

Growing From A Rescue Opportunity

We had a marvelous 10 days in Idaho and were driving home a day earlier than we'd planned. We just wanted to have a day to rest and prepare for our work weeks ahead. Little did we know the impact our leaving early would have on someone else. We left Caldwell, Idaho at around 1pm and went through a small town called Marsing, population 790. They have a volunteer fire department, a couple of gas stations and a small market. About 10 miles on the other side of Marsing, we saw thick black plumes of smoke miles down the road to where we were driving. It didn't look good at all. We got to where the smoke was, and discovered a Big Rig (18-wheel truck) on fire and the driver was sitting on the side of the road. Another car pulled over to see if everything was okay too. We pulled up to assist ... Read Full Story >>

Crocheting Coasters For My Favorite Uncle

I went to visit my favorite aunt and uncle the other day. My uncle has been terribly sick and is facing some surgery on his lung next week. 

I wanted to take him something handmade as a gift, but couldn't think of much to crochet a man other than a scarf and hat. Of course, it is too hot for that at the moment so I crocheted him six coasters in different colors with smiley faces and a holder to be kept in.  I thought it was something he could use with his drink when he was sitting by the computer.

I teased him when I presented it. ''Here's somethin' to put your beer cans on,Uncle Russell!'' He doesn't drink, but he seemed to like the gift. Aunt Lucille chimed in by saying, ''The kids were over here visiting from out of town yesterday complaining that our cork coasters left water on top from the cans..''  Uncle Russell quickly responded, ''Well, they are NOT using these! I'm hiding them up on the shelf until they leave!''    That made me think if nothing else, it was the gesture appreciated  from making them for him. :)

Lend Me Your Ear

How much attention do we pay to the person actually sitting next to us? On my bus ride to work, I generally just look out of the window, meditate, or read a book. Recently, I have also tried to look at whoever is next to me and pay attention to their needs. Today a teenage girl around my age sat next to me. I smiled at her and continued to read my book. She suddenly started a conversation by asking me why I looked so dull. Unaware of my own demeanor, I started to be more aware of her, the passengers around me, the colors outside the window, and the sounds that were playing on the radio. After we began conversing, I realized that she was very lonely and just wanted someone to speak to. Her parents were farmers and she had grown up on a farm her whole life until now. Suddenly, ... Read Full Story >>

The Story of a Wallet

I just joined today, but have been reading your wonderful and inspiring posts for several weeks now. I would like to add a story that occured to me this week as a result of two related acts of kindness. Last Thursday I was pumping gas and set my wallet on top of my car after removing my debit card. I pumped my gas, drove away, and after realizing that my wallet had flown off the car roof, scanned the route I had traveled four times to no avail. Luckily I had no cash and my debit card was in my pocket, but this came at an already stressful time as I was getting married in six days, planning to move and trying to find a new job. This Monday at 5 a.m., I received a call from a Sheriff's Dept. three hours away in Marietta. The man said that a gentleman had ... Read Full Story >>

Unloading a Heavy Burden for Grandpa

Just two weeks ago, I was about to cross my little busy neighborhood road when I noticed an old Grandpa with a heavy load on his head just a few yards from me. He looked very weak and his bones had no strength to even carry him let alone that load with him. A few minutes later, I realised that I had forgotten to cross the road and I had seen him with a such a fixed gaze that even he had seen me looking at him. I shyed off his gaze but I couldn't for much longer... I've always loved my Grandparents so much so that whenever I see any older people their age I don't forget to smile at them.  I couldn't let go of this Grandpa either.  He came near me with faltered steps and handed me a slip on which was written an address very near to my house.  I showed him the directions ... Read Full Story >>

Side By Side With A Young Man

I was shopping at the local department store and noticed this young man in his late 20's looking carefully for children's clothing and putting together really cute outfits to buy. This is a small store and when I went to the checkout counters, they were closed and the courtesy desk called me over there to check out. Wouldn't you know the young man was checking out there too. We were Side by Side and I could see and hear his conversation with the cashier.  When the total appeared on the cash register he looked down and said I don't have enough money. He put back a shirt, and he was still short for money. Now, I myself, am not overflowing with money because my hubby is unemployed, but when I saw this guy putting back underwear and socks, I was heartbroken.  Here he was trying to buy some nice clothing and needed items for ... Read Full Story >>