Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Lunchtime Kindness

While I was out eating lunch today, I noticed a man about my age dining alone at the table next to me. He was wearing headphones and working on a computer while he ate, but he also smiled at everyone that walked by and when a child accidentally ran into his table, his mother apologized and he laughed it off and said, “No worries!” and high five'd the child. It just made me happy watching someone so joyful. 

Before I left, I bought a $10 gift card to the establishment we were dining at and I handed it to him on the way out with Smile card attached. I said, “I hope you have a beautiful day today!” and he said, “Oh thanks, you too!” but I hurried off before he could read the card and see what it was all about. I really just wanted to acknowledge that I noticed and appreciated the joyful energy he was bringing to that space. I hope it made his day the same way he made mine!

786 Reads

The Most Priceless Gift

The most priceless gift- gift of Love :) One of my elderly patients (who I only looked after for a day) knitted an outfit for my to be child and sent it via post to my work- quite unexpected, but so beautiful- Luckily she put her address on the envelope so I had the opportunity to send her back a small gift to say thanks.... AND THEN..... The latest gift of love was from our cleaner at work- what a gorgeous soul! Lovely lady who cleans our work place in the mornings, and I usually only get the chance to say hello to her a couple of times a week and have small talk.... Yesterday she left an envelope for me -with a card with wishes for me on the arrival of my baby, I was SO TOUCHED that she actually got me a card, but was totally dumbfounded when I opened it and ... Read Full Story >>

1672 Reads

Being There

I strive to practice kindness towards my son. Every day after lunch, I sit down and enjoy a piece of chocolate and cup of tea. This is my time. I love it. I never ever want to give it up.

Today I did. I did because I knew the right and kind thing to do in that moment was play with my son. I hadn't spent much time with him at all and every ounce of my being said I needed to. We played bowling.

Some days I get it right. I am so kind always to others, but as Mother Teresa so often said: "kindness begins at home". It is also where it is most important ♡

 

648 Reads

Simply responding with Love.

I had a phone call from one of my best friend's husband asking for my help with my friend, his wife. She has had a tough time lately and has issues stemming from an abusive childhood. Now that she is a mother herself, some of the issues are arising again, and she is having a hard time coping. It's hard to know what to do. I'm not a trained counselor or psychologist, but I am a good listener and friend. I went around to their house today, after a text message saying "No, I don't want visitors." I brought with me a big bunch of flowers (to leave on the door step if necessary) and was greeted by a teary friend. I thought of others here who have helped friends struggling with depression, and I asked if I could do anything. I just got a 'no,' so I played with the ... Read Full Story >>

1976 Reads

A little bit of bliss after NYC cab ride

I was riding in a taxi to the the bus stop from where I was supposed to take the bus to NYC. It was going to be a long journey and I had packed some chocolates to eat on the way.

When the ride was over, I paid the driver the due amount along with some tip. He got my suitcase out of the trunk, I collected it and started walking away. So did he. However, something in my heart stirred - I recognized an opportunity to perform an act of kindness.

I decided that I wanted to give away all the chocolates to the driver that I was early on so excited to have for myself. After all, he had served me, even though it was just his job. I gave them away, saw the bright smile light up his face and the eyes shine like they were the star Sirius, and felt my heart swell with happiness. It was neither a big act nor a very giving one, but it was truly blissful.

1145 Reads

Acting on thought to be kind

I was staring idly out of the window this morning, thinking about how I hadn't done anything kind yet today. Just then, I saw my elderly neighbor shoveling the end of her driveway where the snowplow had left some hardened snow. So I got dressed and went out to help her, and she was glad of the company and told me about her grandson and his new job. It was lovely out in the fresh air and the sunshine talking and shoveling.

1010 Reads

Sadness Though an act of Kindness

Dear Friends in Love and Kindness, I’m feeling blue and rather courageous about sharing this act of kindness. It’s not a feel good story about choosing to do something kind for someone, but I’ll tell you anyway, in honor of the fact that sometimes it hurts deeply to open our hearts and extend kindness with the intention of alleviating another person’s suffering. This past weekend I was in grocery store when a woman asked me for 50 cents towards buying some chicken . She said she was hungry. I didn’t have any cash, but I offered to buy her chicken if she didn’t mind sticking around with me until I finished shopping. She didn’t say anything but started walking beside with me. She had a very sad demeanor, and I noticed she had a black eye. She shuffled her feet as she walked. She slurred her speech. (I noticed many judgments rise up within ... Read Full Story >>

2867 Reads

Where is Sam?

When I was a child, my nephew was around our house a lot, almost like a little brother. He grew up into a troubled soul, and though I did not see him often, we maintained a connection. Last autumn, I decided on a grocery-store gift card for my nephew "Sam," knowing that even in his thirties, he was often not working and was always short of money. Although it was only mid-November, a voice in my head suggested, "Don't wait for Christmas. Send him the card now." I did send the card, and heard from Sam a few days later with his thanks for the early Christmas gift. He said he could really use the card. We anticipated seeing each other at the planned family Thanksgiving get-together. On Thanksgiving, Sam didn't appear. There was some general irritation among family members. Once again, Sam had proven unreliable, and didn't care enough to ... Read Full Story >>

1634 Reads

My First Smile Card - An Unforgettable Moment

Today I gave my first Smile Card to someone (I thought I've lost them, but I found them again) - maybe life was telling me to wait for the right moment to start giving them.

I gave it to my friendly "acupuncture doctor" and it was kind of a fun moment. The reaction and all the "doubts" that formed in his semblance were unforgettable. I like to make surprises and leave people speechless - since this was a "strange" action (people are not used to receive gratitude for their acts), I got the most happy-shy smile - and since he is a very expansive kind of person I wasn't expecting that kind of reaction.

It felt great and I hope he can find lots and lots of gratitude smiles in his life - he deserves all of them ;)
It's so good, I'm preparing my next delivery ^_^  - life will tell me when and to whom.
Thank you KindSpring!!!

1519 Reads

The Lady in The Antique Stall

I visited an Antiques market this weekend. A friend of mine needed to buy items for her house. I often enjoy looking at all those beautiful 'old' things, love to imagine who used them and what they were used for. I noticed a very fragile lady who had her stall nearby.

I watched for a while (always do...observe). I decided to go and talk to her. Most people I observed only asked for prices and bargained, many left without even saying thank you. I felt she needed 'more'. I always try to talk to people who seem sad or lonely.

We talked about her stall, I asked her about her items and a bit of the story behind some of them, told her about some of my Grandma and Mum's collections, etc. She was so kind and tender, her face changed, smiled a lot, and thanked me dearly for spending time with her. I was even more delighted!

2513 Reads

A Week of Random Acts of Kindness

RAK week, 1) Helped three couples with kids, with care packages (food and treats for kids), 2) Had a good and long talk with a friend who also recently lost his wife (last week), consoling and giving prayer/spiritual advice, 3) Talked sense with a community member under the influence, out of suicide feelings, stayed with her until she started smiling, bought her and her kids food, 4) Sat with an elder who was alone, bought him food also (stew and bannock), 5)Made bannock for two elders 5)Took left over bannock and stew for a family, 6)bought coffee for those who needed it yesterday and for co-workers this morning, 7) bought breakfast sandwiches for my co-workers. (photo from daily good website).

1043 Reads

Thankful Heart

My partner (basically husband we have been together 13 years and have three beautiful boys) and I are going away this weekend. The first time in 4 years and I am just so grateful.

Firstly because his mother has said she would look after my boys for a night and secondly because just now, she has asked if it would be ok to take my boys to the coast for a weekend. She not only has offered to mind and look after my boys but, take them on a trip to the beach!

I am so filled with gratitude right now. Kindness, especially a kindness like this one which doesn't have to cost a cent, is appreciated more than we could ever know. I am so grateful xox

1612 Reads

New mother delivers more than just a baby

I dropped nappies (diapers) off to a small volunteer run non-profit this morning. In New Zealand, babies in hospital are dressed in hospital owned clothing like a little singlet and gown, nappies are provided, or parents can bring in their own clothes for their babies. A mother was shocked to hear the mother in the next bed ask the nurse if she could take the hospital singlet and gown home as she didn't have any clothes for her baby to go home in. This mother (Laura) offered the mother her own baby's clothes, and then was struck by a need that wasn't being filled. She rallied around friends who had babies and didn't need the clothes or gear any more and donated them to the hospital. She opened up her quest for donations in her community, church, and via Facebook and now runs her organization in two cities. That's where I dropped the nappies off this morning. :-)

872 Reads

Crazy Sock Day To Pay it Forward

In our community, we are very blessed to have an organization called Food for Friends. They help provide funds for us to have a snack program for all the children in the school and lunch for those who need it. As a teacher, I can't tell you how grateful I am that our children are nourished so that they can concentrate on learning and not their hungry tummies.   The children are raising money for the organization as well right now. I think this is so important for them to learn to be appreciative for what they have. The children paid a dollar to enter a crazy sock competition. It was such a joyful and fun assembly. On Monday, we have to live free of something. I have stacked all of the chairs in the classroom, and we watched some videos from Save the Children to compare our room to other impoverished schools ... Read Full Story >>

2927 Reads

Priceless trust at YooGool

I always take my daughter and her best friend out for a snack and boba tea after their dance practice. I got to YooGool and as I realized I had forgotten my wallet at home, I planned on using Apple Pay.

Unfortunately, I found out too late that they don't accept it. There I stood with a two very disappointed young girls. Mindy, the cashier, said: "don't worry, you can pay us the next time you come in!" Her generous spirit and warm heart turned what could've been a very sad moment for two young ladies (and that can't turn out well for a dad!) into one of the most wonderful gifts I could've received. Not the food on loan, but the trust that one being just showed in another. She has no idea how big of a tip she's in for! :) 

1842 Reads

Paying-it-foward at Physiotherapy

I've recently been going to a physiotherapist to help recover full range of motion in an arm that has been in a cast for a month. As I was waiting to register for my second appointment, I couldn't help overhear the conversation with the patient checking out before me. She was on disability, so most of the cost of her sessions were covered, except for $15 co-pays. The woman at the checkout desk asked if she would like to make her next appointment, but the patient said she couldn't do so until she had found a way to get the money. "I'll have to ask my daughter," she said, before walking away. After my session, I paid for the woman's next appointment.

2190 Reads

SMILE Balloons

RAoK idea: hand out balloons to people passing by in a public area.

Mindy's spin: I bought a few of these great SMILE balloons! I gave one immediately to the cashier (who inspired me in spite of her grumpy attitude) and one to the woman behind me in line. :)

They both looked a little "smile" stunned, so I said, "Everyone needs a little smile now and then!"

We all just sort of had a moment, a pause within our busy lives, to connect...and smile. :)

994 Reads

Miss Cool, Calm and Collected

When I saw her tonight she smiled and recognized me. I smiled back at her. She was looking more relaxed even though she was still doing her job. I have noticed her several times this last few months and she always looks so much happier now. Tonight when I chatted with her I noticed her name tag. Her name is Pamela. Pamela works at the express checkouts in a busy supermarket . She deals with issues when the self serve checkout experiences a problem (no price on product, machine malfunction, etc.). She supervises these checkouts and usually has barely dealt with one complaint before another is created. When I first talked to Pamela, I had called her to the checkout I was using. There wasn't any problem with the checkout though. My issue or should I say concern was about Pamela. She looked frazzled and was under a lot of stress as ... Read Full Story >>

1552 Reads

My dad, the 'Mystery Kindness Man'

Heres a lovely story I read on Reddit tonight -"My dad used to do this kind of thing every year. He'd go to our school and ask the people at the front desk if there were any families who were struggling and wouldn't be able to have a nice Christmas (small-ish town, so the school people knew him and were willing to give him some names and information). There were three of us kids, so he'd pick three families. Then we'd go shopping for them. New toys, new clothes, some little things for the parents, and lots of food for Christmas dinner. We'd sneak over to their houses when they were out and leave all the packages in front of the door. Dad would leave a card with a little bit of cash in it and sign it --Santa"

2099 Reads

Our mission is simple: Kindness

From Kansas City.com by Jenée Osterheldt I meet Adam Benton on Monday morning over hot chocolate and chai latte. We don’t talk business. Our mission is simple: kindness. Our tools: uplifting greeting cards and money to buy a cup of coffee — anonymously — for eight unsuspecting customers. Adam is the Kansas City creative mind behind the Acts of Good journal, a diary designed to spread the love among 12 people. The first person does something nice by gifting the diary. The recipient writes about the experience, pays it forward, and passes the journal along. He spreads eight greeting cards, Hello Happiness Cards.  One says, “You are Loved.” Another reads, “I believe in you.” My favorite: “You are magic.” “We’re going to split these cards up and write notes in them,” he tells me. “We should be daily joy-spreaders. That doesn’t mean we have to give monumental gifts or perform monetary acts. We can give ... Read Full Story >>

1482 Reads




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