Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Warming The Car

I was in a workshop out of town with colleagues. One of them was much older, and had recovered from an illness. He didn't want  Asian food, so he stayed in the hotel while the rest of us ventured out. This may have affected his sense of community. One night I told him that I wanted to take him out wherever he wanted to eat. As I have vegetarian food preferences and he did not, he did not want to burden me by going to places where I would have very few options. I insisted it wasn't an issue, and we went to a place he would prefer. My other colleagues went out separately, so I was able to hang out with this colleague and practice deep listening. We had a great conversation together. As we ended our meal and conversation, I decided to drop him right to the door of the ... Read Full Story >>

1390 Reads

You Look Beautiful

I saw a woman looking at herself in the mirror in the restroom. I told her she was beautiful. She had the kind of hair that looked beautiful no matter what she did with it.

I told her she had a lovely face. She was surprised and smiled. I often give compliments to people when I am grocery shopping. I love seeing people smile.

 

705 Reads

Checking on the Neighbors

After ringing her doorbell, I left these treats along with a few magazines in my neighbor's mailbox.

I'm pretty sure she was home. She is recently widowed, with two small foster children she is in mid-process of adopting.

I respect her privacy. She has much to process and knows I am here for her support.

1099 Reads

Making Time For Co-workers

A long time co-worker was retiring. She worried no one would show up for her retirement dinner. (It's often difficult for people to do dinner after work).

I found four co-workers to attend to make sure this colleague knew she was appreciated. It was a small group but we made sure she knew we all would miss her.
 

643 Reads

Lovingly Wrapped

Today, as I waited for a break in traffic to cross the road, I saw a woman in her car with her young daughter. Both of them were extremely overweight, making their small vehicle appear even smaller. The woman was smoking a cigarette as she drove. The daughter had her face glued to the glass of her closed window, looking forlornly out. I caught myself thinking negative thoughts about them. Then I caught myself thinking about things I could say to them that might ‘help’ them. Then I caught myself thinking negative things about myself for passing judgement on this situation. So I stopped thinking. I started breathing. I didn’t cross the street. I stayed where I was and breathed, not caring what I looked like. I let all my thoughts go in the cold autumn wind that blew down my neck and chilled me. I let go of my thoughts and my expectations and I just ... Read Full Story >>

941 Reads

18 Small Acts to Change the World

1.  Stop by a cafe run by differently-abled folks. These are tough times for small business owners so every bit helps. 2.  Visit independent book sellers. 3.  Share inspirational films with students and friends.  An example is "Bending the Arc" about how Partners in Health came to be. ​ 4.  Bake for folks and send goodies through the mail.  5.  Phone-bank to get out the VOTE! 6.  Encourage colleagues and students with positivity and express appreciation for them. 7.  Find AWE in every day by digging in the garden and just noticing every living creature. 8.  Plant seeds after harvesting summer crops. 9.  Take close up photos of beautiful flowers and send one each day to someone who is going through a health issue.  10.  Try to keep calm and positive so energy will have a positive effect on others.  11. Call and connect with old friends every day 12.  Write encouraging emails to students -- those taking board exams, doing interviews, ... Read Full Story >>

1291 Reads

The Cart Caper

I went to the grocery store. As I came out, a man by a disabled parking spot was trying to get his cart to stay put. It kept rolling away.

I said, "How about I take this one?"

He said, "Thanks. I can't hardly walk."
 
I took the cart back to the store.  He was finally able to get in his truck and go.
 

936 Reads

Remembering Our Animal Friends

I have volunteered at the Noble County Humane Shelter for the last two years. I help with the cats and dogs. I give the dogs treats and take them for walks. I play with the kittens. I think it is important to help the animals because they don't have homes and may be afraid of humans. 
 

794 Reads
  • Posted by IsaiahScott
  • Nov 6, 2020
  • Comments (8)
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Dinner For A Friend

We have friends who are getting up in years. The wife is experiencing Alzheimer's disease. It is heartbreaking to watch the husband's loving care as he navigates this journey with her. She is not always well enough to get out, but when we saw them yesterday I invited them out for dinner tonight.
 
I'm glad I did. Our friend drifted in and out of the conversation, and forgot what she had eaten, or what she had said, but she seemed happy to included. I was happy to give her that time.

She used to be a vibrant, witty conversationalist. I will hold on to those memories and try to give her some happy times, even if she will not remember them. I sent them home with extra food.



 

744 Reads
  • Posted by aledendecker
  • Nov 5, 2020
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The Night Guard

Winter had arrived with biting cold winds. We shivered even with sweaters and coats. One night, as we entered our building gate after a late night party, my husband noticed the guard wearing only a pullover.

He immediately took off his jacket and gave it to him. The guard wore the jacket then and there and thanked my husband profusely. I was touched by this action.

Every time I see the guard standing at the gate wearing the jacket, my heart soars with pleasure.
 

1371 Reads

Helping Hand, Listening Heart

​A sweet memory from Oct 20 2014 that I thought I would share ... Thinking about all of the elders that I got to spend time with during my grandmother’s five-year stay in the nursing home. I can’t imagine what it’s been like for them without any visitors at all. So sad. Keep loving each other. Keep being kind. ❤️❤️❤️ That day, I saw a man alone on a couch, in the front lobby of a nursing facility I have been frequenting, lying with his head on the sidearm – earlier he had been trying to push Jean, who has cerebral palsy and can’t move far alone, in her wheelchair, with his head, from his wheelchair. The song, “inchworm, inchworm” came to mind. I asked if they would mind if I pushed Jean the rest of the way – Jean said, “yes, please!” and the man smiled a toothless ‘thank you’. I thanked ... Read Full Story >>

987 Reads

Parting Gifts

My father died on Oct 9 at the age of 88. I was able to be by his side for the last five days of his life. I played my harp, my crystal lyre and my small zither-like therapeutic harp. I forgave the alcoholism, which I did not expect to do. There were such moments of tenderness. I am so glad I made it to his bedside. I will never forget it.

I cleared out his assisted living apt and donated all the furniture and most of the clothing and kitchenware to the fire victims of Talent and Phoenix, Oregon. His books were scattered among the little libraries of Ashland.

I am deeply grateful for the gifts my father gave me. The hard times are washed away -- not forgotten but not stagnant and roaring anymore. I am glad he is free of his broken body and his wounded spirit that never properly healed.
 

766 Reads

A Momemt Of Being

Today morning was a usual Monday.

After getting kids ready I was walking my kids to school.
We actually were running to make it to school on time. In that hurry, I noticed an elderly man walking out with walker and he also had a long stick that helped him to pick up things on the ground. He was trying to get the news paper on the ground and was having some difficulty in balancing.

I noticed this while running with my kids. I actually went past him.
Then I heard a voice in me. I stopped. Went back and picked up the paper and handed it to him. He looked up with a smile and said "Isn't that nice? Thank you" I smiled and ran back.

I think many such small opportunities to be of service used to go past me in the past. Being in this community I am more open and recognize these opportunities to be of service.

Thank You all and much Gratitude for all of you who help foster this!

 

656 Reads

A Golden Autumn Playdate

“I LOVE Nature!”

She enjoys watching nature shows, especially if there are animals involved.

Maybe that’s why her grandparent’s golden aspen grove sucked us in while we were looking for leaves to craft with and let us go around 3 hours later.

We pretended we were a primitive family, making a shelter from bent trees and an old blanket.

I made her a crown of leaves and a tiny wreath woven from a twig and grasses. She sewed me a ring with a pine needle and special leaf with a heart hole 💛.

We took turns raking the leaves into a small nest, which she rested in as a baby bird while I fed her “worms” (bits of sourdough pumpkin bread).

Then we tossed armfuls of the nest up into the air and at each other, until we were laughing and covered in gold.

She helped me remember the joy of play, the art of pretending, the blissful immersion and appreciation of nature.
 

711 Reads

Birthday kindness to me and spread to others

My birthday was Thursday 10/8.
I took off 5 days from work.

I treated myself to breakfast.
When I got there to pick it up the man asked "what are you doing today?"
I said "well, it's my birthday."
He said "oh nice, if you show me ID of your dob, you get a birthday discount."

I showed it and my bill went from $14 to $5. I did give him a $5 tip. (kind of gave away my savings, but I was ok with it)
Then I went to buy something at Walgreens. It was $10. She said you have $5 store credit. Well giddy up to me again.

I left and on street corner at light was an old man asking for money. I had never seen him before. I handed him a $5. Same thing, I gave away my saving. However, I see it as it meant to be. And it made me happy!
 

835 Reads

More than a Place to Work Out

I belong to a small gym owned by a husband and wife team. The gym fosters such a strong sense of community, you feel like you're part of a family. A newer member's (we'll call him John Doe) apartment building burned down and he lost almost everything.

One fellow member who barely knew John Doe immediately decided to start a small fund-raiser for John and told all the other members about it. They all came to the gym one day and personally presented their donations to John.

I couldn't be prouder to be a part of such a community!  Not only are they amazing athletes, they are also amazing human beings!

 

752 Reads

Alternatives for Holiday Gift-giving

I shared with all those near and dear to me that instead of exchanging gifts this year for the holidays, I would like to make charitable donations in their honor instead.  I hoped they would do the same for me.

For my KindSpring friends I sent a donation to our KindSpring website to help keep the work growing.

I made a charitable donation to benefit orphans. I will be looking around for more good causes to contribute to. 

Children on our holiday list will be receiving presents from us this year.

I will send out e-cards to save trees.
 

687 Reads

Voicing gratitude to a stranger

Expressing one's appreciation to a stranger who shows kindness is warming for both souls. My son is currently in the midst of applying for college courses and mothers tend to assume an increased role of researcher/secretary. I called up the admissions department to gain advice about completing the application process , speaking with a wonderful woman who was a fellow mother of a boy one year older than mine. What struck me was her genuine care and helpfulness, taking time to give reassurance and perspective on our scenario. A rare trait when overall individuals are too much in a rush or distracted to give meaningful support. Nearing the end of our call I voiced my deeply felt gratitude for her empathetic and attentive communication and by her initial silence as she processed the compliment I could tell she was a humble soul who was not used to being thanked for being wonderful in ... Read Full Story >>

1134 Reads

Spreading the Warmth When It's Freezing

Before leaving for school this morning, I shoveled my driveway and sidewalk. It was cold and I was ready to head for warmth. But then I glanced a few houses down at the house where my elderly neighbour lives. He doesn't receive much help, so I â€‹shoveled his sidewalk and driveway. What a surprise it probably was when he woke up. 



 

920 Reads

A New Pair Of Sneakers

While shopping I came across a young woman trying on sneakers.  She told me her mom advised her to go get some sneakers as she was expecting a baby and her feet were already starting to swell. I told her I liked the shoes she was trying on.  We visited more about her pregnancy. She was only 14 weeks along and seemed very excited. She told me that she just moved back in with her mom in anticipation of the baby. As I began to wrap up our conversation I told her she should definitely get the sneakers if they were comfortable because they looked good. She asked me if I knew if they had layaway because the sneakers were a little bit beyond her budget, but she really liked them. Her question took me back to my youth. I grew up relatively poor. Kids with more would make fun of my ... Read Full Story >>

1335 Reads




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