Stories of Kindness from Around the World

For My Birthday - 50 Smiles in 50 Days for 50 Years of Joy



I turn 50 in December, so for 50 days leading up to the day, I have recruited 50 friends (it's really up to 70) to spread smiles, share happiness and promote love by performing an act of kindness each day! I created cards for them to share, in the hopes that the recipient will pay it forward! 2500 acts (or more) to celebrate 50 years of happiness and joy. We are only on day three and I am already blown away by the joy we are spreading! #50smilesin50days https://www.facebook.com/groups/50smilesin50days/

2401 Reads
  • Posted by theresaconnelly7
  • Nov 18, 2016
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Pregnant Woman in Labor Chauffeured By Bus

Just read this post online about a 27 week pregnant woman got a bus to go to the nearest hospital. She was having contractions. The bus man knew this. As she approached her stop she got up from her seat. The driver told her to sit down. He then announced to the rest of the passengers that he was taking a detour for the following 4 bus stops and they could get off the bus and get another new route if they wished. The driver then drove the expectant woman to the doors of the hospital, got off the bus with her and brought her right to the hospital doors.  The following day, the woman rang the bus company from hospital hoping to find out if the driver had got into trouble. She found that only one person on the bus filed a complaint. The driver also rang the company after ... Read Full Story >>

2133 Reads

On Their Walk They Spotted A Couple in Need of Assistance

While finishing up a weekly walk in one of our city's lovely green spaces, my husband and I headed back to the full lot where we parked our truck. We noticed a vehicle, hood up, and a couple standing beside it. It was evident something was wrong and I approached, asking if they needed help.

As it turns out, the vehicle was in fine working order, they (embarrassed) mistakenly locked the car keys and their cell phones in it and had no way of gaining access, unless breaking in. We offered the use of my husband's cell phone to call CAA, and waited the half hour with the couple until help arrived.

They were more than appreciative, we were more than happy to help in such a small way, and when asked how they could repay us, we suggested they pay it forward.

908 Reads

My Beautiful Son And The Surprises He Continues to Leave

Ok. This is not a story of an act of kindness I did, but rather one that my son did.  Some of you  KindSpring members may know I lost my son two months ago. He got me started on the KindSpring site and we did a lot of Random Acts Of Kindness together. I have also found out he did SO MANY on his own. I Found out today he did one more. He left a small life insurance policy to his sister. He makes my heart proud over and over.  

1812 Reads

Lessons In Kindness From My Volunteer Work at a Hospital

I spent last summer volunteering at a hospital. It was a gift to meet so many amazing people and I’d like to share one of these moments. One day, I was paged up to a room where an elderly woman was staying. Usually I helped with discharging patients, but she wasn’t ready to leave. Instead, she wanted to go to the gift shop. I got a wheelchair, helped her into it, and we headed down to the lobby. When we got there, it wasn’t open yet. It was only a 30 minute wait so we went over to the waiting area and I read her bits and pieces of the newspaper aloud. After 30 minutes, we went to the gift shop. As I pushed her around, I could see the joy in her face as she looked at everything, happy to be out of her room. She chose some window decorations, ... Read Full Story >>

3349 Reads

Parking Lot Pandemonium

I was trying to park in a very small lot in a business/medical complex. I could feel the constraints of space starting to grip my mind. I saw a space and glided into it with gratitude. HOWEVER, there was an elderly woman trying to park in a tiny space. She did it! Oops, she was too close to the next car to even open her door!

I wondered if I had taking the spot she planned to and hoped that was not the case. I was almost ready to move my car and give her my spot, but I spied upon another space. I showed her where it was, helped her maneuver out of that tiny slip of a parking space, and then camped out in front of the new space I had taken upon myself to reserve for her.

I knew I would probably be late to my appointment, but that did not matter. What matters is that we acknowledge and respect our seniors in a way that they deserve and in a way that is helpful and kind and loving. What a great day I had!

1323 Reads
  • Posted by bettyyoungweber
  • Nov 13, 2016
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The Elderly Man Who Brightened My Morning

This morning I woke up a little bit worried-lots going on and many decisions to make. I decided to go for a walk and try to relax. When this happens I keep repeating to myself "don't stop being kind", others may have worse battles to fight. I already felt better when walking in the park enjoying the beautiful trees and the smiles and good mornings to and from strangers. I decided to go shopping on my way back. After paying I sat down for a while and got a coffee that the supermarket offers as a promotion. An elderly man sat next to me and started talking very loud. I noticed straight away that he had hearing aids in both ears. He had a coffee too. I tried responding but I realized he could not understand anything. I stayed anyway and he told me about his difficulties to hear, his son ... Read Full Story >>

2290 Reads

Being Kind to One Another

I went to the grocery store today and saw a very young couple holding a sign: "Please Help. Don't need rent money, just food for our family." So, I asked what I can buy for them. The young woman spoke in a strong accent I didn't recognize, "Sandwich, please." I asked if she wanted fruit and what kind of sandwich. Through hand gestures, she asked if she could come with me. So, she accompanied me inside the store. I bought her tomatoes and a chicken breast sandwich. She started speaking to me in Spanish and I learned that the two were Yugoslavian, and she knew some Spanish/Portuguese/Italian. Her Spanish was better than her English, and my Spanish was better than my Yugoslavian. I finished my shopping and delivered the tomatoes and sandwich to the couple who had been collecting other grocery items that I would guess were donated. They thanked me and said, "God bless you." I don't ... Read Full Story >>

2554 Reads

Kindness Begets Kindness Even on Social Media

During my years of depression, I used to be very much "against" everything I disliked, especially on Facebook. Then after discovering KindSpring and learning new things, I realized that being "for" things I supported is much better for me. And so since then, I've been trying to only post/share/like/comment on positive things.

Over the past several months I have noticed that some friends started also liking pages and posts about kindness and positive quotes. One relative who I know is very hurt and angry - even she now has posts about being kind every once in a while!

It makes me understand that every little thing truly does matter, every little thing does make a difference - we are creating ripples worldwide!

🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

3613 Reads

Jamie-Lee

Today I was in the centre of town after my physiotherapy. The college I work in is in the town centre so I was sure I would see some students whilst hobbling about on my crutches. A few yards away I saw a young woman approaching me with concern written all over her face. She started to talk to me and asked me what had happened to cause me to be on crutches. I didn't recognize her but knew I should, she sure knew me. She continued to talk and I continued to 'wing it' while I scanned the old grey matter seeing if I could work out who she was. Then eventually it dawned on me, it was Jamie-Lee. Jamie-Lee was a student in my IT class many years ago. She was only about 17 years of age and had a child. One of the first days in my class ... Read Full Story >>

1465 Reads

My Response To A Friend Who Kindly Challenged Me

A friend of mine watched me visit the KindSpring site. He asked: "what is that place you always visit?" Then I made a quick briefing for him. Then he was reflexive and asked: So, all of you people are boasting about good deeds? I remained in silence. Then, a few minutes later I said: No. We share positive thoughts and invite people to change for good. It's inspiration and daily doses of good vibes. It's an inspiration because you can emulate those good deeds and apply them into your life. And you start to change your world and spread kindness. Then he replied: But that doesn't work too much. There are many evil on this planet and you guys are few against an army of negativity. Besides, you don't change anything by simply posting beautiful images and quotes. If you want to change the world, donate or something. Then he was laughing. Then I replied: Which side ... Read Full Story >>

3387 Reads

The Professor Left Holding The Baby

I just loved this story I read online. A mum could not get a babysitter for her little daughter so she brought her to school with her. The Professor gel sanitized his hands then took the child from the mum so that the she could concentrate on the lesson. He told the mum to bring her little daughter to class any time she needed to. Just look at him. (In the picture provided) He's looking at the data imager projection and more than likely clicking the computer every so often as he presents the lesson on screen. He probably knows his stuff inside out and back to front which is why he knows it's easier for him to look after the baby than mum who is learning, assimilating and note taking.  This truly made me cry. I've been in this situation before too, a 'job's worth' wouldn't do it. In fact, I recently ... Read Full Story >>

1505 Reads

Diwali lit hearts of gratitude in this one community

As Diwali (Festival of Lights) approaches here, I was writing a post card to an anonymous soldier expressing my gratitude when two young boys age 10-11 approached.  They were very inquisitive to know what I was doing. Explained to them and they said 'can we write too?' I said 'yes'.

From one post card it went to those 2 then 3 and then their friends and  the chain started! I had to rush to the post office to buy more post cards and then finally ended up with 50 post cards.

I was surprised when so many gratitude notes poured in from so many sides in different languages. Young, teenagers, middle aged, senior citizens and their language just spelled "Gratitude". Just feel happy and look crazy when I smile alone :)

1436 Reads

Knowing What Homelessness Feels Like, I Had to Help Her

I had noticed an elderly lady was panhandling on an off ramp. It was an overcast breezy day but not particularly cold. Usually, I pass by panhandlers because I don't have much money. But I couldn't pass this lady up. She looked like my grandma. I don't know what her real situation was but my heart was pierced by her need and my eyes welled with empathy. As one who has lived on the streets and rode the rails, I know what hunger, despair, and eyes of indifference feel like. So, I knew instantly I had to help "Grandma" but I was in the wrong lane. Because of the one-way streets and the freeway, it took 5 miles to get back to her. I gave her $60 I had earmarked for something that no longer had relevance for me. My need was of no consequence compared to her's. I am so heartened ... Read Full Story >>

2663 Reads

The Man On The Side Of The Road

Last night we went out for dinner and on the way home I saw a large "something" on the side of the road. Suddenly I realized what I had seen. A man laying there. We turned the car around and raced back. I felt sure he had been hit by a car and either dead or very hurt. When we got there, he was trying to stand up. We both raced over to him and he screamed at us to just "go away". I spoke to him about how worried we were and asked if he was ok. All the time walking closer and  then realized he was very drunk. An elderly man and really so vulnerable. We asked if we could help get him to his feet and he told us that the taxi driver had thrown him out of his taxi. Stewart walked him to his home and as he ... Read Full Story >>

2560 Reads

Color yourself Calm Doves

Since a friend liked the Color Yourself Calm Peace Doves to share with other patients as she undergoes chemo, I brought a flock of them in today to share with our local cancer care center.

 The receptionist held the bag of doves lovingly, saying "These will come in handy! Thank you!" I think she was thrilled that she could give something that might help cheer a patient.

Grateful for KS member, suse15, that suggested the idea of the coloring doves. You just never know where those ripples will lead, my kind friends....thank you!


1241 Reads

A Little Girl's Instant Smile Card 'Tag'

While at a restaurant this past weekend, I asked the waitress to give a "smile package" which included some of Mindy's peace doves, some coloring pages with markers, and a small gift bag of toys to a young family who were at the table next to us. There was a little girl about 6 and a couple of younger children. The little girl was so excited and when she read the smile card message, she got right up and went over to a family who had just entered the restaurant to gave their little boy the bag of toys. As she walked away she said loudly "SMILE -- YOU'RE IT! She totally made my day!

2074 Reads

Touched By A Peace Dove

Eating out yesterday, the wait staff started singing happy birthday to a gal at the table near ours, as they brought her a piece of cake with a candle burning. We all joined in, and after, I handed her a peace dove (and shared about  fellow KindSpring member Mindy. and her peace dove mission). She gifted me with a beautiful smile and appreciation in return. Gave one to her friend as well, and on their way out they both stopped at our table to say thank you again. I wished her the best birthday year ever and felt that connection you share when kindness passes between you while looking in each others' eyes. ❤️

Grateful for the ease of connection Mindy's doves enable.

Thank you, Mindy, for adding so much kindness to our world. ❤️🌍❤️


(Image a Mindy photo collage)


2241 Reads

They were laboring under the sun, trying to break concrete

On a Saturday morning, I woke up, thanked God for one more day and got in the shower. My parents weren't home, but I had the responsibility of doing to my dad's job because he was not going to be able to go.

Later, I drove to the street that was under construction. There were 6 workers, all laboring under the sun, in the dirt, trying to break concrete. They started to talk about how their day was going, complaining about their quality of life, compared to my life, telling me that I was not in need of working like that. One of the workers asked me for at least a coke because they were not only thirsty, but also hungry.

I suddenly told them "I'll be back", and drove to my house but not to grab a coke. I thought about something different and better. I started to prepare  lemonade and some sandwiches for all the workers. Once I had finished I took all that I had prepared to them. I will never forget their reaction and happiness, I felt very special and satisfied.

2777 Reads

A Few Kind Words

My son and I went out for coffee this morning, and had nice coffee and a muffin. My son initiated conversation with a man sitting next to us. I was very surprised, my son is not really very outgoing with people he doesnt know. When the man had left, my son said "he looked lonely" I am proud of my son.

5895 Reads




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