Stories of Kindness from Around the World

The Kindness Ripples From A Library Coloring Group

I spent a good chunk of my day preparing a submittal for continued funding of our True Colors Midwest Coloring Group.

It's a good opportunity for the Friends of the Library to realize what a positive impact we have on the community as well.

From providing colored stationary pages for the Oasis Homeless Day shelter (and stamped envelopes), so they can write loved ones, to distributing our flyers in target areas like Cancer Care Center and health club, inviting them to join us in the therapeutic benefits of mindful coloring.

It was such a lovely day, was difficult to "force" myself to do! The deadline is in a few days and only received the form recently, so here's for the greater good!

* The image below is of colored "flowers" to be used as part of our group's display at library in March.


1067 Reads

Path to Healing

Today is another day on the path of healing by being good to myself and following doctor's orders. But also doing some acts of kindness as I sit here with my foot up. Have already sent out several email notes to friends and family that are struggling due to health and/or other issues. Found some extra funds in our grocery budget as February ended and have requested a list of what items are most needed for our drop in guests at church. Will shop next week.

Will also work on my block for the Pieces for Peace Quilt this afternoon. Even though I can't really go anywhere for awhile, a big part of caring for my self is also doing what I can for others. Just part of the circle of caring for one another. That is just what we do here at
KindSpring, my friends!

712 Reads

Global Love Day

Received an email from The Love Foundation last night asking if I’d send details of the upcoming 21-Day Global Love Day challenge we’re hosting here at Kindspring, so I sent them lots of details. Isn’t that wonderful? Hopefully it will attract a few more visitors. Here’s the info which I sent: "For many years now, KindSpring has hosted a series of 21-Day Challenges designed to help individuals and groups grow in values that help create positive change. We’re very excited to let you know that next month, beginning on April 11th, we’ll run our first ever 21-day Global Love Day challenge. Each day, as we draw nearer to Global Love Day on May 1st, we‘ll come together through a short, 10 minute, guided meditation to lift our hearts in Love. By setting an intention each day we can spread our wishes of loving-kindness to our brothers and sisters around the world. Supported by ... Read Full Story >>

1269 Reads

A Lucky Reminder of Her Sister's Love

Years -decades - ago, when we were young, my sister could go into any random meadow and within minutes she'd find lucky four leaf clovers. Lots of them. It used to tick me off to no end because I never found any, no matter how long I looked. She'd point me to the right spot and I still didn't see them. This went on for years. A few months ago I went through some old books, some were my sister's (I have no idea how I ended up with them) and I decided to turn one into an art journal.As I flipped through the pages I saw three pressed four leaf clover leaves. This gave me an idea. I took the old book pages, painted them, and put some four leaf clovers on each page. Then I took a photo of each page, and I arranged them so that each finished picture would ... Read Full Story >>

893 Reads

A Cold And Windy Day

Today my daughter and I met friends at a parking lot to sell them some of our eggs. It's a cold day. A really cold wind. I don't even want to go outside. As we pulled into the parking lot, there was a man sitting on the curb, holding his bike, and he held up a paper plate on which he had scribbled "will work for food". He was still sitting there as we left the parking lot, and I asked my daughter "should we get him some food or some money?" and she said "yes, lets". So I pulled up next to him, got out of the car, and gave him all my egg money. I still had another dozen eggs in the car, and asked if he wanted them, but he said no, he still had half a dozen and he didn't want things to go to waste. I felt frozen through ... Read Full Story >>

2551 Reads

Celebrating Love and Unity With My Neighbors

Last week I sent out two letters to other residents in my town who are flying "alternative" flags to celebrate love and world unity. I thanked them for helping other city residents remember that we live on one planet together and can make choices to live in peace. Today I received a post card back from one of them that is flying a UN World flag and they thanked me for the kindness shared.

717 Reads

Meals On Legs!

Meals on legs! My Neighbour is still recovering from surgery so I've been taking her dinner. I just cook our usual vegan meal and walk it over to her nice and hot. Its on a tray with cutlery because her house is kosher, she just texts me when she has finished and I pick it up later.

We went for a walk today and she said it was nice to go out.

I've had a busy few weeks - house sitting, children for the weekend, as much paid work as I can get (and do) and keeping my husband encouraged looking for work.

Im here at KS in spirit!

867 Reads

Following Through On Gratitude

Today I took the time to write a comment card to my neighborhood natural foods co-op. Recently returned from a three month stay out of the country, I have been thrilled to re-encounter not only some of my favorite foods, but also the familiar smiling and welcoming faces of the staff there, some of whom seem to remember me even though they don't know my name. I wanted them to know how grateful I am.

So many times I have wanted to express appreciation to a store clerk or service person who goes out his/her way, or whose small gesture made my day, but somehow then I don't follow through. Today I wanted to make sure I did. Who made YOUR day, and did you tell them that? 😊

896 Reads

Team of Teachers Surprise Fellow Colleague On Birthday

I made a birthday card out of construction paper and markers and got some colleagues to sign it as well. The intended recipient is someone who is known around the department for being "difficult" but I know she has a kind heart and means well--just has a prickly outside.

I left the card on the overhead projector so that when she walked into her classroom it would be the first thing she sees. This was a great idea was from a student as I was trying to decide where to put it so she would see it right away. 

I was blown away by a text I received from her appreciating my effort to make her feel special. It just goes to show that you never know what impact the smallest kindness can have on someone's day.

634 Reads

The Confused Young Man In the Wheel Chair

We went out to dinner at one of the clubs and I noticed a young man in a wheelchair. I think he has muscular dystrophy. His brain is great but physically he cannot do much. I had a chat with him and it was hard to understand him. I made a point of really listening and looking at him. Of course, I always think this could be my child and treat him the way I would want my child to be respected. Stewart finds it hard to relate but boy, does he really make a great effort. So after some time, he moved on and we continued to eat. As we were leaving I noticed him looking into his wallet and looking around. So we went up and found out he had lost his visa card! He had gotten money out earlier and put the card, or so he thought in his carry ... Read Full Story >>

2036 Reads

Roses For Everyone!

The best way to feel love is to give love and today I'm feeling a lot of love. This morning I went to the supermarket and bought a dozen beautiful red roses. I then brought them to the hospital with me when I went to my fracture clinic appointment. Where better to give love than in a hospital setting? I gave roses to various women visiting loved ones as they walked through the parking lot. I gave roses to two elderly ladies who were waiting to be collected from reception. One had a badly bruised face (I think she had perhaps had a fall), and the other lady just looked sad. I gave a rose to Maria as well. She was in the shop being pushed in a wheelchair by her teenage daughter. I later saw her husband smile at me. Maria was admitted to the hospital yesterday. She was so touched by ... Read Full Story >>

3226 Reads

A Confidence Boosting In-class Activity

Today I had my college students take a few minutes at the beginning of class (170 students) to close their eyes for a minute and reflect on their unique gifts/strengths that they will bring to their future profession as a compassionate and caring health care professional.

I told them to write it down and look at it during their journey in their studies to remind them of who they are and what they are working towards. I told them "You are going to give yourself a valentine this morning" before we started and there was a chorus of "Awwww!" ;-) I hope it will remind them how much they matter.

619 Reads

The Oxygen Delivery Man and His Family's Unforgettable Kindness

This past Saturday, my oxygen delivery man came here with his wife and children. His wife started organizing my bedroom, while her husband and sons cleaned up our yard and the outside area by our shed and fence. Sarah was amazing, such a nice young woman. Sean, her husband, told me their sons were helping us for a boy scout patch. Sean even bought us pizza and hauled all the clean up away for us. My son Joe and I were so surprised. My bedroom badly needed to be organized. Sadly I was stuck, only watching from my bed! Joe and I are blessed. Their sons are so cute and sweet. I gave her my "tin collection" and my salt and pepper collection too, with many vintage items. I told them if they did not want any certain set, sell it on Ebay and use the money. I collected many things over the ... Read Full Story >>

1592 Reads

A Kindness Day At 'People's Park'

My family had "earned" catering for 20 from Chipotle and it was going to expire at the end of this month. We had been planning a day of feeding those less fortunate with our good fortune and that day finally came. My daughter and I put together 21 dishes of rice, beans, sofritas or chicken, fajita mix, and salsas. When my wife returned from her violin lessons, they were all ready and so we headed to People's Park in Berkeley. Every time we've driven by there we've seen many homeless beings and knew the meals wouldn't last long. However, once we arrived, there were very few around. Turns out, there was something going on (I think it was a psychic fair, or something like that), along with a farmer's market. After about an hour and asking 23 individuals if they'd be interested in a meal, we were done. But there are two ... Read Full Story >>

1185 Reads

Smile Cards Still On The Move Years Later!

A few years ago my daughter Rachel introduced some of her classmates to Smile Cards. She shared them with her classmates and explained how to use them. A few days ago a discussion in one of her classes revolved around random acts of kindness. The teacher explained that the reason for the discussion was an initiative started at their school a few years ago in honor of the loss of a student. They wanted to spread kindness in memory of the teen.

A boy that my daughter had shared a Smile Card with last year spoke up. He explained to the teacher and the class that there was something called a Smile Card that was great for spreading kindness. He described ways to use it to everyone. After he was done he looked right at Rachel and smiled. She was so happy when she told me about this and loves that her friend not only remembers his Smile Card experience but shares it with others long after he received it. It is a great reminder to us all that you never know how far and wide a ripple of kindness will go!

1087 Reads

A Helping Hand To A Mother With Four Little Ones

We were able to help a mother with her wandering little boy. The mama wasn't aware when he went out the shop door and I was. I followed him immediately while my daughter alerted the mama, her arms laden with the baby in the carrier and 2 preschoolers tugging at her sides. She screamed for her escapee and he kept running. Into the drive while cars honked . Not knowing his name I called to him "Wait for me darling ". I lunged forward and scooped him around the waist. He tried to fight but gratefully then he relaxed into my chest. Perhaps he felt my soothing voice telling him " Now you're safe, I'm a teacher, here to help you". Mama met us curbside flustered and fuming. My daughter was holding the hands of the two preschoolers. I handed her the little boy and helped her to get into the car, all ... Read Full Story >>

803 Reads

Being Smart With The Chocolate

My students were very unsettled when I was off and some found it very hard to stay motivated. I thought about what I could do to motivate them but at the same time, reward those who had worked hard. They each have a set number of coursework units which must be completed before the end of June. I bought two Very Large Easter Eggs. When a student passes a unit I will give them a raffle ticket for a draw of one of the eggs; one egg for first years, the other for second years. For those who have already completed units while I was off, they will get a raffle ticket for each completed unit. They are smart enough to work our that the harder they work, the greater will be the probability of winning an egg. The first years have a 1 in 4 chance of winning, the second ... Read Full Story >>

748 Reads

A Wet $20 Bill

It was pouring rain, no, not pouring, but hailing without the ice. I was starving and decided to pull over to a McDonald's. Very interesting site! When I went to order, I saw a young man, about 20, dirty, wet, and disheveled. He had a loosely wrapped dirty bandage around his right hand; I noticed this because I am a nurse. He was talking to the glass door, as the wind and rain gusted and blew. Before my order came up, he had walked outside, clutching an empty transparent plastic bag, and sat on the ground. I knew that it was freezing out there, even if it was California. I kept looking at him, then I noticed a wet $20 bill next to the double glass doors. At that time, two more men approached me; one clearly had alcohol on his breath, but he kept asking me: do you think he ... Read Full Story >>

2019 Reads

Wild Poppy Seeds And Blessings From A Stranger

It's been a lovely day, an early glimpse of spring. In our front area, tubs of daffodils are coming alive already. And purple crocuses are not far behind. It is good to share our acts of kindness here, at least some of them, to inspire each other,  so I'll note a couple of the ordinary ones (which are, of course, extraordinary!) First I took my packets of wild Welsh poppy seeds over to a sad little patch of left over ground in our neighborhood---a spot left behind by the builders who constructed a huge condo on the hill behind us----without ruining the park preserve that is also on the hill. (And for that I am very, very grateful---we tried to get the development to be smaller and to leave space for a friendly neighborhood park in the middle of things, but that didn't happen despite all of our meetings and protests, ... Read Full Story >>

1307 Reads

Love is all we need

Patjos, this is ❤️💞💕💗❤️💞💕 from me to you. Thank you for your gift of a beating heart.Love is All We Need.


1111 Reads




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