Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Putting My Blue Mood Aside For Kindness

I am sad, election blues. This too shall pass, eventually. I know we need to keep kindness at the forefront now more so than ever.
Yesterday - I went to ALDI and as I was leaving an elderly woman was struggling with her cart. I rushed to my car to put my purchases away and I returned to help this lady get to her car. She said she was 97 years old and her son was out of town and he is the one who helps her. She was very thankful for the assist. Of all that took place yesterday, my time with this elderly woman was the best time. 

1229 Reads

Treats from Santa

With this extreme cold weather lately, my husband has donned a Santa hat on occasion when out and about; in the process growing of a white beard, he does sort of look the part!

I slipped him a a few double dove packages (candy, Peace dove and SMILE card) to give to the children while at the restaurant the other day. One little girl, coached by her grandmother, told "Santa" how she was brought home from the hospital in a Christmas stocking, since she was born on Christmas Eve.

My husband is ready for the next Santa appearance with some candy canes! In the spirit of the season, my kind friends, let's share those Santa smiles with an open loving heart. 


729 Reads

Reverse Advent Calendars

One of our local churches suggested putting an item each day during Advent in a bag for the food bank.

In previous years I have used a calendar provided by Oxfam or Christian Aid which suggested you did things like putting 10p in a collection for each light you have.

So I am trying to combine the two. Buy a second item to put in the food bank. I don’t feel comfortable putting it altogether after Christmas so I donate what I have collected each week.

966 Reads
  • Posted by Helenconnell2
  • Dec 16, 2016
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The Best Tea-Time Ever With An Unlikely Friend

I wanted to have tea with Nirad, in a tea break during an Inclusion retreat. Nirad is a person with a disability (a paraplegic in a wheelchair). I was holding the cup so he could sip tea. I was being careful and poured a small quantity in his mouth. I enjoyed concentrating on each moment and listening deeply to do a good job with serving tea. We were immediately connected and befriended each other during this time. Two other retreat participants joined and then there were four us, people talking about a variety of topics which ranged from how Nirad progressed in his education with grit to cool ones like how he maintains his weight, etc. These conversations brought smiles and it seemed we all knew each other from a long time ago. In subtle ways, we quietly felt the connection. When we finished tea, I felt like tying a wrist thread for Nirad. The wrist-band had the letters ... Read Full Story >>

2592 Reads

Paper Trees of Hope

Went to my hairdresser's salon today and saw 5 paper trees, much like the one here, set up as giving trees. They have partnered up with a family near their salon who has lost their home and everything in it due to black mold. Luckily the family was able to relocate, but they have nothing.

There was a tree for each family member (Mom, Dad., Daughter, Son, and a Grandfather). Each star has the name of one of the family members, and each of the decorations have what they each need. Chose a gift idea from each tree.

Once purchased, will wrap and tag with their name, and return to place it under the tree. We can also make financial donations, which I have already done, to the salon owner. They need lots of help and possibly will need assistance with health care. Blessings for her and her staff for their giving. And blessings for that dear family.

840 Reads

Children Leading The Way

Just had to share Melvin's story! When he heard of Nepal he felt the urge to console these kids, and thought of what helps him.. his cuddly toy! So he drew a wonderful toy to make from scratch (even learned to sew!) and made 350 of these and personally delivered them to children in Nepal. 

980 Reads

Living Kindness Is What Changed Me

For the first time in 2 years, I've managed to be kind to my ex.

After the horrendous things he's done and the crimes he committed I kept finding it very hard not to somehow insult him when I communicated with him (always by email or through lawyers).

I've been trying for a while now to meditate and wish him well in spite of it all. I only now managed and started with a very simple phrase 'I hope you are well'. This may sound silly or even mean but I could not possibly do anything of the sort at all. I'm pleased that I did it. Thinking, reading, meditating and living kindness has helped me.

1622 Reads

Golden Girls, Golden Guy and A Night at the Theater

My opportunities to serve in our community include ushering at our local community theater. Last night during the run of "DeathTrap", I spent time with 16 "Golden Girls" and 1 "Golden Guy" as they came by the caravan system from their Senior Living Park, to spend an evening of early dinner and theater. Maize, who is 94 was the group's coordinator. She came with canes in each hand, leaning on one to direct the flow of the seniors to their assigned seats. When I offered my arm to help her into her seat, she complimented me on my manners. Ray stood when it was announced that all Veterans would be recognized, proudly stooping a little less as he rose to attention. I offered Vera a seat cushion, as her diminutive frame compromises her ability to see over patrons who are seated in front of her. The twins, Leona and Lily, dressed in ... Read Full Story >>

1160 Reads

The 10 Minutes Out Of My Life Where I Got To Learn of Hers

Earlier today I went to a large shopping mall with my toddler to meet a friend for coffee. Walking into the centre an elderly lady pushing a trolley looked at my boy, then at me, and said "what a cutie". He is. He is very sweet. Normally I'd say "thank you" or "yes he is". I'd smile and keep walking. But this time, something made me stop. As I stood there she began to tell me all about her own sons (now doctors) and her grandchildren. And you should have seen the joy in her eyes light up as she told me. I hardly said a word. I didn't need to. She was in so much delight to be able to share her joy and love of her family with someone who'd listen. Me. All because I stopped and welcomed it. It was 10 minutes of my life I'll never get back. But you ... Read Full Story >>

1402 Reads

The Little Boy and The Oyster Roast

Recently, my family and I attended a neighborhood oyster roast. While standing at the large tables chatting and eating oysters, I noticed a school aged boy across the table from us who was being handed oysters by a man and having a great deal of difficulty and displeasure trying to swallow them down. Initially I thought the man wanted the boy to try the oysters and it would stop. But as we stood there, it continued unabated, with each oyster the suffering of this boy becoming more and more obvious as he fought back tears and struggled to swallow them. I later learned that the man felt the boy had been disrespectful and this was his punishment. I couldn't watch. I hesitated whether to get involved or walk away. Then I had an idea. I grabbed my daughter and our frisbee and worked our way next to the man and the boy. ... Read Full Story >>

1651 Reads

Kindness Both Ways

I had the loveliest day yesterday. My dear friend rang and she was just outside my house:)) she knows me well. She was worried about me and walks up the driveway with the biggest bucket of roses I have ever seen, at least 40 from her garden. We go back a long way. like sisters who fight, makeup, get cranky and finally as we are now old girls totally accept each other.

I am a listener and now when she talks about her problems, I just say the right things, accept and don't judge in my head or from my mouth. It used to be hard to do but now I have found a softness and a gentler way of being. I love being like this. Don't get me wrong. Sometimes those "mean thoughts" creep in but I let them flow out easily now. Ageing brings so many gifts and learning. To accept people has been the biggest gift for me. So we sat on the veranda feet on cushions and chatted about life. What a beautiful day.

1266 Reads

'Food Of Sacrifice' and 90 Year Old Jalaben

Today I participated in "tyaag nu tiffin" (food of sacrifice) in the morning. To my absolute surprise, when I took food the first time to 90 year old Jalaben.

She treated me so very generously with love, appreciation and hugs for 5 minutes that I was thrilled with this childlike happy welcome. She kept thanking God for making daughters like me 😊 I am still feeling grateful for a deep experience of loving acceptance in those beautiful moments.

1300 Reads

Thoughtfulness

Last year we made 25 Christmas goody bags and took them to people to were working on Christmas Day. We delivered them on Christmas Day too - to the firestation, the emergency pharmacy, the hospital and the children's hospital, the petrol station and the chef at my Mum's retirement village!! the crazy part was the amount of shopping time it took to buy and fill the bags.

We decided after sitting exhausted on Christmas Eve after packing them all up (husband's job was only to glue the label on the front and after doing 4, he asked how many more to go!!) that we would do 'something' next year but not sure what.

I found out that hospital staff will eat food donated by the public. The doctor I talked to in the weekend said that doctors are not fussy who cooks their food, and love sweet treats. We will buy a stack of Subway cards (there are two subway outlets by the hospitals) and take in some homemade cookies and some Christmas pies. I'm really pleased that I won't have to do so much shopping!

1004 Reads

Kindness On The Underground

On my way back from the city, I was in the underground. A couple with a young boy came in on one of the stops. The young man sitting opposite me got up and sat somewhere else. There were many seats free but no three seats together so he left his place so that the family could be together.

I reached for one of my little 'shine' cards (always carry some in my handbag together with the 'smile' cards) and I wrote at the back "you are kind, thank you". I gave it to the young man with a smile. He was a bit confused but said "thank you".

I noticed he kept it in his hands for a while while we traveled together in silence. Later before getting off the underground he came closer and with a bigger smile :-) said "thank you very much for this, have a lovely day"

1283 Reads

A Different Kind of Gift For The Teachers This Year

It's almost Christmas time!!!

And as a mum. That for me means teachers gifts! Today these arrived. Cards to gift my son's teachers. The cards are actually the gift (although I'll purchase a small wrapped gift to go with). The cards are charity gifts. Such a great idea!

One card says I have paid for a teacher to be trained in an underdeveloped country in their name. And the other is school tuition and classes for a child who cannot afford. Sounds expensive doesn't it? But really it isn't. $20 or $30 that is it. What a gift.

My son's teachers would no doubt get so many presents every year from their students. So many boxes of chocolates and wine. Which is why I chose this. Education for those that have none in their name 💜

1596 Reads

The Angel And The Taxi Driver

I bought 2 scented sachets of Warm Cinnamon spice today. Last time I was in the shop which sells these I gave one to the male member of staff who put a £1 coin in my trolley because I was struggling with my crutches. He was really pleased. Today I bought a sachet for myself but I felt pressed to buy an extra sachet. My taxi arrived and the driver put my shopping in the boot and was really lovely with small talk. A song came on the radio and he sang away to it. It was Stevie Nicks (from Fleetwood Mac). He then told me about 20 years ago he took a '"Will you marry me Stevie? " banner to her concert. He says the band were pointing to it and laughing during the performance. I asked if she refused him because she didn't want to live in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, ... Read Full Story >>

2499 Reads

Chocolate Treats At The Tire Shop

As an Instructional Coach, I like to keep my candy coffers full in my office, with a variety of treats for my teachers. So this particular Saturday, I headed over to Walmart to check out the latest shipment of assorted Christmas candy. Sure enough, the shelves were freshly stocked with all the latest Reese's White Creme and Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Trees! I picked up a couple of big bag assortments and headed on my way. Remembering my hubby told me to be sure to get the tires rotated, I swung in to Les Schwab to see if they could help me. Sure enough they got me in right away. It wasn't going to take long, so I just stayed in the vehicle. 6 or 7 guys in the shop worked together like a race track pit crew and I was done in minutes. Then I remembered my candy stash, thinking ... Read Full Story >>

1514 Reads

I Could Be Micamo

Thank you, KindSpring, for opening my eyes! Today I went to Berkeley, near our old neighborhood - I was a bit surprised by the increased number of homeless (alternatively housed) people walking around.  I remember there are more in certain areas. So the first man who asked me for money got all my single bills. So when the second man asked me two minutes later, I said I was out because I gave all I had to the previous person I was headed to the grocery store for a coffee and after I walked into the store I walked out to find him as he had asked me for something because he was hungry and I had just walked into a grocery store. When I asked him what he wanted to eat, he just asked for some vegetables and rice. He talked about how much better the vegetables were as we waited for our number to be called. While ... Read Full Story >>

2235 Reads

The Lost Wallet

I was driving after school on Monday from Dublin to Drogheda and on my way home, I saw a wallet on top of a white car just as he turned into the main road. The wallet fell from the car and I sounded the horn twice but he didn’t hear. So, I checked the wallet to see if I could get any phone number to call.  I found and called two numbers but I was told they were wrong number.

I later found a driving license and used the address to find his estate in Termonfeckin, which is a 15 minute drive away from Drogheda. When I got to his house, I saw his wife and the first thing she asked was if I had found a wallet. I started smiling and I said yes. The lady was really happy and called her husband. He ran to us at the gate and welcomed me to their house. After giving the wallet to him, he checked to see if everything was inside. They offered me 20 euros for gas but I refused it. 

1509 Reads
  • Posted by benkorri003
  • Dec 5, 2016
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My Use Of 3 Smile Cards In One Day!!

I got smile cards in the mail yesterday and I already used 3 of them just yesterday!! I carry them everywhere I go, just in case I need them. I will also be printing out some more, :) Because I am using them super fast.   I went to 2 different stores yesterday, and I used the first one when I was in the pet aisle, getting my dogs some treats. A man walked up to look at the collars and asked if I worked there, I told him no, but that I would be more than happy to help him if I could. He asked if I knew anything about dogs and collars, I told him I had 2 dogs one is a puppy and one is a big dog so I know collars as far as sizes goes, and he told me the collar he bought his dog was too ... Read Full Story >>

1674 Reads




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