Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Global Postcard Kindness

I belong to a group called postcrossing.com that maybe some of you KindSpringers know about. It is a group you join on-line and the organization connects you with people all over the world for sending and receiving postcards. If someone wants a card in an envelope, I will include a peace dove and a KindSpring message.

The photo is of my effort to collect cards for my mother's birthday. In my bio I asked people to send me a card for my mother's birthday. She turned 85 and it was a challenge to get that many cards for her -- I collected 76 of them and it took a year. But was she ever surprised at the warm words from all over the globe!

She took this photo and put it on her Facebook page. I like it so much that I had to share it with you. Postcrossing is  a sweet way to connect with people all over the world by way of postcards. I feel it promotes peace and good feeling. After all, how can you hate your friends?
 

78 Reads

Apples For Students

ApplesSo grateful when plans align! At my son's school, there are some kids who are coming without having eaten breakfast. And even with free lunches, it is tough to focus in the morning when you are hungry and you can't eat until lunch time.

Fortunately, we have a great local market grocery owner, who has agreed to make periodic food donations, so we can have some fruits available for breakfast at school. People are amazing!
 

122 Reads

Remembrance Through Kindness

Nine years ago, on the 20th of October, Jackie was a student in a class that I taught. Eight years ago, on that same date her physical life came to an end, all too early. Little was I aware of the lessons that she would leave me with for the rest of my life. Every year on this day, I do something extra special to honor her memory and the kindness that she exuded. While at a cafe this morning, I was standing behind a couple ordering their breakfast. After they ordered, I asked them if they'd allow me to pay for their breakfast in order to honor a student of mine. The young lady looked at me with some bewilderment and responded, "Sure, I suppose... but that's a lot of money." I suppose "a lot" is relative. In comparison to one's life, it is nothing.  The couple said thank you, to which I ... Read Full Story >>

539 Reads

Offers of Listening, Smiles, Nature, and Biscotti :)

I gave a listening ear and unconditional love to a colleague who is going through tough times. I gave him hugs and smiles, tissues and positive energy. I ordered smile cards :-) I took some photos of the beautiful nature during my walk today and sent it to folks who live far away and who I know would appreciate it. I baked biscotti for a friend across the country who is unwell. I purchased granola bars for a colleague, so that he could share it with his students at the office. Every morning, I start out in the garden to thank the plants and trees, water the vegetables and marvel at nature's bounty. I packed up special treats for all the friends and relatives we’d be seeing this weekend at a family wedding! Got my house ready for hosting more visitors after we get back, too. :) That is a kindness to our future selves -- to ... Read Full Story >>

175 Reads

Small Steps For Embeth

My husband and I participated in a 10-kilometer (almost 7-mile) Peace Run and Walk, as a part of the Cape Town Marathon to raise money for an organization named Ithemba. This is an organization we started to raise awareness on depression and its research. We lost our daughter almost nine years ago, and every walk on this hike, was for her. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), next year, depression will be the second biggest illness in the world; and in 2030, the biggest. We did this for our daughter, Embeth, who passed away in 2010. It was a day of goodwill, and many people from various countries around the world participated in this event. We even received medals. Kindness really starts with small steps.   ... Read Full Story >>

225 Reads

Hiking For Hope

Yesterday, on an beautiful Sunday morning in Cape Town, my husband and I participated in the Hope Hike for awareness about depression, to break the silence and to raise funds towards research. We walked 10 kilometers (6,21 miles). We lost our daughter almost nine years ago, and every walk on this hike, was for her. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) next year depression will be the second biggest illness in the world; in 2030 the biggest.

180 Reads

Offering A Tender Coconut To A Security Guard

It was a hot afternoon in Chennai, India and we wanted to have tender coconut water.

Just as we were drinking it, I noticed a security guard who was working hard in the sun helping people to park their cars.

As I went up to pay, I paid an extra amount for the security person to have some, too, as he was exhausted like us.

It made me feel happy to be able to gift him nice, cool coconut water on a hot Chennai day.

166 Reads
  • Posted by aarthykarty
  • Nov 12, 2019
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Amazing Kindess On My Travels: Czech Republic.

Many moons ago, I went to the Giant Mountains with a couple of people. We were walking in the mountains and suddenly it started to rain very hard. We found shelter under the roof of some ski lifts. The elderly man who worked there said we could spend the night in the loft there, and so we did, in our sleeping bags, after he shared some drinks with us. Maybe the man felt sorry for us or was simply being kind, but he recommended walks for us the next day. In a mixture of languages, and drawing pictures, he signaled that we could come for dinner and spend the night at his home that night. Being penniless students, we eagerly took up his offer, naturally, once we trusted our instincts that he was a decent person. At his home, his wife treated us like royalty. For us, dinner was a lavish ... Read Full Story >>

216 Reads

Amazing Kindness On My Travels: USA

Whilst on a road trip to the USA from Canada around the Milennium, my hubby and I experienced amazing kindness at a gas station. It was one of those places where you fill-up the car first and then pay by card right at the machine. Unfortunately, it didn't accept our Canadian bank cards and with a mere 3 US dollars to our name, we had no idea how to pay. Whilst trying to find a solution with the attendant inside at the cash desk (i.e. pay in Canadian dollars), another customer came up to us and said she'd like to settle our bill of 40 dollars!!! We were stunned, especially as she didn't want us to send the money to her later. Nor did she want our Canadian dollars. Back then 40 dollars was a lot of money! All she said was "Just help somebody else who needs it". Straight after that, we ... Read Full Story >>

318 Reads

Busy Crafternoon Bees

Busy Crafternoon bees, we made over 35 Halloween/Autumn cards for CFHK (Cards for Hospitalized Kids). This was just sort of a warm-up to the larger more publicized event to be held on Oct. 2nd :))). Look at all those beautiful, love-filled and creative cards destined to cheer children in the hospital, with plenty more to be made and donated!

Grateful to the library for the space and fellowship of crafters who graciously give of their supplies, time and creativity.

We do indeed make a difference, my kind friends. Never doubt it, and together? Wow! We so amp up those good vibes :))).


159 Reads

Little Things Mean a Lot

Sometimes the little things you do mean a lot.

As an example; when my wife and I returned from the Cape in early October, I found a child's luggage tag on the floor next to the baggage carousel. It was a bit unique and had an address. So, we mailed it to the address.

Attached is the thank you card that has overwhelmed me. It reads:

"Thank you so much for being so kind as to mail me my lost luggage tag. It is very sentimental to me. The little girl who gave it to me passed away 4 years ago. She was 10 years old and wanted to see the world. The luggage tag was/is my way of taking her with me on my world travels. I really appreciate your kindness.  Sonya :-)"
 

632 Reads

Playig my harp at the Trauma Healing Project

I was moved to take my harp to my acupuncture clinic at the Trauma Healing Project last week. It had been awhile. And the Project is in need of funds to keep going, so I thought perhaps filling the place with healing sound would help.

It was a chaotic sort of day there, but I did get to get some music in as my patients rested. Several were appreciative and said so.

127 Reads

Everyone Needs To Know!!!

This is not a story about my kind acts, but a thank you to all you people that do kind acts!! I want to thank you for saving me. I had become so down on humankind that I was seriously considering leaving this world! I had lived over 12 years in a very abusive situation, after escaping from there the courts decides to give the man everything I owned, so I have been homeless for over a year.  Where I now live I'm just one step above being these peoples slave, no I should say just half of step. So I hope you can understand my disappointment in the human race!! I was no longer believing that there were any kind humans left in this world. But I guess by the grace of God I found this website, I really needed to hear your stories of kindness!! So thank you, and keep ... Read Full Story >>

527 Reads

Kittens and their rescuer

Two tiny kittens were rescued by a young lady and brought to a rescue group, which gave them to me to raise until they were re ady to be adopted.  The young woman wanted to visit them, so I gave her directions to my house. She showed up panting and perspiring. The Lyft driver had dropped her off a mile from my house -- alone, in the dark, in part of town she didn't know! Shocking, eh?  I let her visit with the kittens for a few hours. The Lyft driver she called to go home got lost and then canceled the ride. "That's it!" I exclaimed, "I'm driving you home." And I did.   ... Read Full Story >>

241 Reads

Sharing The BountyThis Month ...

This month we celebrate Thanksgiving, coming together with friends and family to enjoy the bounty of the harvest season. It is also an excellent time to pause and reflect on the abundance of our lives as well. Our lives are full of love and laughter shared with those we love and we are deeply grateful for the abundance of the light this love gives to us. Do we know of someone who is alone, lonely, that would appreciate a visit, an outing to a coffee shop, a ride to church or a simple phone call to chat and pass the time of day? What stops us from sharing our time with others who are in need of companionship? The seasons are changing and we begin to bring our warmer clothes out of storage. Are our closets crammed full of clothes that we no long wear? We may be saving a few ... Read Full Story >>

183 Reads

Wishing Well-wishes

I am unsure, a little.
There are big things planned, which I'm not sure if things will flow as
We need to find seeds and all required for 600 people to create seedballs (for Daan utsav festival)..
Although I trust things will flow well, sometimes I'm not.
Wishing blessing and well-wishes for the event
to reach people who are really interested and for all that flows to allow this to flow well.
I know this place is meant for small acts of kindness, but I don't know where else I can release this worried part of being. Hoping all goes well.

199 Reads

Unexpected Smiles

 The other day I was shopping at a local store and came upon a lady from India squatting on the floor looking for a certain product on the bottom shelf. She sprang up when she saw me as if to get out of my way. Apologetically she explained that she was a cashier at a nearby store and was on her lunch break, trying to get a few needed items before her time was up.  I reassured her, "I am in no hurry. Go ahead and do what you need to do. I have plenty of time." While she searched for a particular brand she said that sometimes customers were rude to her at the store and she really appreciated my kindness. I told her that I had noticed cashiers being treated rudely by some people and that those people needed to be more considerate.  It is stressful to the cashier when ... Read Full Story >>

310 Reads

Let's Play!



At the community park adjacent to the fish hatchery in Spearfish, SD was this Let’s Play Library — where park users could borrow sport’s equipment!

First one I’ve seen, but soooooo like 😊!!! Already thinking of things to donate...

What a great surprise to find, but love the direction of sharing that is “kicking off” in surrounding communities !!!

192 Reads

Walk AwayThere Are Times ...


There are times in our lives we may feel as if we need to walk away from everything. We are tired of the games that people play and the unnecessary drama. We are tired of trying so hard to work towards the vision of what we want for our life. Life seems to have become too complicated and cluttered.

When we feel this way do we take the time to wonder where these feelings are coming from? Are we holding on to things that no longer matter? It is at these times in our lives that we need reminders that this too shall pass, that we do have joy, love and laughter in our lives, we simply have lost sight of it.

 There is nothing wrong with taking a step back, assessing our needs, giving ourselves the space we need to see things with clarity. Giving ourselves the gift of time to rest, relax and rejuvenate may be all we need to return to our activities with energy and a new sense of commitment to our best life. 
 Picture taken and written by TC



 

817 Reads

At the Gas Pump Yesterday

Was pumping gas yesterday. Saw this young man with a cool Batman t-shirt. Almost said something to him about the shirt, but he came up on me fast, taking me by surprise. He said he was looking for change for food and asked if I could help. He was right up in my space and I felt like he was being a bit aggressive with his request. So, I told him that I was just paying with my card. He was visibly disappointed that I didn't help and walked away. Another man asked me if the Batman guy had been talking to me. I told him he wanted money for food. He kind of scoffed, and that's when I heard my own voice, "he wanted money for food." Once I heard myself say it, I was able to look passed the space issue and aggressiveness, and hear that he wanted food. After I paid ... Read Full Story >>

376 Reads




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