Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Got my daily smile on


I have been having a hectic day at work...feeling overwhelmed and overtired UNTIL just now! A young man came in to my office and asked me if I would "loan" him 50 cents since he was short on bus fare. I did not know this young man and never saw him before.

I dig out my famous change jar (the metal kitty cat tin) and gave him a ton of quarters to use for bus fare today and for the next time he's short on bus fare. 

He gave me the smile and motivation I needed to get thru the rest of my day.

So, to the young man who just made my day....May you always have change jingling in your pockets!



 

1510 Reads

Common' Give Me A Smile!

Today a colleague admitted he has an operation coming up and is feeling apprehensive. I didn't have much in my treats drawer at work (I'd just given all the smiley stickers to our cleaner) but I wrapped up a few things I thought would make him smile. I got a nice laugh from him :-)

1276 Reads

Inspiration Around the Corner

There is always inspiration just around the corner! A little girl in my class has been away all week, so the kids made her a book of things she loves to cheer her up (lots of dinosaurs). I put together a little care package for her.

When I went at lunch today to drop off our parcel, I had to go down the stairs to a basement apartment. When I got there, this beautiful message was chalked on the wall beside the door. It was made by the little girl's mom. It makesme want to have an inspiring message by my door because I sure walked away with a big smile on my face after seeing it!
 

2488 Reads

Clean Up Fairies

At the park this morning, we were shocked to see the grass strewn with litter. People had obviously enjoyed their evening and had takeaway dinner in the park, but they didn't bother to put their rubbish in the bin. My husband said, "lets not wait for the park staff, lets do it!" so we did!

810 Reads

Take One or Leave One



Today my husband and I started something awesome. The sign says "Cold? Take one. Extra? Donate one." It's been so cold these past weeks. It worries us just thinking about those people who are less fortunate.  
 

2398 Reads

Amidst hurt kindness shone through

While I feel so saddened by the world and the mean-spirited people my husband and my son especially have had to deal with this week, I still believe in being kind to everyone. The little kindness I did for the elderly lady at the grocery store, and the assistance I gave someone else at the local yarn store, are moments that make my days better. Making cookies for a neighbor who got laid off was a small gesture that made him smile. 

Sometimes I would prefer to give back the meanness I get from some people, but have learned that just makes it worse. The hard part is not lashing out at those who hurt my family. That has happened too often this week to my son in particular.

Nothing to be gain by striking back, but still it saddens my heart and life at time can be wear your spirit down.

Tomorrow is another day. And another chance to make some one smile

1790 Reads

A Hot Mug of Tea and a Warm Heart

I walk my goats daily, basically just following them about to make sure they don't eat any of the young trees or break into the farm. At this time of year, it can be cold and damp. For the last couple of days, after about 40 minutes, when my fingers are freezing, my husband has shown up with a nice hot mug of tea for me. He then hangs around to chat until it's time to take them in. Little gestures are as special as big ones. 

1586 Reads

Sister smiles

Kind act for today.. helped my sister clean and sort though her things. We laughed a lot and shared funny memories. :) ♡

1130 Reads

A Sweet Gesture For A Sweet Tooth

I am taking a piece of my husband's birthday cake to my dad. My father, known for his sweet tooth, always has dessert. I remember when he would take all his grandchildren out for breakfast and order them each a piece of their favorite pie for their breakfast dessert! I don't think our daughter ever quite understood why we didn't do that at home. :)

1297 Reads

Anonynous Stationary Store Kindness


Its the countdown to back to school here. I was in my favorite stationery shop yesterday and saw all the books and supplies set out ready for the new school year. I decided to purchase a gift card along with my own purchases. I quickly wrote a note on the back of the card and asked the cashier to pass it along to a family who she thought were struggling to pay for their stationery, or to a family with multiple children to buy stationery for. A little thought popped into my head "what if the cashier doesn't use it for this?" Then courage in my spirit took over, and I thought The Universe will guide her, and I let it go.  
 
 

1353 Reads

Bookmarking kindness

I bought premade bookmarks online. On one side I glued a list of kindness ideas, on the other side I stuck inspirational stickers. I got both the bookmarks and stickers at 50% off. I'm going to laminate them, and tie some embroidery thread through the hole to finish them off. I'll leave some at the library and some in books at the Little Free Library.

Its a hot day here, so I did my afternoon crafting outside on the verandah, at the same time I said hello to people walking past down the footpath!

1142 Reads

Thank a Veteran

 I have created and printed what I call my "Hero Cards" and give them out to veterans that I see in public places, thanking them for their service to our country, or I place them on the driver's side window of cars with veterans plates. I don't usually see the drivers find them but on occasion I do, and love the expressions on their faces. My cards read "My Heartfelt Thanks to You, Veteran. In a world where there seems to be fewer heroes please know that you will always be one in my eyes. From a Fellow American."   

 

1079 Reads

Reusable Kindness

An "adopted" mother treated me to lunch today :) I much enjoyed the little attached gift shop nearby!

They had a special deal on reusable bags, so I bought some and gave one to woman behind me line (tucked a SMILE card in too).

I'll bring an extra bag wherever I go shopping to share, being mindful of the Smile Deck's prompt of handing out reusable bags this week :))).

914 Reads

Sushi With A Smile


My sushi shop has got loyalty cards, each pack of sushi gets a stamp, nine stamps and the next one is free. This afternoon I felt like brown rice vegetarian sushi for lunch, and got my 9th stamp. I then passed my sushi card along with a smile card to the person behind me in line so her sushi was free :-) she thanked me about three times, everyone was happy!

1348 Reads

Loving kindness to a stranger on a plane

On a recent flight a child somewhere near the front was crying uncontrollably. Couldn't see them but silently sent them good vibes of comfort and reassurance that it was OK. Eventually they calmed down. A strange thing happened when the plane landed. A handicapped girl several seats ahead turned round and kept beaming and waving at me all the way from the plane to the airport. Had the feeling she was the one who'd been crying. Unique connection!

1837 Reads

His emergency roadside assistance led to a friendship

Good Morning,

While on my way to work today I passed a vehicle with hood up overheating on this 19-degree morning. In the car was an older woman who was panicking. I pulled over and went into the trunk of my car and pulled out 2 gallons of water. She came out of the car and I showed her where to add the water. She was so thankful for my help and I was so happy to show her what to do in case this happens again. I gave her our mechanic's business card and told her to call Josh and he'll check it out. I'm thinking radiator.

I always carry an emergency road kit which includes water, cat food, cat litter (in case I'm stuck on ice), flashlight, snack bars, shovel, blankets, and emergency flares. So happy that I was able to give her my water.

Even more happier that I made a new friend. I hope Dear Janet has a good rest of the day!

1898 Reads

The Joys of Winter

THE JOYS OF WINTER...for all you folk down under the Equator! SO ..I am not really a big fan of winter but after reading one of the posts from our KS Tribe, I decided to work on my perception. This member talked about enjoying the act of shoveling the snow because it reminded her of a beloved family member (Grandma I think) and was good for her physical well being too.

In a continued effort to shower kindness on my husband I was taking out the garbage after my early morning workout. I looked at his frost and snow covered car. So I decided to warm it up for him and scrape it off. Funnily enough when I was in the car the radio was on ..the hosts were talking about how to get frost off a vehicle as quick as possible..Thanks universe...Got to do a kind act and not be in the cold for so long ;)

It was love-ly to get a big smile and kiss as a reward for that act of kindness..You give you receive! The picture below is from a great children's book called "Stranger in the Woods!" Hope you have a toast warm day! XO

1589 Reads

The Karma Effect

Some of you know about my marvelous Mom who had a stroke seven years ago. She is unable to walk, talk or move her left hand. But she is an absolute inspiration. Every Tuesday night we go out together. I take her to a mall and out for dinner (she loves a glass of pinot grigio). Anyway tonight was a bit miserable due to a big snowstorm. So we just stayed in town. Off we went to Wal Mart and as we were in line I noticed a fairly disheveled man a bit ahead of us in line. He was looking at us as people often do when someone is in a wheelchair. I gave him a big smile and started to chat with my Mom. A minute later he came up to us and gave my Mom these two lady bugs. He paints them and gives them to people. He said when you "See a ... Read Full Story >>

2343 Reads

Help came quickly to a neighbor in need

Hello lovely people and a happy new year! Internet is back, and so am I :) Today has been an exciting day. I have a small herd of goats, and it's kidding season. Goats generally give birth independently, and only once before have I had to assist. But as I was taking them out for their walk this morning I noticed that one had a little head sticking out behind. Further investigation also revealed a little foot. Aaarg! - intervention required! After some efforts to find the second leg I decided I needed help and we telephoned a neighbour, a wonderful soft spoken man who used to keep goats but seems to have a way with all animals. He arrived within minutes, slipped his jacket of and got to work whilst I held and comforted Mummy Goat. He too was not having any success at finding that second leg, but I could ... Read Full Story >>

2778 Reads

Large Print Books

My Mum lives in a retirement village and helps running the library there. As the residents get older, they appreciate books with large print. I helped my Mum find websites that sell books with large print, and with my Mum's input I applied for two charity grants for the village to get funding to buy more. Applying for the grants took a little longer than I expected, but its done, and I hope that the funding comes through so that everyone can enjoy reading and the pleasure of books.    

1356 Reads




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