Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Hammock City!

Early last winter, while hunting for madrona trees along the top of a wooded cliff in the local state park, I came across a series of fishing nets strung between trees. As someone who looks at knotwork as an art form, it was like finding a wonderland of possibilities! I immediately set about connecting the various nets together so you could climb from one to the other without touching the ground (because when the the kids show up, it might become lava or some other imaginary hazard!) I brought my kids there soon after, and they loved it! In later visits, I rigged more and higher nets, swings to get up to them, and other fun items made of rope. Here's where the kindness aspect comes in, because I have been putting time and money into a public playground that could be taken down by park rangers at any time. I ... Read Full Story >>

1082 Reads

A Drive Thru Blessing

Feel Better 💗

My daughter Kelsi,was sobbing silently as we went through the coffee shop Drive thru. She had received tragic news about a close friend via text.

The young employee Melly was someone I knew from her time at our school site, at least 15 years ago. My daughter went to a different school district, and  had not ever met Melly.

What a Kind surprise when my distraught daughter' s smoothie came out with a LOVEly blessing. Melly, thank you for easing my Kelsi's immediate pain.



1262 Reads

My half full Water Bottle

Water Kindness

Oddest thing, on way home from park, older gal sitting on a porch, asked me if I had water, as I was passing her house. I said yes, I have. She said, no, I mean for me. I said well I already drank some, do you want it? Yes she said, I am dying of thirst. I gave her my bottle of water and said keep it. She thanked me. I left. Why wouldn't she have gone into the house for water. Locked out?
I don't kow, but putting this on my RAOK list for today.


(It might have been that she was locked out.)
 
Funny, I usually finish all the water in my bottle after I sit on the bench after my brisk walk in the park.  Today I had to cut my walk short because my sandals ribbed a blister on my foot, so I hardly drank any. Maybe the Universe knew I was going to need to share?


 

2216 Reads

'When Called To Act, I'm All In"

Dr. Bazette, the father of one of my past students, is a trauma surgeon at our local hospital. His shift had ended when on his way back up the highway he came across a horrific scene. Two trucks stuck together. The second one hinged under the severed air brakes of the first. The driver immobilized and alive, his legs pinned inside his cab. The local firefighters valiantly, over an hour's time manage to cut away the cab of the second truck, and lift the rear of the first truck, thereby gaining access to the driver. For the entire time, Dr. Bazette is actively on duty, supporting and comforting the stunned driver. After he is freed his body collapses, and Dr. Bazette springs into action. In the Life Flight ambulance Dr. Bazette performs CPR on the young man for over 20 minutes, and revives him in preparation for the quick journey back to ... Read Full Story >>

1335 Reads

Incredible Edibles

"N.D.G.'s Incredible Edibles: Sidewalk gardens sprout for fifth season"

"Montreal is taking a stand against hunger by planting community gardens along the city's sidewalks. This project “puts accessible, organic, local food in plain view so people realize that we can use urban space to grow food, to share it and to build community,” according to founding member, Sonya Girard.
Let's get everyone on board and plant community gardens all over the world."

Source:
http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/n-d-g-s-incredible-edibles-sidewalk-gardens-sprout-for-fifth-season

1119 Reads

Hot Chocolate On The House

Someone shared joys of kindness with me today. It started my Monday real well, too, and is a universal affirmation that feels encouraging.


It was at my familiar convenience store, in the Friendly St.. neighborhood, where I sometimes stop for hot chocolate on a cold morning before going to teach. This morning, that was all I was getting. To my surprise, the clerk just said, "You know what. You are a nice customer. It is on the house, today." It was very nice of him.
Keep sharing joys!

941 Reads

Catching A Lost Ball Full Of Memories

Waiting for the train a young girl playing with her ball suddenly found it out of her hands and rolling off the platform landing on the tracks. Not only was she distraught, but the whole family was a bit upset. Overhearing their conversation, it turned out that the ball was given to her from her grandfather who is no longer alive.  It was not replaceable as it held precious memories. I told them I could help get it for them. I wasn't sure how, but I'm resourceful and felt confident I would figure it out. They were hesitant to give me their contact information - I'm a nice lady, but still a stranger, and it felt odd to them that I would want to take time out of my life to help them.  My work colleague who was with me convinced them that , "she really is good at helping people - ... Read Full Story >>

1026 Reads

Standing Together

Involve All in Keeping Us Safe

Our community at large is being targeted today by an anti-Muslim hate group which is demonstrating at our local mall. Across the street I am standing in solidarity with many who embrace ALL no matter their color , race, religion, sexual orientation, personal creed . Four of my students past and present are here with their parents. I am so proud to be an American educator 💞❤️😘

946 Reads

Seeing The Man, Not The Criminal

I talked with my son on the phone last night. He works in 'law enforcement' and is fairly new to his career. He said that they discovered a man who had attempted to end his own life. They managed to untie him, and while his co worker called urgently for assistance my son gave first aid.

He said the man asked for forgiveness for his past, my son said it wasn't up to him to forgive for his choices, it was between the man and his higher power. My son held the man's hand, peace came over him, and he passed away. His colleague said he couldn't have done what my son did. My son said in that moment it didn't matter what the man had done, it mattered that he passed with someone giving him comfort, looking into his eyes with compassion and seeing a man, rather than a criminal.

1314 Reads

Grow Strong Little Tree

This morning twenty four second graders, one amazing Dad, Mrs. C. and I gathered together to plant a tree. In clumps from the pick axed hole, clay soil came out, and in went soil amendment, pine bark, tree trimmed wood chips,,and a classroom full of  purposefully scripted good wishes.  Blessed by each child, our California Redwood tree "baby"  was then top dressed with part of the original clay soil.

When these now seven year and eight year olds are graduating from our local high school they can return to celebrate the tree they planted, ten years later. Each child wrote a wish for the tree that was placed into the hole prior to the covering up of the root ball.

1235 Reads

Going Back To Do The Right Thing

While stopped at a light, saw a homeless woman on the other side of the road. Could not reach her (physically), but made eye contact and mouthed "I'm sorry" and held her gaze and sent her love and a rueful smile.

Could not fathom just driving off, so turned around went back to the store parking lot, got out and pulled out some groceries, fruit and some money from my wallet (all of which were out of my reach whilst driving) and then drove so that I could be on the same part of the road where she was standing and could give them to her.

She thanked me in her language. We blew kisses to each other and virtual hugged while I was driving away. I'm so glad I went back to her.

1417 Reads

She Did This While Her Friend's Son Was In The Hospital

My friend's son is in hospital so her daughter is staying with me and I'm going up to the house to feed her dogs. When I was there yesterday I noticed that her washing machine was full of wet laundry so emptied out to hang.

Then I got inspired and collected up all the laundry. There was loads as her washing machine drain blocked last week and everything got wet and smelly.

I took it home and have so far washed and dried six loads. I'm hoping the majority will be ready for me to drop back at her house when I got to do the dogs later.

1364 Reads

The Man at The Cafe Who Showered Us With Kindness

I met a friend and her friend to go on a hike. After a lovely walk along beautiful trails and vistas, we decided to go for dinner and I suggested a cafe. When we entered it seemed that there were no tables or at least no space for 3 people to sit together. We looked around a bit (there were lots of people sitting solo at tables for 2) and then this gentleman came up and said if we didn't mind waiting a bit he would move his papers a bit and re-seat himself so that we could sit at his table. We were very moved at his kind gesture and gratefully accepted. Looking a bit closer it seemed that he may have been homeless and perhaps a bit eccentric. I showed him that if he just shifted over one spot we would have plenty of room and I thanked him ... Read Full Story >>

2335 Reads

This traffic warden tested my assumptions

I was walking back to my car and saw a traffic warden taking my registration. I knew I was fine for the time but noticed the tightening in my body and chest when I saw her - a completely programmed reaction to the uniform. I decided to greet her with a genuine hello and a smile and an inquiry about her day. We chatted for about 5 minutes and I realized how much negativity people in those kinds of jobs have to put with energetically, verbally and probably physically too. She was Polish, very warm, very young (amazing how uniforms make people seem much older than they are) and kind. I asked her if she wanted a coffee as I was going to get one and she said she couldn't because they cannot accept 'gifts' from the public. Legally I understand why that is required but it seemed weird in the context ... Read Full Story >>

1500 Reads
  • Posted by janemurray
  • Jun 13, 2017
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Bringing More Awareness To My Day

I take transit to and from work every weekday. Needless to say, it can be stressful due to full trains and buses, and the riders can test my nerves every day.

Today, I was riding the train on the way home. I wasn't really paying too much attention to the people around me who were standing on the crowded train.

Then, I noticed a young woman standing by me, who looked quite pregnant. I tapped her on the shoulder and offered her my seat. She was grateful and thanked me as she sat down.

It really is true that when you do something kind for someone else, you do feel good about it, and it lifts your mood. I often get impatient with others, which I will try to work on improving.

Let's all work on being more patient and kind. One day at a time.
 

1226 Reads

25 Years Later and She Still Recalls This Unforgettable Kind Man

I'd like to share a story from over 25 years ago because I haven't forgotten the single act of kindness that changed my life. During a vacation trip to Fremont, California, the partner I had been traveling with proved to be a very difficult person and well, let's just say I had enough wherewithal to leave that toxic relationship in the middle of our stay. I managed to arrange to stay with family friends in northern and southern California but that meant I needed to find my way to the Greyhound bus station, some 30 miles away and being a poor student, had little financial means to get there. I had clearly not thought it through. I managed to call various taxis and shuttle services but they were all too expensive or too far away to pick me up. Then, I got one person on the phone who managed to make ... Read Full Story >>

1863 Reads

The Meter Man Shared His Deeply Painful Story

It was a scorching summer's day many years ago. I had just returned from town where I had bought my children their school shoes for the new term. When we arrived home, all the purchased goods were dropped in the hallway and we all got iced drinks and cooled down. The electricity man arrived to take a meter reading. I had known in the past that they are allocated a mere 3 minutes for each meter reading. The man arrived at my door, I knew he was busy but I had to invite him in for a cool drink and shade from the very hot day. My children were delighted, they loved seeing kindness. I invited him in and he agreed to sit, have a cool drink and just rest for a while. He could see all our bags dumped in the hallway but that didn't matter to him. He enjoyed seeing ... Read Full Story >>

1660 Reads

This Stranger Jumped In to Help and Saved These 'Early Bird's' Morning!

At Starbuck's the other day - their cash registers stopped working - there was quite a queue - people were hungry for a breakfast snack - they could only accept cash at this time (some people only had credit cards) - I had quite a bit of cash in my wallet so was able to jump in and help out!! - Felt so great! Sometimes the opportunity we're looking for just pops up - nice not to miss out.

938 Reads

A New Birthday Tradition Started a Cycle of Kindness

I spent a few hours today with my younger granddaughter, Anna, in preparation of her upcoming fourth birthday. One of our missions for the day was to work together to do four acts of kindness. We watched this video together: http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=7641. I saw the emotion on her face change as the feelings of the main character changed. I knew she "got it." We talked about being kind to others, I explained our "project" and set off to do some shopping. Anna loves babies and always wants to walk through the "baby aisles." She found a little outfit that she wanted to get. I told her I knew a baby it would fit and showed her a picture of her. Anna's face lit up. We purchased the outfit (on sale!) and went home to make a card to send with it. At the grocery store she got a cookie to take home to Grampa. While ... Read Full Story >>

1730 Reads

A Zesty Mandmoo Kindness Adventure!

Today I went to the fudge shop and treated myself to a hot chocolate and a piece of cheesecake. I didn't have the funds today to buy a piece of fudge. I sat outside, we've had a glorious autumn day. Blue skies, sunny and warm - so there was a springy vibe. I write my novels by hand and worked on my third chapter. Did a bit of day dreaming when I stopped writing. I noticed these really big citrus fruit and they were the biggest lemons you've ever seen. Shannon offered me the lot. They were free. I was quite happy to have two and save the rest for someone also. So I got an idea. You can buy some Lions Australia lollies, similar to lifesavers for 50¢. The money goes to a charity. So I bought some musk lollies and Shannon had a card I could use. So I had a ... Read Full Story >>

927 Reads




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