Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Reciprocal Kindness

 My daughter asked me to send my well wishes to a professor of mine. At first I hesitated and then realized why not! Well it turned out beautifully. My professor, JyotiB, responded with the lovely gesture of giving my daughter a flower, hand made from Burma. My heart was so blessed to see my daughter reap the rewards of thinking outside of herself and expressing care to a stranger.

886 Reads
  • Posted by larkinmcgowan
  • Jun 24, 2016
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Crossing Paths

I had a lovely day yesterday. As I was crossing the street I made a little joke with an older lady and continued on to go shopping. Later I was going to my car and spotted someone in front of me looking lost, the same previous lady. She told me that she had a stroke and a little memory loss.

So we stared a the big parking lot and I asked: "any idea where you might have left the car?" "At the front" was her reply. So we walked on that row and there was her car parked next to mine! We then had a laugh on how things happen. She  told me she did 'channeling'. So we talked for an hour and I just let her speak.

She was lonely and I felt I could give her my undivided time. Sometimes that is all a person needs, to just be heard. I took her phone number and will ring her to invite her out for coffee. Life is strange how we are meant to meet some people. I am not into channeling but try to keep an open mind.

2168 Reads

Walk for Water

Yesterday my honey inspired me once again. While walking to the car, a woman sitting at a bus stop asked if he had a water. He didn't, but he turned right around and walked a few blocks to the YMCA sports club and bought her one. He went out of his way to be kind in the midst of a busy day.

When he gave her the water, he saw a hawk pass by overhead. Hawks are our personal totem/symbol. How affirming to see one downtown after his act for another. I love my honey. He's the best person I know.

1042 Reads

Important Lessons I've Learned About People

Today at work I learnt an important lesson. To be kind. But not only that, I learnt (and bore the brunt of) it's effects when your not. It was a great reminder how our 'moods' can affect others and rub off on people. I worked reception today and had to do some calling around of members. Members who had recently entered a competition. I was calling to inform them that they were successful and had just been entered into the major draw. One man. The husband who answered his wife's phone, was not kind at all. He was the most negative person I think I have dealt with!!! His wife had just won a chance at winning $28,000 and I was calling to tell him. Yet everything I said he turned, twisted, and made it sound like a 'bad thing'." Are you kidding me?!" I thought. He was obviously having a bad day. I wasn't. ... Read Full Story >>

1760 Reads

A Man In A Hospital Bed Joins In On The Annual Yosakoi Dance

Yosakoi Dance is a gift of one giving their everything. Day and night dancers create time to rehearse to bring smiles to people.  Every year, in Japan in June for a few days, the streets are filled with music and dance. Hundreds of Yosakoi dance groups (from 30 to 300 people) share their amazing energy. Over 25 thousand people- students, workers, even mothers (with their less than a year old babies in tow) to over 80 year old grandparents, everyone from all over the country come to participate in the dance. They use every minute of their free time painfully rehearsing their dances, for many hours, every week, for the entire year. What every team member has in common other than hard work and dance, is a great big Smile on their faces! The Dance brought about a very touching moment that was witnessed. Amidst the colorful stage, loud flutes and drums one could see a person ... Read Full Story >>

1640 Reads

Fifth Graders Getting The Right Message

Our fifth grade girls have been having some ongoing issues with each other. Last week, I brought them together as a group and did some dyad (deep listening) practice with them, talked about "I"statements, forgiveness and friendships. They asked if we could meet once a week, "just to talk!" While telling this story to a friend, she mentioned keeping a 'bliss' journal, so that naturally led to a late night trip to the dollar store. While we were in line, my friend took half of the journals and said they were her contribution to the girls. What a pleasant surprise, and a great way to start the topic for the day: kindness! They loved the journals, and kept the kindness quotes I had provided, sticking them on or inside the covers. I am constantly reminded or the responsiveness of children to this work and of the great need for it. They are ... Read Full Story >>

1951 Reads

Wrapping And Sending Imaginary Gifts

I used to complain about the shortcomings of other people, particularly when it comes to work. This morning I thought and decided to have a kind way to deal with this. Whatever shortcoming I perceive from someone, in my mind I send him or her a gift to fill it.

For example, when I perceived that someone lacks initiative, I imagined myself wrapping and sending a gift of initiative to that person. When I noticed that someone was sad, I imagined sending her a gift of happiness. This way I was able to avoid being judgmental. And most importantly, I noticed myself becoming more compassionate.

1625 Reads

Look Deeply To See Clearly

Today, I decided to see the good and speak only of good things about a person whom I found difficulty dealing with. And the miracle was, I indeed saw his good qualities. Lesson learned: challenge a wrong belief for it will be proven to be wrong. The sense of right and wrong is all in the mind. But the sense of goodness is deep down the bottom of our hearts.

1164 Reads

Love And Acceptance Is Powerful!

Today I helped my brother in law find some jobs on Craig's List that he is qualified for and then helped him with the application process for a couple of them. I know that right now he needs support and someone to believe in him more than he believes in himself. At first I was resisting this being mine to do, but today I just surrendered to loving him and accepting him as he is. I know my acceptance of him is good for both of us.

1038 Reads

A Hello For No Expectations In Return

Yesterday I had been thinking of how I could be mindful, and by the end of the day, I still had not done anything. Then, I realized that I have done something small again. It did not have an effect on anyone but myself. Here's what I did: I had been constantly passing by the recycle, compost and garbage bin all day at work and seeing a piece of cardboard on the floor beside the bin. Lightning hit me and I picked it up and dropped it inside the recycle bin. Went home happy. Today I woke up thinking of what to do. I was determined to make a difference, but I did not have anything in mind. Then I realized that it does not have to be intentional, it will come and I will wake up to feeling the wonders of being mindful. Today I walked into the office and ... Read Full Story >>

1400 Reads
  • Posted by annamarieli
  • Jun 20, 2016
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Kissing the Hands of Our Trusted Helper

Feeling grateful. This morning I invited my house helper for breakfast. She's been with us for the last 18 years. She is like a sister to me. She helped me raise my 5 kids who are now grown ups. While we were sitting, I asked her to open her hands and I took a picture, then I kissed them. I told her, thank you for your beautiful hands. They helped this family so much. She was so shocked and burst to tears. I was crying too. I told her I'm so grateful to her for everything she did/does for all of us. We were eating, crying and laughing. She is God's gift to us. Thank you Lord for the gift of love.

687 Reads

The Flip Side Of Paying It Foward

My lovely Mum who is full of kind acts herself, couldn't decide if the weather was chilly enough to wear a jacket out... so she popped her credit card in her jacket pocket, and then last minute decided not to wear it. She went to the supermarket and got a few essential supplies, and went to pay.... no card... she said she didn't have any cash or any other cards with her.

A very kind lady behind her stepped up, and said "I'll get that" Mum had tears in her eyes and thanked her, and offered to take her details so she could pay her back, "No, thank you" said the lady, "it doesn't matter who you are or who I am, we are here to make a difference, and I hope paying for your groceries today, makes a difference"

So for all of us, who have stepped up and paid for someone's groceries, big or small, from the other end, it makes a huge difference to someone's day!

769 Reads

Two Dollars Well Spent

I was at the mall today, and I saw grandparents searching their purses for coins for the children's coin-operated ride. Two little girls sat waiting on top of the ponies waiting for the ride to start. The grandfather told the girls they didn't have any coins. One of the girls said, "It's okay Papa, we can pretend," as I walked past.

I thought it was refreshing not to see demanding children having a tantrum over the ride not going. I walked back, smiled, and gave them a $2 coin. They all smiled, and the grandfather offered me a $5 note. I said it was fine and didn't take it; happy people was my reward. He called out "God bless you!" $2 very well spent. 

1467 Reads

Life's Simple Pleasures

At dusk, I washed my wife's vehicle for her birthday. Neighbors passing by for an evening stroll thought that was strange. I told them it was a gift for Laura. One lady said: "I wish someone would do that for me!" Her husband was with her. LOL! For a change of pace, this morning I made breakfast for my bride of 21 years. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!!

806 Reads

Paying It Forward Leads To Paying It Forward

At a local farmer's market I bought a scone for myself and then gave enough $ to vendor for at least two more people to purchase a scone or something similar. It turned out that when the next person 'received' their purchase without a fee, they, in turn, paid for their snack and then paid it forward to the next person.

604 Reads
  • Posted by womonscapecenter
  • Jun 19, 2016
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Dog Walking Therapy

I am so grateful for the therapeutic walk with the young neighbor lady who was having a PTSD episode and texted me. I suggested we grab our dogs and head for the park, even though it was very hot. She said, ok, but said she hasn't been able to eat the last few days.  I suggested peanut butter for some protein and easy on the tummy. She was able to eat it and felt better. Then we headed out in the 90 degree sun. We met a neighbor I keep reintroducing her to, and he is starting be kinder and more accepting to her.  Then off to the park with a breeze blowing. We talked and walked. Before you know it she was feeling much better. I gave her a light up solar leash (we sometimes walk at night) with doggy bags tied to handle (she forgets these bags and neighbors get mad ... Read Full Story >>

2638 Reads

Give A Tip That Means Something

My favorite restaurant for the last 12 years is suffering because the highway in front of it is under repairs and will be for many months. The 10 waitresses that work there are making less money in tips because it is slow. I made up a story about needing to 'pay it forward' I gave them a note of encouragement and thanks for their hard work and gave each of them a sum of money that made each of them cry.

1146 Reads

Quilted With Unconditional Kindness

I received a quilt in the mail today from an local organization that makes homemade quilts for people living with cancer. Someone requested it on my behalf, because I would never have thought to ask for myself. I cannot begin to tell you how beautiful it is, and how touched and grateful I am for this act of unconditional kindness and generosity.

It inspires me, and I hope it will inspire you too.
The individual makers stay anonymous, and ask for nothing back.  You can, if you wish, thank the charity on its web site, and donate.  Their quilts are just beautiful, and light, and come with their own carrying case. 

I have received many kindnesses in the course of my illness, but this one really stands out for me, because it is so unconditional, and symbolizes warmth and comfort in such a concrete way. 

1194 Reads

Feeling Changed:)

A couple of years back I invited a few students to be part of a Kindness Challenge. After the 21 days one of the participants wrote an article for our school newspaper. I just reread it and I wanted to share the last line of her article with you, in regards to doing acts of kindness with no agenda: "Though it may not be world-changing, it may change a life -- most likely your own."

This is what I have found through everyone in this community. When my mind starts to think "what impact am I having?" I try to shift to "how am I being impacted?" Through giving, may we truly experience what it means to receive<3.

1130 Reads

Customer Service Calls - We Can Serve Them

I spent several phone calls with various customer service reps today. I dislike those calls - usually a pain. I listened intently to make sure I got names, used them and tried to make the calls pleasant for them. One sounded so tired even on hello. By call's end, she was laughing and I told her to breathe deeply before her next one.  Perhaps she had a momentary lift.

1062 Reads




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