Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Pup helped home safely by stranger

I was driving home today and saw a dog wandering on a busy street. I worriedly drove by and then had to turn around. I put him in the car and went to the nearest subdivision . As luck would have it he belonged the first house I went to! Good job or I might have driven home with him!

1746 Reads

Children showing the way

When I was out with my family, I saw a homeless man and I decided to give him $5. I am hoping that he could get something good for himself with that money. I could tell that he was very thankful and he said "God bless you and your family" it made me happy seeing the big smile that man had on his face. Also, my parents were happy that I did a good thing for someone less fortunate! 

1502 Reads

Mere Glance at Crosswalk

I feel like I'm always running around. And life, in its gentle ways, tries to slow me down. To stop, look, and listen to the beauty that surrounds us every day. As I rushed down the street, late for a meeting (again), I found myself behind a woman in a wheelchair (going at a pretty normal pace). Not wanting to rush past her in my haste, on a crowded street, I slowed down and stayed behind her. When we stopped at the signal light, I noticed that on the other side of the crosswalk was another woman around the same age -- also in a wheelchair. Something really simple, yet deeply beautiful happened as they crossed one another. The face of the woman coming towards us changed, from tired, worn-out, and blossomed into a huge genuine smile. Then I looked to the side at the woman next to me, they both locked eyes for ... Read Full Story >>

2107 Reads

How a community of 'KindSpringers' helped her out of depression

It feels as if I grew in one giant leap.  At Sunday Assembly I spoke on a stage into a microphone in front of a group of people. For many years I have been nervous and never know what to say when even speaking with just one or two people. Sunday Assembly is like church for atheists, it’s a secular meeting.   The topic was “happiness” and I spoke about Kind Spring. The group passed out my “basket of smiles”, (inspired by penny4them’s jar of gems, thank you!) with quotes about joy and happiness that I had printed out, each attached to a smile card. I urged people to go out and do an act of kindness and pass on the smile card. I spoke about how Kind Spring is a welcoming site, where, even though many people post about their religious beliefs, everyone is accepted and equally welcome. I spoke about how ... Read Full Story >>

2519 Reads

A breakfast surpise to start the day off with smiles



This morning I woke up an extra half an hour earlier to make my family breakfast.  I  made scrambled eggs and bacon for everyone in my family, they were all shocked that I even knew how to make eggs let alone that I did it on a random Monday morning.

1693 Reads

Comfort Food For The Wounded

We know someone who is 83 years old still runs every day. Yesterday he tripped and fell and got hurt--luckily nothing was broken, but still bruised and a gash that couldn't be stitched. He lives by himself as a tenant in the house of friends. I assembled a comfort basket (food for the next few days, homemade brownies, tea, chocolate, homemade jam, energy bars, and a nice-scented soap) and took it along with a bunch of sunflowers to give him on my way home from work. I hope it cheers him up!

1169 Reads

A Smile Card In The Laundry Room

I live in an apartment and decided my first use of the smile cards would be to leave one on one of the washers with enough coins to pay for both the washing and drying. A small thing, but it felt good.

1713 Reads

A New Year's Wish For All


EMPATHY…EMPATHY…EMPATHY…♥
That’s what I wish for every one of us. May next year become a year dedicated to practicing empathy, to rediscover it deeply inside each one of us, to let us be swept away by this strong and powerful feeling until we become contagious until we can’t lose it anymore!

1517 Reads
  • Posted by ilariafarulli
  • Jan 2, 2016
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Grocery store ripples come back around

I run a community kitchen so as you can well imagine I stay in the grocery store all the time. Most of my shopping is done early morning before I go to work. One Wednesday morning I noticed a lot of good sales were going on so I decided to buy quite a few items to take advantage of the savings. The next day I visited the same store in the afternoon and when I got to the cashier she turned out to be a local college student that I knew.  After she added my groceries and I paid her my change was $10.48 I told her to keep it as I knew she was having a hard time. Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the lady in customer service asking me to come to her window for a moment.  I went over and she handed me $17.13 and told me ... Read Full Story >>

1894 Reads

Reminding a friend of their goodness

A friend who has been a bit down for the past few days called to share with me that she was taking a 91-year old mutual friend of ours out of the nursing home for a ride on Sunday. I quickly took the opportunity to reiterate to her what a huge kind and generous heart she has, as she is always doing good for others. I expressed my awe of her endless giving and my deep appreciation of her huge heart. She would not stop thanking me as her spirit became so joyous. Felt mighty good.

863 Reads

She found a sense of abundance in volunteer work


I no longer work in a paid position. I do however  have many volunteer commitments. I had originally fallen into the mindset that I didn't have enough time to do what I really wanted to do. Soon I realized that in the context of having enough, I do indeed have enough time to do what I really want to do. I really want to spend my time working with others on projects in my community, working on a website, and joining with others to get things done. Although I am no longer rewarded for my efforts with a paycheck I am grateful that I can contribute my skills in helping others. 
 

1103 Reads

Magic Wheelchairs

🎃Halloween Magic🎃 "You Won’t Believe the Incredible Costumes This Dad Is Making for Kids in Wheelchairs. How one man’s beautiful vision is becoming a reality for children with disabilities across the country." By Christina Farah When Ryan Weimer, 38, a nurse in Portland, Oregon, found out that his first son Keaton was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at just nine months old, he worried his boy would be forever defined by his disability. A form of muscular dystrophy that affects motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, SMA could take away Keaton’s ability to walk, eat, and even breathe. Weimer resolved to give his son the best life possible—which is why, when Keaton was three years old and told his father he wanted to be a pirate for Halloween, Weimer brought out the woodworking tools. Instead of simply clothing his son in a familiar pirate hat and eye-patch, Weimer built a wooden, five-foot-long pirate ... Read Full Story >>

469 Reads

My Feet Followed My Heart

Right before leaving for a gathering one night I saw a post in my email about someone in our community who is collecting funds to help the flood-displaced in South India ( A state of emergency in the state of Tamil Nadu). As I was walking to my friends' gathering this evening my feet started to take a detour, even though I was late. I walked in the opposite direction in order to deliver whatever money I had in my wallet to the person taking the donations. I am glad that my feet followed my heart! It was as if they knew what I wanted to do, even though my head was chiding me for being late :-)
I'm glad I didn't wait to do it.

1516 Reads

Warming up hearts with home made soup

 Made a big pot of homemade soup that filled the house with a wonderful aroma. It was cold here and good day for hot soup.  I have lots left for the coming week and will bring some over to my sweet 80-something next door neighbor tomorrow. Thanks to Waving for sharing the recipe for the split pea with yam soup.


1460 Reads

Well wishes to keep the kindness ripples flowing

My cousin is a long way from home, and though I don't know her very well, I feel compelled to encourage her in any way I can. When I saw that she was stationed just 6 hours from me, I offered my home to her anytime she gets leave and needs a getaway.

I also got her information and mailed a package of treats to her. Just cookies, nuts, and sunflower seeds, and a letter of encouragement, telling her I was proud of her. I pray for her well-being, and look forward to getting to know her better.

It is what I would want for my own son someday when he leaves home, but mostly it is because it is what so many have done for me, when I left the West Coast for the East. I like the idea of the ripple of kindness continuing.

1446 Reads

Kindness Leaves Gratitude

Hello dear Kindhearts, Writing to share a couple friends made this basket of leaves this weekend, for our friends at the school in India, who need paper leaves for their Grateful Tree. Please message me if you'd like to contribute, and I'll send you my address (or school address depending where on earth you are). Want to add to our collective pile? You can use flower or leaf punches OR here are a few free downloadable printable PDF's I found online. I am not affiliated with this company, but I'm grateful they are giving these away! ~simple heart shaped leaves (pages 2 or 3 are best sizes) ~oval shaped leaves (pages 2 or 3 are best sizes) Thanks so much for your kind consideration. much love and kindness to you all <3 - See more at: http://www.kindspring.org/my/feed/index.php?cid=0&sid=101971#sthash.mU2p1Qhk.dpuf ... Read Full Story >>

1855 Reads

Gratitude that allows for ease of traffic

I am grateful for the inconvenience of traffic. It allows me the opportunity to breathe and consider the needs of those around me. As I let folks merge in front of me, I smile and breathe when others don't. I am sending peaceful thoughts into the streets.

1295 Reads
  • Posted by terraleadenn
  • Dec 30, 2015
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Letters to Brighten the Day!

According to my Special Days Calendar, December 7th was Letter Writing Day. But everyday is a perfect day to send a hand written letter and brighten someone's day.

Here are a few reasons you should send out a letter today. Or even better - get in the habit of regularly sending out letters!)
Letters are tangible and can be kept to be read and re-read
Handwriting is personal.
Mail makes everyone smile.
Writing a letter shows you took the time.


2255 Reads

The change inside that brings joy!

Today I was in a generous mood. I handed over a  good sum of money to the some people who are in great need. Its very difficult for me to part with cash. I experience a lot of fear and insecure feeling. I believe I do not have enough for myself. I reached deep within myself to give out the amount.

I could hear my heart beat and fear rising.  But when I looked up to give and saw the joy on the peoples faces it wiped my insecure feeling. I FELT SO PROUD of myself. I patted myself on the back and called myself a brave girl. 

 

1918 Reads
  • Posted by shardagandhi2002
  • Dec 29, 2015
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A cup of coffee and kindness to keep illness at bay

One morning while enjoying breakfast in my favorite restaurant two women came in and sat in the booth behind me. I overheard them talking about just leaving the pharmacy.

One of them went on to say how bad she was feeling and she didn't know when she was going to be feeling any better since there was no way she could get her prescription filled because she didn't have the money. 

I listened to them try to think of someway they could get the money. As I listened I learned the medicine cost $29. I called the waitress over and asked her to give the women $35 anonymously. Enough for the medicine and their coffee.

1693 Reads