Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Kindess For Lent

I had a fantastic idea. I'm Catholic and Lent is very early this year - Ash Wednesday is on the 10th of Feb. I'm going to do 40 AOK (act of kindness) for each day of Lent. My husband helped plan them with me, we did a mixture of free, low cost, and medium cost. Most are tried and true, but some are new! 

 

1368 Reads

An Unexpected Connection

A few days ago, I had forgotten where I'd parked my bike. As I stood at the spot I'd initially wanted to park it, which was empty, I thought, "Oh no! It's been stolen!"  After a moment of panic, it dawned on me that it was actually around the corner. Laughing with relief, I began to unlock it just as an elderly man passed by slowly with his walker.  I wouldn't have talked to him normally,  but my gratitude for my bike prompted a lovely, spontaneous exchange.  
I think he was a bit lonely, as he told me he was 81 and had to stop driving for a while due to a fall.   His wife of many years was in a home and couldn't come out as she suffered from Alzheimer's. We chatted for a bit, both of us reveling in the company.  When I was ready to get on my way, he sincerely wished me all the very best as I silently sent him blessings.  I was grateful for the connection, and this energy helped power me home on my trusty bicycle.
 

1563 Reads

Radioshow higlights kindness during winterstorm ⛄️

I was thrilled this morning when our favorite radio station asked listeners to message them RAKS (Random Acts of Kindness) they witnessed (or performed) during the mega snowstorm here in "The Big Apple".  

Kindness seems to be showing up more and more in the media, and this is truly heartening! The RAKS included many people shoveling snow for others, gratitude from Seniors for people who helped them during the storm, a policeman who stopped what he was doing to help someone with a walker get across the street, and more. I started my day off with a big smile! 😋

1885 Reads

'Adopting' the Elderly Over the Holidays

Oh, I sincerely hope I am not repeating myself! If I am, please forgive me. But I share this in case any one would like to do it next year---and I truly recommend making the effort. Before Christmas I found a charity that was looking for workers to check on the elderly. I am not looking for a job, so I wrote instead and asked if I could send gifts to 15 or so people of their choosing, and a host of Christmas cards to more elderly shut-ins. I said I'd send the gifts to them so they could vet it, along with wrapping paper and ribbons, to please wrap up once they saw the gift was nice and A-ok. Thankfully they agreed. The same with the cards, I left them unsealed so they could read the message and be certain it was all on the up and up. Really getting into ... Read Full Story >>

1393 Reads

Teaching Kids Kindness

It’s the start of a new school year! The kids are diving into their studies and adding a new stepping stone to their academic paths. There will, of course, be a lot of focus on sharpening those reading and math skills, BUT… Why not take some time to teach kindness? Kindness? Yes, that’s right! Let’s throw a little kindness in there too! Lessons on kindness begin at home, and they begin with your example. Lead the way by doing one or more of these random acts of kindness with your child. You’ll not only brighten someone’s day, but you’ll teach your child a beautiful lesson on serving others and provide an opportunity to spend quality time together.  Begin at Home: Have your child draw a picture, make something, or pick a special prize out for their sibling(s) or other family member(s). Donate: Go through old toys and books with your child and decide on ... Read Full Story >>

2427 Reads

When The Student Is The Teacher

I teach at a middle school where we really focus on kindness and service being our over-riding culture. We have a Wheel of Kindness we spin each week to challenge the kids to commit kind acts, and we hold assemblies that recognize our students who are committing acts of service locally and globally. Well this week I was reminded again how special middle school kids are. I follow many of my students on Instagram so I can keep up on their lives away from school as well as look for any cyber bullying. On Monday evening, I received a direct message from a boy who had someone write a very mean message in his locker. He took a picture of it and sent it to me asking for help. I assured him that this is not what we are all about at our school and asked him to meet me at ... Read Full Story >>

7964 Reads

Blessings At The Checkout

I had a bad start to my morning. My husband kept me awake, and kept waking through the night. We are planning to go to our beach house tomorrow, but my poor husband has got shingles and is rather unwell. He's off to the dr this afternoon :-( I was grumpy and racing around trying to get a whole load of errands done before we pack to go. Next to me at the checkout was an elderly man having difficulty with his bank card, and it kept declining. The checkout assistant asked him if it was the correct account etc and he said he thought he had $70 in his account. I paid for my few groceries and stepped up and offered to pay without knowing how much it was.   Honestly, part of me wanted to look at what he had bought to see if I was 'wasting' my money, but then a ... Read Full Story >>

1368 Reads

Her Birthday Wish

I was picking up some medication for my son, who just had surgery and is in the hospital. I came across a woman who was having a terrible day and lamenting that "someone" had ruined her birthday. I went up to her and asked her if I could wish her a happy birthday. She said thank you and a short conversation ensued. I told her about my son being in the hospital and how he was going to get out either today or tomorrow. She said to me, "I'm going to ask for my birthday that your son get out today."  

How selfless can one be? I was so touched by her generosity, asking that a stranger receive her gift on her birthday. I gave her a big birthday hug and she just said how this little interaction made her day. My son isn't getting out of the hospital today, but it doesn't matter...it's wonderful people who have such beautiful intentions as this one stranger, whom I will likely never see again, who really matter. :)
 

1319 Reads

My heart met the challenge

While delivering meals one day I was really put to the test. The first house I delivered to was owned by a sweet elderly woman named Ms A. It was about 10:30 in the morning when I knocked on her door.  When she asked me to come in I could tell by her voice something was wrong. When I opened her door she was sitting on the sofa crying. She didn't have to tell me I could see she had soiled herself. I have to tell you it was not something I wanted to deal with but I had to make a decision not only for me but for Ms. A.   I didn't want her to feel any more ashamed than she did so I knew that I would have to clean her up. I kept assuring her it was ok but she was so ashamed...I did all I could to assure ... Read Full Story >>

1721 Reads

A Position She Paid Forward

Several years ago, this lady named Lisa and I started working at a bank at the same time. We went through training together and were given part-time positions. Eventually one full-time position opened up.

We both really needed the extra income and benefits - my husband had just gotten laid off; I think she was going through a divorce but I can't remember her exact circumstances.

But when she was offered the full-time position, she told the manager that they should offer it to me first and she'd take it only if I declined. Then she told me to take it. 

I have since lost contact with her but that was one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me. I hadn't thought about it in years but this morning I woke up and thought of her. I hope someone else was able to show her the kindness she showed me.

1841 Reads

Kindness packs

I made some kindness packs up. I keep a few in my car and in my handbag. These ones are the free tennis balls I got from the tennis tournament. I added a $5 note, a Mindy origami peace dove, a cheery note of explanation, a list of kindness ideas and a smile card.

1102 Reads

Kindspring Anniversary

After reading about Kate's anniversary with KindSpring, I decided to figure out when I first joined. I looked through some saved emails and realized that the first challenge I participated in was a 21-day Kindness challenge that started Oct. 1, 2014, so I get that is my anniversary. However, upon reflecting further, I knew that I hadn't jumped into the community feed then. That happened after I participated in the 21-days of Simple Living challenge that started Jan. 11, 2015. So I'm not sure if I should count my anniversary as Oct. 1, 2014 or Jan. 11, 2015. In either case, being here reading and writing about kindness and love and helping others -- all this has contributed to me being a better human being. And for that I am very grateful. Thank you all for being in my life and for helping me find and be kindness more and more every day. The ... Read Full Story >>

1254 Reads

Kindness Shifting

Was given a stack of magazines recently to recycle as origami Peace dove paper :).

Decided to look thru them first and was pleasantly surprised to see a Project Kindness section, where readers write in with their kind acts :). Plus an entire page of an inspirational quote and image.

Since turning off the TV and most media, I guess I have sort of been out of touch, but glad to see the kindness rippling, my friends :)))).

Good to check in now and then! Grateful for the shift taking place and envisioning more and more <3.

1640 Reads

Free Hugs

When I went into town yesterday I was able to give away all my care packages. I made sure I bent down and talked to every individual and it was LOVE-LY. However, one man is going to remain forever in my heart.  As we were chatting he said how cold he was so I asked if I could hug him. I tried to hold on to him tightly and rub some warmth into him. He said "You are a good hugger". This brought tears to my eyes. Such a simple act of kindness but such a beautiful connection.  It reminded me of this video (YOU TUBE Free Hugs Italy).
 
This movement is worldwide but it started in Australia! The Free Hugs Italy is done to Hallelujah and gets to my heart every time. In fact, I will have my class watch the video and then make Free Hugs signs. We go out on the yard a give out hugs So sweet to watch the little ones hug the bigger kids.

Sending out Free Hugs to everyone! XO


1339 Reads

Holding To My True Values

I had to move and when I was going through my stuff in the garage (Fourteen years of stuff) a friend got down the families sleeping bags. There were four of them all told and I had NEVER used them the entire time I had lived in my house. I threw them in the trunk of my car and drove down to what I call the homeless park (it is where the homeless hang out) When I pulled out the sleeping bags the people came running! I also had warm stuff (scarves, sweaters, camping stuff) to share with the men and women of the park.  It made me feel good and I am hoping it keeps them warmer during the cold weather we have been having. I also took the turkey bones from the leftover turkey from thanksgiving and make a soup out of it. I went to the Dollar store and ... Read Full Story >>

2167 Reads

Melvin Off The Streets

[This post is dedicated to my mother, whose birthday it is today, Jan 15th. She has held a lifelong practice of feeding needy people on her parents & children’s birthdays. What’s more inspiring to me is that she did it with so much humility that I never even learned that she was doing this until I was in my early 30s. I love you Mummy, and honor you by practicing the values you have lived by-- which have become my values.] I heard fervent mumbling beneath the blankets when I approached. “Melvin, are you under there?” He pops his head out and let’s out a slightly hysterical laugh. “Yah- yeah… I was just praying. Praying that somebody would bring me dinner.” That alone was enough to bring a knot to my throat. “Well, I have your dinner,” I say quietly, “and its warm.” Melvin had reason to be praying. For most of the last 6 months, ... Read Full Story >>

2114 Reads

The Very Kind Nipun And Friends

I would like to briefly share with you a beautiful and enriching experience I had recently in London. I spent a weekend in the company of kind, generous, caring, and loving people from all parts of the world. It started with a day of mindfulness, sharing and meditation with the 'Heart of London Sangha and Wake Up' group and it ended with a whole day of all these and much more LOVE from Nipun Mehta, Satish Kumar, and many friends.  I can't tell you how touched and deeply grateful I am. As I’m sure you all know Nipun has started a kindness movement which is spreading all over the world; 'small acts with great love' are carried out by those who want to 'be the change’; 'Change Yourself, Change the World'...AND Satish-ji is a great example of commitment and compassion for all. He told us many a story of his over ... Read Full Story >>

1708 Reads

Welcoming a New Teacher with Kindness

Today we had a new teacher join us. Sadly, the previous teacher has left on a mental health leave. As a seasoned teacher(I like that better than old), I forget how scared new beginnings can be.

This morning I left a flower, stickers for the kids and a small note saying "Stay calm and have a great first day" on her desk. Throughout the day I checked in on her and offered to help her any way I can (Of course she had a tech question and I had not idea what to do..but I knew people who did).

It is a lovely feeling to mentor someone and share some wisdom. Looking forward to helping this new teacher in any way I can!
 

2921 Reads

I Stood By Her

I was coming back from home late at night in a 'Sharing' mini van. In Hyderabad, India, it is a cheap and quick mode of transport. The van drivers ply as many as 13 people at times in a vehicle which is built for the transport of 8 people. Our van was over crowded as well. People were getting off and on at many places. One girl signaled the driver to stop. She wriggled herself out of the van. While getting down, she tripped and fell. None of us noticed it, as it was dark. The driver was waiting for her to pay. It was then we saw that the girl was on her knees by the side of the road.  Another passenger and I got down and held her up.  Even in pain, she held up a note and asked us to pay the driver. The other passenger took the note ... Read Full Story >>

2174 Reads

A Brief Meeting Of The Hearts

I was out walking the dog in something of a hurry and no money in pockets, when I suddenly realized I was passing a homeless man covered in a sleeping bag and sitting up with a cup ready for any available money from anyone. 
I looked at him and smiled widely and truly as he had surprised me with his kind-looking face, said- "sorry I have no money but hope the day is a good one!" And the smile he gave me was warm and true. I felt like we had a meeting of minds for a brief second and that it had mattered, that little exchange.  

I went back later to the spot to give him some money and a snack but sadly he was gone. I gave it to another fellow who was also homeless, but not quite the same warmth occurred. That's okay. It all was real exchange between equal humans.

1477 Reads




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