Stories of Kindness from Around the World

She Gave $1500 Naira To A Girl In Need, Then Was Gifted $2000 Naira Just Hours Later

I took out clothes I no longer need and some I know I'll miss. But I wanted to gift it to some very needy people and the smiles on their faces really lit up my heart. My late mom had taught me that it is more of a blessing to give than it is to receive and it's been working for me. Most times I would give even my last penny and I get great joy in return. One certain day, I was going to work when I met an Hausa (Northern Nigerian) girl crying (they are not usually well off). I approached her and asked her why she was crying and she told me she was asked not to come to school without money for her sportswear. I asked how much and she said it was $1,500 naira (Nigerian currency). Wow! I thought. That was a huge sum of money and that was ... Read Full Story >>

1245 Reads
  • Posted by Pumpkinella
  • Apr 13, 2017
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A Fire Department Rallies Together For A Colleague

My fire department captain has a brain tumor. We had a fundraiser for him and his family to help with medical expenses. I had the people that came to the fundraiser write messages to Mike on a erasable white board.

I then loaded them along with many other photos of friends, and encouraging words, and scenic photos of our area on a digital frame and gave them to him. I also downloaded it all on a flash drive so he could play it on another device.   My goal was when he gets discouraged or feels alone he can play the slide show to remind him of all the people that love and care for him.

1270 Reads
  • Posted by basherwinner
  • Apr 12, 2017
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Having Faith In My Mother's Goodness

Today I was believing eyes to my mom. Believing eyes is a practice by Sonia Chouqette who says to totally agree by saying you would be great at that or something nurturing when someone states a desire or dream of theirs. So my mom is applying for a volunteer position working with single Moms and wants to use me as a reference because we volunteered  together way back when I with Sunday School.

She also took in Foster Children and later did senior care. So I told her she would be amazing for that and that she made a such a difference by giving back to the community through her volunteering and supportive positions as well as being a good mom and grandparent too.
 

764 Reads

Learning To Receive

To be kind is a natural way of being, but to show, share, gift our love and kindness unconditionally, more often is a proof of  freedom. Could it be  a freedom purified from all the fears and mistrust, freedom from "what will it be thought of me if I do it" , freedom from expectations and, so important, freedom from self doubt, shame, and hesitance to receive back when we gift unconditionally. Kindness was always part of my life yet I always miss so many opportunities to do more acts, limiting self to only one percent or even less of what my mind comes up with,  wonder why? Today's story is about a new friendship made in the bus. We talked all the way to the city's center, and we ended up at a coffee shop where we spent more hours talking. We had a good time. Before saying good bye exchanged our ... Read Full Story >>

1284 Reads

Just 35 cents

Just 35 cents can make a day. I taped this card to one of those water-filling machines. As I drove away I saw someone heading to the machine.

First instinct: stop and see his reaction, but then I remembered it's the journey, not the destination, that counts. So, I just kept driving and imagined his reaction to my 35 cent RAOK.

#AprilRAOK #BeKindToOneAnother

725 Reads

A Group Of 30 Came Together To Be Kind To Mother Earth

Spent the morning being kind to our Earth. Nearly 30 volunteers turned out to help clean up one of the beaches nearby. We collected a huge amount of litter, bagged it and took it away for collection. A good friend brought his camper van along. He made us tea, coffee, hot chocolate for the children, and even provided us with Birthday cake!

Although there was a lot of litter lying on the beach - there was a lot of litter collected. That’s a lot less litter in the sea. Made new friends, made new plans for further beach cleans. Felt so good to be doing something so worthwhile. Amazing what can be achieved when we believe and work together. 
 

1467 Reads

Her Grandmother Has Dementia, But Her Friend's Act Of Kindness Was Unforgetable

This photo wouldn't mean much to you, but it meant a huge amount to my Grandmum who suffers a little dementia and doesn't go out much anymore. When I arrived in the UK on the first leg of my recent trip, the person who met me at the airport was one of my wonderful friends from KindSpring. She was able to give me an old phone which was a fabulous kindness to me as I'd previously told her I'd be having to leave mine at home as I share it with my partner. It was massively valuable as I could keep in touch with people, but it's worth rocketed when I visited my Grandmum soon after. As I said, she doesn't really get out any more. I took the phone with me when I went out for a walk, and used it to take snaps of all the landmarks I passed. When ... Read Full Story >>

1519 Reads

A Forever Home For 'Cali'

I have exciting news to share of my experience with fostering a dog named Cali. A wonderful couple came to our home yesterday for an official meet and greet and there was an immediate bond that was obvious to all of us, especially with the one she'll be spending the most time with. They will give her an incredible life based on the love and attention they gave their last dog who passed away a year ago. I think they may even be able to love her more than Laura and I do, if that's possible. She is so dear to us that we couldn't have let her go to anyone less worthy. In a week she will be in her new home and a brand new beginning so far removed from the horrible hoarding situation she came from. It was overwhelming dealing with the combined feelings of sadness and loss ... Read Full Story >>

761 Reads

A Kindness Role Model For My Daughter

Today was a gift. Since starting the 'Random Act of Kindness Challenge' in 2012, I have been a lot more aware of others and trying to be helpful.

My youngest daughter knows this, but has not seen it in action much. Today I took her on two errands and she saw me give a guy holding a "Hungry" sign a water bottle and bag of trail mix from my car's "Helper Bag". Then, we saw a dad and his two kids asking for help, and I bought them all sandwiches.

This was not all that miraculous, but I really appreciated my daughter's reaction. She said, "I know you say you do this kind of stuff, but it's amazing to actually watch it." I think this kind of modeling will lead to her helping others as well. 

 

1759 Reads

A Powerful Lesson In Bullying

"The tongue has no bones, but is strong enough to break a heart. So be careful with your words."

-This wonderful article, by Dan Pierce of 'Single Dad Laughing" at Danoah.com explains how a teacher used apples to teach about kindness.

 

998 Reads

The Little Voice In Her Head, That Led Her To Do A Sweet Little Act Of Kindness

I was so blessed today to be able to offer my love and help to an older lady at my local supermarket ... I saw her standing there. For ages. Far too long that it had me curious. What was she looking at? So I looked. A "Shredded Pork Bun Meal Kit". A do-it-yourself one. "That's new" I thought. Then I watched as the lady begun to dig into her handbag and proceeded to pull out one of the biggest magnifying glasses I think I have ever seen in my whole life! (You know the 'old style' circle ones on a stick handle). "Oh she cant read it" I realized. So I stood there and continued watching her. And that's when I heard it. You know, the voice in me that often tells me to do the right thing. It told me to help her. But I argued back saying, "No. I ... Read Full Story >>

1440 Reads

She Met Him On Her Daily Walk, And Brought A Little Sunshine To His Day

Today I awoke, as usual, hours before dawn and after my prayer/chant and meditation, plus making a drink. I spent time on my computer crisis line email groups replying in emails to various people in dire situations such as suicidal thinking, extreme loneliness, mental and physical illnesses, despair, family and money troubles, and so on. Just about anything that becomes cause to write another for some guidance, referral or help. That voluntary work brought me to dawn. I took a break, and considered it a kindness to not talk about negative things but good and positive things, and in my "gentle (not anxious as I might feel) voice." In this way enjoyed breakfast with my husband, a very lovely kind soul himself. As always, a pleasant---but short---- interlude. When he left for the world of research, I returned to my own world that includes caring for my house in general upkeep, business matters, painting, ... Read Full Story >>

1338 Reads

$0.00 restaurant bill

After being affected by a company lay off and in the thick of looking for another job frantically, I was at a restaurant - which I used to frequently visit and knew all the staff.  The waiter asks me "Hey Rak, you find a job yet?" To which i answered "Nah, but I've sent out tons of resumes, i'm hopeful I'll get one soon".

At the end of my meal, he gives me the check, which read $0.00. I was TOUCHED by kindness.  I looked up and he winked at me and said "This one's on us". There are some BEAUTIFUL people in this world - Knowing how GREAT this feels to be the receiver, encouraged me to do the same going forward (paying it forward).

1104 Reads

Animals As My Teachers

Today a creative friend and me started working again through 'The Artist's Way' (it is my 30th or something time, I stopped counting the 25th time – I still love this book and Julia Camerons other books and the change they have brought into my life!). My commitment is to draw/paint/contact/massage an animal every day for the next 12 weeks. I am excited and thrilled and feel also a bit insecure about this new commitment. The last weeks have made me aware that animals have been my dominant role model when it comes to 'small acts of kindness and respect'. They always act anonymously, what they do is always small in the moment, they first take care of themselves, they do not bargain or lay out hidden hooks, they are willing to give into the huge circle of life while being part of it themselves, they just do their way and leave ... Read Full Story >>

1255 Reads

When Other's Pain Is Your Pain And You Can't Help But Reach Out

I had an opportunity to help out a young a girl, who is admitted in a hospital for the treatment of cancer disease. She's only teenager and suffering from cancer in her hip. Her parents are a daily wage laborers and live in a small village in India. They feel very overwhelmed and don't have any knowledge about this disease and treatment.

They were very helpless. When I heard about this, I visited the hospital, met with them and their girl. I talked with the doctors for all possibilities to which the doctor replied it is very crucial case.  There is risk of death but that they will try to their best to save her life.

I donated some money to her parents and also arranged for her to received a unit of blood for her, which she desperately needed.  I hope that she will defeat the cancer and win back her life.

May god bless her, may she live a long life and have prosperity.

1182 Reads

She Answered 'The Call' To Help This Woman In Need

I was at work when I heard that there was a woman in need who had left a domestic violence situation and was starting out again in government housing, starting out with nothing. I contacted her social worker (who I know from other times I've heard the call to help) and asked my friends if they had anything that would help this brave woman.

One friend came to work with a big bag of groceries, another with a bag of kitchen equipment, plates, bowls, utensils... and I donated some beauty items and a thick blanket. I'm very grateful to my friends for their help, and very grateful to be able to answer 'the call' when I hear it.

 

1095 Reads

Something New

I decided to do something totally new and random today. While in the bathroom at Starbucks, I picked up all the papers from the floor and put it in the trash.

It gave me deep feeling of serenity.....and an appreciation of life. And when I do acts like this, especially when no one notices, I make myself more and more beautiful. 🙏

987 Reads

Re-purposing trash bags for the homeless

The Girl Scout's mom keeps herself busy at these cookie stands by crocheting sleeping mats for the homeless out of plastic bags.

She graciously allowed me to take her photo :)). Look at that lovely design and her smile!

Gave both her and her daughter Peace doves, which they so loved 💚and told them I had to go home, since I was out of doves!

1309 Reads

Lessons Learned From The One In My Care

Gifted a bunch of peace doves to one of the most beautiful souls I have come across in my work. In the few days I cared for this person they taught me so much about the gift of love, gratitude and kindness. I admire not only their strength but courage and sense of peace amongst all the turmoil. I may not be able to walk in their shoes and feel what their feeling but I can walk alongside them and share my compassion and empathy along with a smile and being me.

Grateful, humbled and blessed for all the ups and downs, swings and round abouts, for each and every experience teaches me something different.

 

906 Reads

A Bouquet Of Thankfulness

Last week, the same day when I received the devastating news about an old friend's death, I decided to make a difference in someone else's life.

I took a break at the office to go out and buy a bunch of flowers for a clerk at the bank. She walked an extra mile to help to solve a problem regarding our travel insurance documents that we should have received by that time -- and the problem wasn't even caused by her department.

Because of her competence and work ethic, we received our documents that same afternoon. So I guess she deserved every petal of that bunch of flowers. I also informed her line manager about her excellent service.

Although my heart still aches about my friend who passed away too soon, I realize I can still make a difference with the life I live.

1096 Reads




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