Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Lessons Learned from Lavender Lilacs

I  was strolling by some lavender colored lilacs which were clustered alongside the sidewalk yesterday on the way to catch a ride with my neighbor who was joining me for a community dinner gathering. The quiet and soft movement of the little flowers as they danced in the breeze just made me pause for a moment. I looked at them swaying in the breeze as if they were alive and happy. I thought about how it would feel to make another human being alive and happy like those lilacs...  It was Mother's Day and although I was many continents away from my mother, I thought about my neighbor, who is a mother too. In fact, a mother of two. In addition to wanting to express my thanks to her for giving me a ride to the upcoming evening gathering, I scrambled back home with my new idea unfolding in my ... Read Full Story >>

11 Smiles for You

A smile will gain you ten more years of life ~ Chinese Proverb If you see a friend without a smile; give him one of yours.   A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. ~Phyllis Diller   A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.   Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~ Leo F. Buscaglia   Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.  ~Mother Teresa of Calcutta   Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh   Smile - It's the second best thing you can do with your lips. ~ Bob Armstrong   Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart. ~ Anthony J. D'Angelo   Start every ... Read Full Story >>

Something Stronger Than Fear Inside

I used to live in residential area that was quite far way from everything. It was a very hot midsummer day with temperatures over 35 ºC and it was also around that time of the day that the sun is stronger.   I was driving home when I saw these two men walking along the road under that burning sun.  They looked exhausted. I drove past them in the opposite direction and I had this urge of doing a u-turn and giving them a lift.  All kinds of thoughts came into my mind, including what if they harm me? But, there was something stronger than fear inside of me.  So, I did a u-turn and stopped the car next to them, opened the door of my old fiesta and invited them in.  I noticed the puzzled looks on their faces and I could even feel that they were embarrassed.  They were immigrants and didn’t speak my language, but ... Read Full Story >>

A Mother's Legacy Of Unconditional Love

As I entered womanhood, Mom sat me down and told me that no matter what happened and no matter what I did, I could always come home. Because of what those words meant to me, I said the same thing to my sons.  My childhood was filled with affection—lots of kisses, lots of hugs, lots of spoken I love yous. I never wanted for physical affection, and because of what that affection meant to me, I gave the same thing to my sons.  I grew up in a home where love was openly talked about and warmly expressed. I can still picture myself in my attic bedroom, sitting on my bed and fuming at my parents. They had been mean to me and were totally unreasonable—at least that was my evaluation of the situation. They hadn't understood that I was a teenager and should be allowed certain freedoms. With eyes closed, lips ... Read Full Story >>

Why Mothers Are So Special

Why Mothers are so special...

A Fishing Lesson

I went to the pond with my kids and a few young boys were wandering around as we fished and came by and I said "hi" and asked if they liked to fish.  They said they never had.  I gave them my pole and showed them how and in the course of the two hours, taught he and three other kids how to cast and put a worm on a hook as the kids shared stories of their home lives. I cried that night thinking of their stories of parents with alcoholism, anger, and seeing their need of positive input into their lives, etc.       These kids needed an adult to care.  It scared me to think of my kids out there talking to strangers, and so needy and hurting. I just listened and encouraged them, hoping they would take away something positive.  I let them know I believed they would ... Read Full Story >>

Saying 'Thanks' at a Finnish Post Office

   Living in Finland yet not speaking any Finnish has forced me to use English quite a bit. Finland is, officially, a two-language country though; the people of Finland are required to learn Swedish in school (which happens to be my mother tongue). However, only a very small minority of Finns actually speak the language beyond school level.    Upon a trip to the post office earlier today, where the staff has name tags with little flags representing the languages they speak (usually Finnish only, but in some cases also English and Swedish), I was fortunate enough to be attended by a staff member who, according to the tag, spoke all three languages. Still, I wanted to be sure. Sometimes the sign means they’ve studied the language, though it doesn’t necessarily mean they actually understand it.   I asked her – in Swedish – if she spoke the language. The answer ... Read Full Story >>

A Dialogue with the Universe

Here is an exchange between myself and the universe that I thought would be a helpful transcript to share with all of you. Question 1: What is most difficult in life? My Answer: Discovering its purpose. The Universe  Answers:  Don't look for purpose. You won't find it. Create your purpose. Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize your life. You should give meaning to life and not wait for life to give meaning. Question 2: What is most challenging to deal with in life? My Answer: Staying positive The Universe Answers: Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in everyday. It is not your position but your disposition that makes you happy or unhappy. If you are busy looking for gold, you miss the silver lining. Question 3: What is hard to let go of in life? My Answer: My ego. The Universe Answers: Most of the shadows of your life are caused by standing in your own ... Read Full Story >>

The Clarity of Kindness

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world," said Gandhi. Well, today I had two exams, so not much spare time, but afterwards I went and bought a sealed bag of cookies and gave them to a random person who got on my bus. She looked hungry and like she'd had a hard day.  I am struggling at the moment. Faith and religion do not seem to mix in my head, and I have many conflicting views.  Sometimes decisions are so difficult. But I suppose without some confusion life would be boring! One thing I am sure of is the importance of kindness. With kindness we can change the world, and work towards happy peace. Never stop trying to change the world!  Sunshine and smiles, I hope everyone has had a wonderful, fulfilling day. ... Read Full Story >>

Bringing Back Neighbourly Kindness

My 25 year old daughter moved house yesterday. It wasn't a big move. Just around the corner, in fact. But she was moving from a flat to a house with a little garden so her son would have space to play.   The distance was probably too short to justify hiring a removals company, but it was long enough to make carrying all the stuff a real pain. But we didn't have to. A neighbour offered the use of her Transit van. She reversed it up to my daughter's front door, then went home while we loaded it up. Then she came out, drove it to the new house and walked back home for a cuppa tea while we unloaded. Then she did it again. And again. All offers of payment or petrol money was waved aside.  My daughter got her a big bunch of flowers later as a thank you. Before I left, I ... Read Full Story >>

Will Work for Food

One day I had a doctors appointment to have some lab work done. I had to fast for 12 hours prior to the tests. Knowing that I would be starving by the time I left the doctors office, after not eating for 12 hours plus, I prepared myself a sack breakfast. So I had the testing done and was leaving the doctors office and was thinking about the food I had in the car, and how I couldn't wait to eat. I had reached for the sack and was fumbling and driving trying to get to it, when I had to stop at a red light. I looked out my windshield and there before me to my left side, the drivers side of the car was a man with a cardboard sign that read "Will work for Food". I wanted to cry. The first thing I thought of was I know how ... Read Full Story >>

Touching Hearts With Words and Actions

On Saturday, I took my car to the drive-through wash.  When you come out the end, there is an attendant who hand-dries the car.  Normally, the person doing this is minimally friendly, but on this day the man on duty was VERY friendly.  He was smiling broadly, handling all the little details in a charming take-charge manner, and making jokes.  I was amused, thinking "he's doing this to get a tip", but I realized that I really enjoyed it.  And I went forward with my day feeling better than before I encountered this man. Later, after loading my groceries into my car at the market, I was about to roll my cart back to the store. I was thinking "sheesh, this WOULD be a day I parked extra far away. It sure would be nice if someone going in would want this cart and I could give it to them" - when right then an older gentleman ... Read Full Story >>

An Impromptu Wedding Present in Action

Two of my dear friends got married last Saturday, May 2nd -- a special date for the wonderful souls. But what it was even more special was their intention: "We would like our wedding, and in fact our entire marriage to be about creating more good in the world." When I got their *personalized* wedding invitation exuding love, creativity and inspiration, my heart was instantaneously filled with gratitude and joy. Circumstances didn't allow me to attend their wedding in person, but I tried to celebrate their union in a unique way. Ever since I received their invitation, two and half months ago, I thought about this wonderful couple -- every day, twice a day actually.  I thought of the fusion of these two beautiful hearts, and I sent along my secular blessings. (I guess I took the inscription on their wedding invite literally: "No gifts please - Your Blessings is our Gift"). That ... Read Full Story >>

Lend a Hand With a Bus Transfer

I gave away my transfer today to someone that needed it. The poor guy was homeless and needed to go to his case worker.You could tell that he did not have the money.

I remember many years ago in Seattle I was evicted because I lost my job and the hiring then was zero. I lived in a women's shelter because I had to. I was often hungary and broke and I made a promise that it would not happen again. Some people here are not at all prepared when they lose their jobs. I wasnt prepared because I was not expecting it and my late mother and brother knew that something was wrong. So when I get transfers on the bus line, I give them away. Also the buses here have been really crowded.  So if you have a transfer or bus change, give it to one of the homeless.

Delivered With Love to Mothers on My Street

Once again this year I am going to deliver little gift bags filled with candies, a pretty quote and some goodies to mothers who live on my street and might appreciate being remembered on Mother's Day.

I bought mini gift bags, some candy kisses, an individually wrapped Biscotti cookie and a tea bag.  The tag on the bag reads "With Love From God."

I walk my dogs early in the morning at 6am, so it's easy to sneak these little bags and hang them on the door knobs of a few women in my neighborhood.  One lost her child tragically, two are recently divorced with young children and two are elderly with no children in the area. I also drop a few off at the local nursing home on the way.  It's a small gesture, but makes me feel good.

"If I Had Ten More Years"

Paul was dying of cancer.  It became clear to him that it was time for him to prepare for death. About a week before Paul died, I was visiting him one morning.  I found him sitting up, propped against a mound of pillows.  I sat on the edge of his bed.  His bedroom had a beautiful porch with French doors that were always open to the summer sun and gentle breezes.  Paul sat, silent, in the rays of the morning light. "I feel ready to go," he said finally.  There was quiet on his face.  "But sometimes," he reflected, "I just wish I had more time."  Paul's voice carried so much sadness mingled with acceptance, melancholy softened with a gentle peace.  In a moment like this, it is bittersweet.  Some of our dreams have come true, some have not.  There is a readiness to die, accompanied by an equally passionate wish to ... Read Full Story >>

Students of Life

Certain people weave in and out of our lives. Some come in and stay a little longer and then there are others who are with us for a lifetime. No matter how eternal or fleeting the moment is, this short story reminds us of the lessons that life teaches us if we are ready and alert to be its earnest students. Here is one of those lessons I would like to share: Life Lesson 1 - "The Cleaning Lady" The first lesson encourages us to examine how we treat others. It was my second month of college. One day, our professor decided to be spontaneous and announced the sudden arrival of a pop quiz for all of the classmates. I was a rather conscientious student. I was particular about completing the daily homework assignments, and always stayed after class to probe the professor with detail-oriented questions which were at times unnecessary. At any rate, I wasn't ... Read Full Story >>

An Extra Hug

    This morning when I dropped off my daughter in her day care class, I had the chance to make a difference for her best friend, if only for a bit. Her friend comes to our house and I play with them both, giving them “horsy rides” and chasing them around. Her dad is not around very much so I know it means a lot to her.      My daily ritual is that I always give my daughter a big hug and kiss, tell her I love her and wish her a great day.  While I was hugging her today, I noticed that her best friend who, was sitting at her table, had gotten up and was right behind us watching closely. I could tell by her face that she really wished she could do what we were doing. I quickly pulled her in for the “hugfest” and squeezed them both. ... Read Full Story >>

Loving Kindness Is Twice Blessed

I felt gloomy the other day. The weather had been dark and rainy, and I just didn’t feel so positive. It happens to us all, I guess. As I was sitting at my desk, I remembered it was the birthday of a dear long-time friend—a single, middle-aged woman who has dedicated the past 30 years to nursing and loves her work. Knowing that she doesn’t have family in town, I decided to give her a call. Sure enough, she was scheduled to work late into the evening, and wouldn’t have much of a birthday this year. As always, though, she sounded cheerful and was happy I called. After I hung up, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she would really appreciate a little attention on her special day. Still feeling a little gloomy myself, I tried to put it out of my mind, but as the day passed I couldn’t shake the thought. I ... Read Full Story >>

Let Your Voice Of Kindness Be Heard!

Have you seen the news off to the side on this website here about the extra $100 to spread kindness in the community?