Stories by Rajni (75 matches)

She Calls Me Father

I did not remember her, but recently a young woman’s email note surprised me and brought tears of joy. Her email began, “We met in a subway train in Queens, New York...” Fate had seated us next to each other. She wrote that she had been sad and depressed. She did not want to talk or face a genuine smile from someone like me. Life meant nothing to her at that moment. Her sad feelings did not stop me. I continued to talk to her about hope, faith and love. I gave her quote cards that she put in her bag. At home she was shocked to find the words on the quote cards resonated with her present situation. She became very happy and forgot the dark side of her life. Her grateful heart wanted to see me again to thank me about the kindness she received. She felt that God had sent me to help her feel better. This ... Read Full Story >>

I Saved A Life ...

I Saved A Life By Shoveling .................................................By A Friend • January 21, 2019 My neighbor is a paramedic, him and his wife are some of the nicest people I have ever met. A few years back we started this sort of "favour war" where one of us would do something for the other, such as shovel their driveway or help them build a shed, and next time the other would try to top it with another favour. Yesterday morning there was maybe 2 or 3 feet of snow on the ground (we live in a northern Ontario town so this is typical) and I remembered he shovelled my driveway for me last snowfall. So I bust out my shovel and take care of both our sidewalks and driveways because it was my turn to do a favour back. It takes a while but I finish and get into my car for work. ... Read Full Story >>

Heroes At The Beach

What an incredible day at the beach! Not because it was the most fabulous weather. Not because we were with fabulous friends. No, it was the best day because a group of men and a young boy took the time to notice a little boy with different abilities, waving his arms in the air saying, "my turn, me, me" as the football was being tossed around over his head. Honestly, my first thought was,  'oh man they are playing football, I'm going to have to go move Micah.' I called Micah from my chair 50 ft away and he was refusing to come! He just continued to watch the ball being tossed, listening to the fun laughter of the guys, and watching the high fives they were swapping. These are the moments that I dread. These are the moments I have to make choices to choose good thoughts, not bad ones! ... Read Full Story >>

Delivering Surplus Food From Businesses to Those in Need

Raj Karmani: Delivering surplus food from businesses to those in need. From: Kazan Today Raj, a Pakistani, came to the U.S. to study computer science. While in graduate school at the University of Illinois, he noticed the owner of a nearby bagel shop calling charities to see if they wanted to pick up his surplus food. Raj knew that was a wonderful thing to do, but also knew there had to be a better way: Knowing that over 30% of all food produced in the U.S. is discarded, Raj started Zero Percent in 2013. Its purpose is to collect surplus food from restaurants, markets, other sources, and food destined for landfills, and instead deliver it to charities in need. Using his computer skills, he developed applications matching businesses and charities, and provided efficient pickup and delivery services, seven days a week. Zero Percent now has 525 food donors, that have provided 160,000 meals to 384 nonprofits, all in ... Read Full Story >>

Making an Effort to Help Strangers

I have a wonderful story about this young man, Connor. He was helping a family in front of me that was scraping pennies (literally) and only had less than $3 on their EBT card. The change was on the conveyor belt and rolled down under the counter. He tried his hardest to get them all. He asked them again how much they had left on their card (EBT), which was less than $3.

As he was counting it all out he knew they didn’t have enough. He got his own wallet out and put $2 in so they could get the few items they had. When he did it, he did it like it was no big deal.

This young man went above and beyond for this customer and I would love to see him  recognized for being an outstanding employee. What an act of selflessness and kindness to help someone less fortunate.
 

Doctor Gives Kindness Treatment

Tuesday morning my 5 year old woke up and his eye was extremely swollen and red. Like really bad. I took him to urgent care up the road and after being examined the doctor, she was very concerned. They prescribed antibiotics but said I needed to take him to the ophthalmologist right away. The one in my town didn’t have any same day appointments but they were able to get me into one about 45 min away. I was already holding back tears because I was scared for my son. My gas tank was on E and I don’t get paid until the 3rd. I completely lost it and told the nurse what was going on. I said I had to call some people and ask to borrow some gas money but I would get him there somehow. A minute later the doctor came in and handed me 20$ so we could get ... Read Full Story >>

Bouncing with Happiness

A stranger heard we were planning for my daughter's fifth birthday, and volunteered to drop off and set up a commercial bouncy house (that the kids loved) and he wouldn't take a cent in payment or let us help. He just told us to pay it forward.

I was blown away by his generosity and it was a lot of work to set up and pack away and he just said he likes knowing that kids had fun.
 

Chain Reaction of Kindness at the Subway Station

Kindness pays back with positivity. I was about to climb up the staircase at subway station in New York. I saw one lady was having a hard time getting her wheelchair up the stairs. After thinking someone might help me get my bag up, I left my bag on the floor and offered help to the lady. She gladly accepted it. While I took her wheelchair up, one young man brought my heavy bag up the staircase. I thanked him and rewarded him with a quote card. I gave a quote card to the lady after bringing her wheelchair up. Kindness pays back immediately with positivity.

When kindness paid back instantly, I resolved to pay it forward.

Post Lockdown Everyday Acts

After the lockdown was lifted in Ahmedabad, India - May 2020, I am again able to go out when necessary, with plenty of kindness opportunities. My day starts with the prayer “Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavanthu,” which means “Let all the worlds be happy,” and thereby all beings in all the worlds. Save water after hand-washing laundry to flush the toilet. Daily, after doing dishes, save water to flush toilet as well. Compose inspiring email and send to over 200 contacts every other day. Posting inspiring articles on FaceBook, KS and in an email that I send every other day has become a part of my life. Feed bird seeds several times and wash/fill bird bath almost daily. Several times I have donated money to needy people and bought groceries for them. Made sesame sweets and gave to staff at Utthan (Center for the differently abled), friends and needy people. I appreciate their trust in me and ... Read Full Story >>

And My Journey Continues. ...

I am leaving for Ahmedabad, India tonight Oct 6, reaching Ahmedabad on Oct 8. I do need to activate my Portable WiFi. I may not be able to email till then. Almost six months have passed since I came back from India on April 10/11. Life is taking new turns. I moved to New York from New Jersey. living with a friend cum family. They are very attentive to help and guide, to make my stay very comfortable and enjoyable. I pray Sai Baba to continue to bless them profusely. They are regularly taking part in "Narayana Seva" making food for needy people. Sai Baba is helping me guide my life in His way. I am grateful to Him. A Sai devotee couple willingly accepted all the material and devices like printer and Lamination Machine from me. I am very grateful to them. We shared some "Making Cards for Sai "  ideas. ... Read Full Story >>

Let's All Be Well ...

Let's All Be Well post of our dear sister Mindy inspired me to search for some appropriate image.

What I got is the image attached below. Drawing and hanging is sure a fun to do. How many people will look at the poster hanged in my window other than birds and may be monkeys.

As an act of kindness, as usual I do, Make a quote card and share with others. Many of them will display for others or share the photo on FB, WhatsApp or email or in any other form.

During the time of Corona Pandemic. May All be well.

Kind Domino Effect

This is a story of a kind act which had a domino effect going from patient to dentist to sweeper (janitor). I gave quote cards to patients waiting their turn in the dentist office waiting area. When I was called in to see the dentist, I placed a “Wear A Mask“ and “Keep Social Distance“ sign on the dentist’s table along with some quote cards. He checked my teeth and said: “Let broken loose teeth fall down, nothing can be done about it.” He refused to take a fee from me. I put a little extra on his table. He was giving me more change back, while cutting down his fees. I politely refused to take it and requested that he give it to some needy people. Immediately he gave much more than my change to the lady who was sweeping the office floor. I was satisfied that I paid the fee and a little extra ... Read Full Story >>

Expanding Hearts on a Plane Journey

Kindness Journey I have a hearing problem, so my son helped me to check in my luggage at the Dulles International Airport Washington DC. I gave a birthday- quote card pack to check-in clerk. Her face brimmed with a smile, thanking me. It was my first time at the Washington DC airport, so my son asked for wheelchair to make sure I found the departure gate. The check-in clerk came out from behind the counter and requested my wheelchair to the lady managing them. I am thankful to all of them. The gate was not an easy find for me going up and down and taking train to gate. My son took the right decision to have the wheelchair. I greatly appreciate his love and concern for me. At the security check, they let me pass with my watch, belt and shoes on. At the boarding gate I said that I have hearing problem and asked ... Read Full Story >>

An Angel on the Train

I was on a train heading into Sydney where a middle-aged man experienced a mental distress episode.  It made those around him extremely uncomfortable.

A young woman sitting near me started talking to him to make sure he was OK. The two of them spoke for about 10 minutes. The lady showed such compassion and empathy towards this complete stranger.

Not only did she calm him down and help him come to the decision to seek assistance, she stunned those of us sitting in the immediate area with her kindness and humility.



 

Gifts of Food, Time, and Joy in Celebration

I visited the supermarket to buy some groceries for a homeless family living across the supermarket, as well as for me.

While the cashier was scanning my cart full of groceries, a man came behind me in line with one item. I asked him to allow me to pay. He agreed. I paid, thanked him, and gave him a birthday card, Smile Cards, and bookmarks. 

Before all my items were scanned, a second man arrived in the line with two small cookie packages. I offered to pay for his items, too. He agreed and gave me his items. After the cashier rang them up and gave them back to me, I returned the cookies to the man. He tried to reimburse me. I asked him not to pay me, but to pay it forward to people in need. I gave him a birthday card, Smile Cards, and bookmarks, too.

I gave the groceries to the homeless family who was waiting. They needed something extra, so I gave them money.

I also paid extra to rickshaw driver.

All this was in honor of my son's marriage anniversary. He seemed happy to know the way I celebrated.
 

International Peace Day Celebration

To celebrate International Peace day, I made Peace quote cards with mindyjourney’s message, laminated for durability. Peace dove and a string were attached to hang them. I am grateful to Sister Mindy for her inspiration. The doves were made by sisters Mindy and Cathie during their India trip November 2019. I just added a few. I am also grateful to my brother who helped me with corrections and suggestions in Gujarati translation. Credit goes to Utthan for giving me cards to make quote cards. I am happy to be a little part of this International Peace Day project. I distributed some peace and other quote cards today. Utthan, computer shop and the supermarket received a bunch of them. Others were also given where I shopped on September 21. This is just the beginning. The Peace quote cards will be made when needed to give away regularly along with other quote cards. Peace is the ... Read Full Story >>

Forgiveness

Last Sunday, I was standing still and watching traffic, so I could cross the road. Traffic was coming from right side. When I saw it was safer, I moved just a step forward. All of a sudden a scooter driver came from the wrong (left) side. He slightly brushed me on my right leg. Thank God, he came from the left side (wrong side, so he has to drive against oncoming traffic which is why he was driving slowly). I had open bleeding wounds. The driver drove me to a nearby drug store to buy cotton bandage and alcohol wipes. Driver tried to pay for my purchase, but I did not let him. Letting him pay may create inferiority complex in him and also make him feel guilty as well. I gave some quote cards to the driver and told him not to worry. I also gave quote cards to the shopper. Nothing in ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness Meet

Kindness Meet On May 21st, 2023, I visited my cousin brother who is 94 years old. His elder daughter was taking care of him. He loved my visit to him. I love him too. I talked to them about intense positive thinking and Fatemah story and also had nice family talk to make them happy and get inspired. His elder daughter went out, his younger daughter came in. Later their friend and her husband join in. I gave quote cards. Talked about positive thinking and my experiences with it. I told them intense positive thinking story, Fatema story and Chinese lady's story whose love for her son and positive thinking brought her son out of coma whereas doctors declared that they can't do any better to bring her son out of coma after trying for six months. I told them that it is not me giving quote cards and talking but God ... Read Full Story >>

New Year New Contacts ...

New Year New Contacts For Kindness On a beautiful New Year’s day, I went out to give some school stuff to needy kids that I bought a few days ago. 2022 was the best year of my life so far as kindness is concerned. I am not alone doing kindness, some friends sister Mindy and relatives have supported my good cause. I am grateful to all of them. After I gave, backpack, textbooks, note book, compass, pencil, jackets, T-shirts to needy kids and slippers and chappals to needy ladies, one old lady approached me with a note that she is widowed and doesn’t have anyone to take care of her. This was a new contact. We went to supermarket. I gave her some groceries and milk to needy kids. On the way, I found second new contact. I gave her slippers. I had some extra chappals and slippers that I bough to give needy ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness Gets Connected Too

Kindness gets connected too,  by Rajni Gohil From Abu Dhabi to Ahmedabad flight on February 28, 2022, India At Abu Dhabi airport waiting area, I gave some quote cards and bookmarks to a lady with about 5-6 years of age son. After some time, son cleaned water from a little table with tissues. I thanked him and gave a birthday card, Smile card and mindyjourney dove attached to quote card as well, appreciating him. I talked to his mom telling her about her son's kindness. I talked to her about Fatemah story and KindSpring.org as well. Gave her some more quote cards. After boarding the connecting flight to India at Abu Dhabi, I put carryon bag of passenger seated next to me in the overhead storage. I gave up my seat, so family can sit together. Airhostess asked me to occupy the seat where all three seats were empty. Kindness paid me back with ... Read Full Story >>

A Hand Up

A Hand Up Yesterday, August 14, I visited new friend's apartment. We went there together by bus. I paid for their bus fare too. I talked to the bus conductor about positive thinking, told him story and my experiences about it. I also gave him booklet on positive thinking and some quote cards to share with others. I cracked some jokes. I gave quote cards to bus passengers also. I gave homemade sesame sweets to my new friend. We had a nice talk using pencil and paper as I am not able to listen clearly. I assured him to help buy his apartment according to my resource. His son and daughter have to walk almost one hour to go to school. They badly need bicycles. I will find way to help them. I gave Utthan laptop to friend's son to use with permission from Utthan. I also gave some groceries to them. Two months ago, my ... Read Full Story >>

I am Only an Instrument

Being Kind Spring’s Community Member Of The Week ❤️ Maherunnisabahen and her husband Sharifbhai at AMWA blessed me with a shawl in recognition of the kind acts I do. It is the first time I have received one. After seeing tremendous work done by Maherunnisaben and her team, my mind was occupied by AMWA to do some more kind acts to be worthy of getting a shawl. I thank Maherunnisabahen for the inspiration. The inspiration, and being Kind Spring’s Community Member Of The Week, put me on my toes that kept me busy during the whole week! June 12: Gave donations to needy people. Bought groceries for needy lady. Gave T-shirts to needy kids. The joy on their faces made my day. Made quote cards appropriate for Shakti Mela - helping entrepreneur women and their crafts.. Paid for a school uniform for one needy girl. They were very appreciative. Sent Shakti Mela info on some of my contacts. June 13 Visited ... Read Full Story >>

Donate a Book Change a Life

Saturday March 12, I was walking to meet my friend. On the way I gave some quote cards. At the bus stop I found 4 young girls waiting for the bus. I gave them some quote cards and a booklet on Positive Thinking in Gujarati and talked about positive thinking.



Walking further, I asked a man on scooter how far is Vijay cross road? He came behind me and gave me a ride to my friend's place. I reached there in time. I am grateful to him.

My friend is running a project to send inspiring books to different libraries. I gave him booklets and donation for some books for libraries. I am just a part of the donation. It was a KS friend that gave part of it. I am grateful to them.

The image says "Donate a book, change a life"

Bigger is better.

Donate books to libraries and change many lives.
 

Every day is Kindness Day

If it is Sunday, It is Kindness Day More or less, all days are kindness days. People go to temples or churches or other holy places on Sundays. I visit living temples where God is residing in human beings. We all know that selfless service to humanity is service to God. Service to needy people without getting/expecting anything in return. Anything doesn’t mean money only; it includes name and fame as well.  I visit an organic farmer’s market on sundays at Gujarat Vidhyapith and I always try to go at different times, so I meet different people and give them Mindy's Peace dove quote cards, other quote cards and talk to them about the importance of positive thinking in our lives. On Sunday February 26th, I stayed a little longer at the Farmer’s market. I gave quote cards to many shoppers and customers on that day. I talked to one shopper about intense positive thinking last ... Read Full Story >>

For The Footpath Children ...

For The Footpath Children ❤️ Kindness with Divine sister's Birthday celebration in mind. Recently bought school supplies, such as uniforms and slippers and gave them to the children, most of whom live on the footpath. I thought most of the students were done needing school supplies, but fortunately I was blessed with new contacts. So, I shopped for more items as shown in the image. Replaced short zippers with long ones for girl's uniforms. Sewed belts and repaired some. Sorted according to student's name for easier giving. I began giving supplies to celebrate my divine sister's birthday on September 15th, along with cookie packets, quote cards, birthday quote cards, bookmarks, and mindyjourney’s Dove message - with quotes and dove attached. The celebration will continue for a few more days, since some students were not available. Grateful to Sri Sathya Sai Baba for blessing me with more opportunities, resources, helping and guiding me. Also in appreciation to a ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness At Doctor's OfficeI

Kindness at Doctor's Office

I visited my family Doctor to show him my latest blood and other reports. Everything is fine. Nothing to worry about.

While waiting, I talked to the lady and her mother seated next to me and told them Positive Thinking story. I gave them booklet on positive thinking. Before leaving home, I was thinking of finding someone to give it and talk about positivity. Positivity found its way. I received smiles and thanks as well.

After they visited doctor, I reminded her mother to think positively and forget about her condition. I received smiles.

I gave some quote cards, birthday quote cards and bookmarks to patients waiting.

Prayed for wellbeing of all the patients.

Stretching Kindness Muscles

I am trying my best to help my new friend. New friend doesn't follow English. His wife has a bank account that was not used for a long time. I help fill out form to request a checkbook and to change Mobile ( Cell phone) number. After waiting, checkbook was given.

I also lent them interest free loan
to buy an apartment they are living in presently so they do not have to pay rent. 

Encouraging Rikshaw Driver

Encouraging Rikshaw Driver After returning home from shopping spree, buying school uniforms, textbooks, notebooks and backpacks etc. returning home by rikshaw on August 17. I gave tip to the rikshaw driver. Without counting, he put money he put it in his pocket. I told him that I have given him tip, for he drove the rikshaw very near the lift entrance. I suggested him always to be kinder to his rikshaw riders and others. Some like me may reward you with tips. Do not get discouraged if some people ignore to give tips. God is watching your kind acts and he definitely will reward you. He left joyfully with a smile on his face with gratitude in his heart. That was seen in his eyes. I didn't brag about the tip I gave but I wanted him to be kinder than necessary to make life worthwhile. A little conversation, but it makes ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness All Around Today

Yesterday I visited a new branch of my local bank. I had to ask some people for directions. At a crossroads, I took a wrong turn.

Again, I asked another gentleman for directions. Rather than giving me directions, the kind soul offered me a ride to the bank, which I gladly accepted.

Kindness received. I am grateful to him and Sai Baba for sending him my way. I gave him a quote card. While walking, I handed out more quote cards, too.

Signature Of Positivity

Signature of Positivity Yesterday I went to my bank to just sign one document. An employee MS U is like my younger sister. I stood in front of her desk for 2-3 minutes watching her silently writing in someone's document. When she noticed my presence, we exchanged smile and namaste. I told her not to feet guilty neglecting my presence. I admired her working with intense concentration and told her that she was doing a very good job. I also told her a very inspiring story: A student got admission in his favorite course. When he went to pay the fees, they found one document was missing. There were only two days left to secure the admission. He traveled to his home village government office to get the required document. The clerk said, it will take two to three days. The student met the officer and told that the document needed today to ... Read Full Story >>

Reflections on My First Humbling Act of Kindness

$100 Hero Changes a Family's Life Forever

A California Town Turns Strangers Into Friends

I Created A Card For My Teacher

Learning From A Cabbie

Unleashing Ripples of Kindness in a Smile-Covered Prius

Small Stories of Small Kindnesses

Sowing Seeds of Joy on a Supermarket Adventure

It Started At A Bagel Shop

Teaching Kids Spiritual Harmony

From the Bottom of My Heart...

A Traveling Truck of Sweetness

A Man Named Lawrence

A Bank That Pays-It-Forward

An Unforgettable Breakfast at McDonalds

Got A Life-changing Reward For Kindnesses!

Random Acts of Patience

Shopping Cart Outside A Car Door

Intention Of Five Kind Acts A Day!

A Rainy Day At The Carwash