Stories of Kindness from Around the World

One Man's Community Garden

Jeff has been putting a lot of time and effort into keeping our little community garden watered and protected from deer. “I plant all this stuff because I just like to grow things,” he said, with that Texas drawl. “Go ahead and thin the carrots and take what you want. Be sure to get some peas too. I don’t know what I’m going to do if all those pumpkins come in…” I assured him that I’d make him a pie and bread. Just look at those sweet beets! The first time we are growing and our crop is coming in well! Unfortunately, I’m the ONLY one in the family that likes them, so I’ll be sharing those with friends. With a combined effort in gardening, we learn to grow not only tasty fresh veggies but further friendships. Tomorrow is the area’s annual garden tour. We’ve invited a few friends and family to ride with ... Read Full Story >>

672 Reads

Rounding Up ⬆️


I  noticed the boy behind us in line at the grocery store. He looked hot and thirsty. All he had was a can of soda.

“Do you mind if I buy you that soda?” I asked him.

He nodded a yes and with a muttered “thanks” was out the door in a flash. Ah, the energy of youth!

Only a few dollars away from a total bill that would give us .20 cents off each gallon of fuel (at the store's station), we rounded up by purchasing a few candy bars.

The clerk’s choice was an Almond Joy, which she stashed away to enJOY at break time.

MisterM was surprised at how the opportunities for kindness came at us so quickly. It’s wonderful how when we open our hearts to giving, the Universe sends us more and more possibilities, keeping us on our toes -- as we round it all UP to the greater good!

 

644 Reads

Sympathy Card Of Love And Grace

Yesterday, I took my 4 year old daughter with me to a funeral for a close friend's husband who passed away. Before leaving for the funeral, I asked my daughter if she wanted to make a card to give my friend.

My daughter began to colour a scene, with trees, flowers, a few people, and lots of colours! When I asked her what she wanted to write in the card, she said “I love you. My heart is in your heart”.

My tears welled up in wonderment, she is only 4, but I am learning so much from her.My friends face when she was given the card, was a gift from God.❤️🙏

594 Reads

Free Coffee

I got this free coffee promo, but I don't drink coffee. So, I was going to leave this behind at the coffee counter. As I was leaving this guy came in to grab a coffee, but it looked like he didn't see it.

I told him, "I just left this for the next person, and you are the next person." He was so appreciative. I rarely get to see the recipients of these kinds of RAOK. :)

495 Reads

Simon Says :)

While a friend and I were dining at a "new to me" vegan restaurant, Simon, as his name turned out to be, approached us. He asked if we had a dollar to help him in his bid to find a meal. I went to my wallet and, knowing that one dollar would not buy Simon much, but that that $10 could get him something like the burrito I was eating at the time, I offered him the ten instead. We started talking and Simon said, "I think I saw you when you were much younger!" I replied, "yeah, maybe even in a previous life." Then Simon asked if we'd like a bottle of water. Since my glass was empty, I felt the need to accept his kindness and say yes. As Simon dug into the cooler he was wheeling, I noticed that rather than the normal ice you would see in ... Read Full Story >>

1285 Reads

A Perfect Match

Declutter Give-Aways. How’s this for a perfect match?! I had a feeling one of our neighbors who travels a lot would want a hardly-used, personal-size Nutribullit I have to spare.

This was her reply: “YES you won't believe it we just bought a small one while house-sitting, because the one here broke and I do have a small one at home yet we could use the extra one for traveling. THANK you for thinking of us” ❤️

Perfecto 👌🏻

482 Reads

My Son Going Beyond His Comfort Level to Help

I asked my son to grab the plastic from the edge of the creek we were enjoying before we left. He collected it and untangled other pieces and then asked me to carry it to the trash.

As I gathered it up, I realized one bag was the remnants of a #2 dog bag, so when we got to the car we split a handy wipe. My son was very grateful to be able to clean his hands and I had not realized he knew what it was that I had asked him to collect.

I am grateful for his ability to see past the short term discomfort and develop water stewardship. 

484 Reads

Honest to God Miracle Answered

My story is of kindness given to me. I went to make an extra payment on my electric bill and instead of taking $20 they took out my previous payment of $220. I had to wait at least 3 weeks to get reimbursed for the excess payment.

I started praying that day at work because my gas tank on my car was empty and I didn't have enough food to last me until the next payday. I posted on my Facebook page I need a miracle. I need an honest-to-God miracle.

A cousin of mine that I only recently started to converse with about two months ago messaged me asking what's wrong. I told him and he asked, "will $300 cover it?" I replied, "yes" with tears rolling down my face. I told him I only need $50 to help me out until payday, but he wired me $300.

When I told him that I would pay him back as soon as I got the reimbursement for the electric bill overpayment, he said, "no don't pay me back, pay it forward." Amazing kindness from a relative whom I know only through texting and messaging. I hope to meet my Miracle Cousin one day.

558 Reads

A Visiting Butterfly: Fleeting Moments of Childhood

We have had a butterfly visit our backyard for three days in a row now. Every day it sits with us for an hour or two before taking off again. It brings me so much joy to see our children play with it. My oldest is so careful and gentle with it. Showing us kindness is in our nature.

523 Reads

A Friend's Gift of Time

A friend of mine made time for me. She is leaving the day after tomorrow for her camper at the sea and still has lots to do but took the time to meet with me. We went for a long walk as she is living on the outskirts of the city and near a forest. Enjoyed a good time with her and brought her some gourmet coffee beans as she loves her coffee.

Here is a poppy we saw along our way.

586 Reads

Fondue, Two Anniversaries, and Love Multiplied

We chose to celebrate our anniversary at a fondue restaurant - a first for us! They gave us the BEST table on the balcony overlooking the picturesque main street, lined with specialty shops and framed with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

To complete the beauty of the experience was a young couple at the next table, who were celebrating their 10th anniversary with their precious-month-old daughter, Emma.

Relishing the LOVE and the yumminess of the salted caramel chocolate dessert fondue, served with sweet pieces of cookies, cake, and fruit, my husband and I paid for the couple’s meal as our gift to them!!!

As we left, we told them of our surprise, and they were so shocked, delighted, and grateful.

How wonderful that we could afford to do!

Celebrating the LOVE, my friends, one delicious bite at a time. :)))).

716 Reads

Small Things

We have a neighbourhood tea shop and very often I go there to a have cup of tea and sit inside and spend some time reading books.

The shop owner is always happy to welcome me and his warm welcome makes my day. These are the people I live for. They are simply happy to see you. Life is in the small things.

Have a good day!

548 Reads

Service Through Horses

We are still looking to do more service and are always open to opportunities to help out. When we were climbing, we met a woman who works at a stable near a resort close by.

She told us that we could volunteer to help with horses and ponies- even though we know essentially nothing about horses, my son is very much enjoying his time of service.

As a junior wrangler, they let him stay on a stubborn horse for close to an hour learning to get him corralled.  Unusual and rewarding ways to help present themselves if you keep yourself open to them.

563 Reads

Following the River Flow

Our act of service today to our environment was to clean garbage and plastic from the banks of the Ganga river. 

 It was not just a cleaning program for the river,  but also an opportunity for cleaning our souls and our thinking.

We enjoyed it very much and we felt calm and motivated. Thanks to all participants for their time and labor. We will continue this work, grateful for the chance to help our environment through our actions.

528 Reads

Upping My Kindness Game

I have been upping my game on kindness lately. Last year spent in the hospital and nursing home, I was limited to simple politeness to all. Since being home in mid March, I have been cleaning out my stuff, allowing me to donate many boxes of clothes, shoes and books, as well as nic nacks. This TNH quote struck a cord with me because of this increased giving: "Yes, there is tremendous suffering all over the world, but knowing this need not paralyze us. If we practice mindful breathing, mindful walking, mindful sitting, and working in mindfulness, we try our best to help, and we can have peace in our heart. Worrying does not accomplish anything. Even if you worry twenty times more, it will not change the situation of the world. In fact, your anxiety will only make things worse. Even though things are not as we would like, we can ... Read Full Story >>

955 Reads

😊 Positive Post-it 😊

Since our town is very popular with tourists (especially this year!) I like to have a few positive post-its ready to share.

A napkin dispenser at the Purple Pie Place (awarded as one of the 10 best places to get a milkshake in South Dakota) was the perfect spot to anonymously display the quote “Travel far enough you meet yourself,” don’t you think?

555 Reads

Sharing Nature's Gifts

As I was watering the geranium plants in front of my house, my neighbor was passing by for her walk. She appreciated the blooms and so I told her how I had propagated and increased the number of plants, and that I would be able to offer her a few.

The picture shows a couple of plants grown in an empty yogurt container with holes drilled at the bottom. I mixed some potting soil and sand and put them in the container, and after dipping the open cut of the cuttings into rooting powder, I put it in the soil mix with little watering.

It takes 4-6 weeks for the roots to form and then they are ready for repotting and or gifting. My connection with dirt and understanding of plants is also growing in the process. I am grateful for having these plants and the soil as my teachers and for being able to share the fruits with others...thank you!

829 Reads

Turning My Loss Into Someone Else's Gain

I’m going to leave this bag, with a Kindness Card, at the place where I’m going for physical therapy (to strengthen my arm, after a fall injury).

💪It is filled with a resistance band (an elastic band used for strength training) kit. Resistance bands are commonly used in physical therapy, specifically by convalescents of muscular injuries, including cardiac rehab patients, to allow slow rebuilding of strength.

I ordered the wrong item, but instead of returning it, I will leave it there where I know it can be put to good use. 👌🏻

So fun, can’t wait till my next appointment 😊

1016 Reads

Adventures at Yellowstone National Park

As I was standing in line at Mountain Mama's in West Yellowstone, Marilee proceeded to tell the cashier that she would be buying my drink. I think she liked the message on my t-shirt!

I don't know what I expected, but I've actually found West Yellowstone to be a very accepting town. Everywhere I look there is the message to "Be Kind" posted around town.

One gentleman even apologized as I walked across the crosswalk because the bumper of his truck protruded maybe a foot into the crosswalk. 

And in the park people have been super friendly when
we ask for advice on the best place to see certain animals, like bears or wolves. I'm still waiting to see the gray wolves, but we're hopeful and grateful for the welcoming people here.

817 Reads

A Small Act for the Security Guards in Our Village

KindSpring has always been a home for a wandering me. An inspiration, a reminder to always be kind in the smallest of ways.

So here's a little act of caring for the security guards of our village. Masks to protect themselves from the harm of covid-19 and to let them know that loving kindness is more viral than the disease.
                         

624 Reads




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