Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Dinner for a friend in need

Today I heard from a friend who is dealing with his wife's serious illness. He mentioned that had a bad cold and couldn't imagine dealing with dinner for the family who have gathered to care for his wife. I sent him a text to let him know that dinner was on its way and set about preparing two dinners (one for my family and one for his). I was able to gather much of it from our garden and it just felt so wonderful creating and infusing these meals with deep love and blessings. I even gave them a bottle of homemade sweet organic blueberry wine!

1652 Reads

What I Want on My Birthday

I'm a Director overseeing 5 departments, at work. Last Friday was my birthday. After lunch, I walked with my administrative assistant over to the cafeteria to get a soda only to find all of my staff currently on shift was there, waiting for me. They got me a cake and made my whole afternoon better. I choked up a bit when they sang me happy Birthday.

I know it's late - but here's what I ask of everyone each year for my birthday (from my post on FB):

"My birthday message is the same as last year: For my Birthday this year, I once again ask for something from each of you. Do something nice for somebody today. Stranger, friend, I don't care. Just something nice with no need of a reward or thank you. No need to tell me, I'd rather not know. That feeling afterward? That's my gift to you"

 

3498 Reads

Loaded A Few Quarters ...

Loaded a few quarters in gumball machines (and even a mechanical "horse" ride) today while walking in a nearby tourist town.

Love to think of the kids surpirse when they discover the kindness of an anonymous quarter :).


1780 Reads

Create Space

I didn't get angry when a misunderstanding led to a negative response from my Dad. Instead, I stepped away, thought about what happened, met him with a smile, and shared what I thought he might have been upset by. He shifted right away from negative to positive. And we moved on. Such a small thing, but a big learning experience.

716 Reads
  • Posted by SUPgirlie1966
  • Oct 7, 2015
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Post It Note Love

Husband is off on his work travels. Last night I wrote little love notes (on post-it notes of course) and sneakily popped them in amongst the clothes in his suitcase. Lol, i just had a thought about him taking a meeting with one accidentally stuck on the back of his shirt! Oh well, if that happens they will all know he is loved!

1955 Reads

Dress Lending Turned Into Giving

Recently, my sister told me she was looking for a dress to wear to an upcoming wedding. I told how I had picked up a few great ones from a thrift store for her and also lent her a few of mine to try. It turns out that she really loved one of mine. It was brand new, tags still on and all. I had bought it for myself last year but hadn't had an opportunity to wear just yet.

I told her she could most definitely wear and borrow it. However five minutes later I heard a voice in my head that said, "Don't just loan the dress to her, give it to her." I remembered how Mindy (another KindSpring user) does this often; she just gives away and releases her own things to others.

So I called my sister back and asked that she accept the dress as a gift from me and that I didn't want it back. She (after much convincing) happily accepted. And it felt so good to give, much better than that dress would have ever made me feel ♥
 

1497 Reads

Simple But Profound Acts Of Love

I love Mother Theresa. I have read a lot about her but want to share a story about her that made a massive and everlasting impression on me. Mother Theresa and her nuns used to go into the streets of Calcutta to tend to the poor. If a nun was having an off day (they too have their off days which surprised me but shows they are only human ) she would not let them go out to minister as she felt their passion and dedication was not strong enough. Anyway, one day she and her team brought a man home from the gutters. It took them 3 hours to clean the worms off him, I still can't get my head round this! 3 hours for a team to clean worms off him, I don't think I'll ever get my head round this! When the man was clean he thanked ... Read Full Story >>

3664 Reads

A Missed Act of Kindness

I have been inspired by you and you and yes you too! I think it takes maturity to give kindness to strangers as you are unsure how the potential receiver will react to you. As I said, I am inspired by you all. There seem to be a few new young members and they have inspired me to write this particular post. When I was a young student I remember going to college and the bin men (trash collectors) were emptying the bins. The bins were like the one in the image in those days!  The men lifted the bin and hoisted it on their shoulder to empty into the lorry. One day, as I was passing a bin man lifted a bin which was obviously heavier than it should have been, and he fell to the ground in excruciating pain. He was lying in the street flat on his back crying out with ... Read Full Story >>

2507 Reads

A day at the supermarket

A man in the supermarket today called me a good samaritan. His comment took me by surprise. He didn't know me. And what I had just done wasn't exactly 'samaritan' worthy. Or so I thought... I grocery shop every week. Some weeks even multiple times. And every single time I am loading the conveyer belt up with all my groceries, I will offer and let the person behind go in front. Especially when they have only a few items and I am still loading up mine. Today I let two people go in front of me, including the man who called me a good samaritan for doing so. But really? Am I? Isn't this just a simple courtesy? Something I hope everyone would do... I was in no hurry today and even if I were, why should that man wait behind me in line? Because I got there first? Because I was in the line first? How absurd. He only had ... Read Full Story >>

2562 Reads

For The Love of Books

All week I have been sorting through every book we own. Childrens books, recipe books, self help, reference books, novels, them all.

We have so many, too many for one person to enjoy so I've decided to donate the majority of them. Most I will be donating to a book fair that raises money every year by selling used books. But then there are some, some books that touched me deeply and helped me in life in so many ways.

These books I've decided to gift to those that need them. I will leave them along with a note explaining it all in random places such as bus stops and hospitals. Places where people can really use a book. I have also today gone through all our shoes, shoes that we no longer wear but are still wearable to donate and give to those who have no shoes. Books and shoes, such a gift, and something we all have many of yet there are those out there who have none. Giving brings me joy!

 

2415 Reads

Little Free Library For ...

Little Free Library For Our Town Update

Grandpa spent the weekend measuring twice and cutting once and drilling and hammering covering up all the open sides of our 'doll house'. This coming weekend ought to see the waterproofing and paint happen and the doors added.

Cost still at 7$ - It was 8$ with a dollar off a purchase of 5$ and all the bits of wood and screws,etc,...were already here.

We have about 20 books inside already and they were mostly FREE. Cost there, so far, is about $2.50.

The 'make it official' package I sent away for a few weeks ago is due shortly. They said 4-5 weeks and it's already been half that. Cost 40$

Soooo very soon (fall launch perfect!), for very little money, and not SO much work, Our Town WILL have its very own Little Free Library! :)


2814 Reads

Bird Rest

Last night I heard a little peep in the grass near the trees at the edge of the yard. It was a song sparrow fledgling with an injury to its wing. I was able to pick it up and put it in a bird cage with some water. This morning the bird was sitting up and seemed to be able to fly. I released it in my rose bush garden. It sat there for a few minutes then flew away. I was so pleased to have had a respite place for this little being. Kindness for all.

1427 Reads

Senior Mobile Home Park

I live in a senior mobile home park where many walk every day. One particular man, who lost his wife a couple years ago, walks by our home as he goes over to the club house every day to swim or use the hot tub. He always starts a conversation and reminds me that he keeps us in his prayers. Whenever my husband and I have extra food from our meals, I either catch him walking by or take a meal over to him. Even when I bake cookies or have any deserts, I always give him some. 

657 Reads

A Home Without Books

I was talking to one of my students yesterday who is the eldest with three younger siblings, she was telling me that the younger two girls now have a repurposed bookshelf in their bedroom.

Their Mum set out their books so that they could easily access them. Through a charity funded scheme in our school each child chooses a book to take home 4x a year, so the girls now had 6 books on their shelf.

I grew up in a book driven home. Some of my best friends were not in the playground, but on a page. The thought of not having that pleasure of the company of a book, mourn and celebrate along with the characters, cry or dance at the end... Or reading the last pages slowly because I dont want the book to end...

My best friend said she will have a look through the abundant bookshelves of her children and donate. Im going to do the same, and keep vigilant at charity shops. Im sure those girls will soon have more than 6 books between them :-)

2459 Reads

Spent the Night

My cousin, who is disabled, was going to be alone last night because all of his brothers and their families had gone to attend a family reunion hosted by a relative visiting from Switzerland. So, I went to stay with him in the evening.

His family returned late at night, and I had to spend the night and leave early in the morning at 4:30 AM to get back to my own family. It was the least I could do to give a little bit of my time!

1263 Reads

A Day at Home with My Toddler

Today, instead of doing chores like cleaning the house, I stayed at home all day and played with my toddler. I have the rest of my life to clean, but my kid isn't going to be a kid forever. 

1127 Reads

The gift of Attention

Today I listened. I let others talk and tell me their stories without interrupting and without getting bored. It doesn't seem like a big accomplishment, but I'm bipolar, and I have been on a manic swing for a few days, so sitting still and shutting up is a major accomplishment today! I was rewarded with a good story from one person (and a lot of complaining from others!) that I would have never known if I hadn't stayed quiet. Sometimes it is true, the best present to give is the present of your time and attention! **Hugs**

1129 Reads

Conference Called

This week I received the most astonishing thank you note from a person I helped attend a unique conference. This individual, let's call him Rick (and his wife) were facing a great deal of employment instability in the educational institution where they they worked. They were also raising two sweet and busy preschoolers; the stress of it all was evident. Rick and his wife had been attending the conference for years. It is the kind of event that nourishes teaches and administrators who work with vulnerable children and young people. When it became apparent that their employer was not going to provide enough funding for them to attend, I "pulled some strings" which Rick said made it possible for both to go. I hadn't thought more about it until I received Rick's note Thursday. He said attending the conference was like a lifeline; they were able connect with trusted mentors and friends ... Read Full Story >>

4086 Reads
  • Posted by Imanigrace
  • Sep 30, 2015
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A Treat For A Homeless Person

I was returning my library books this morning and saw a shopping trolley full of a homeless persons belongings. I raided my kindness stash I keep in a bag in my car and left a pack of biscuits ( cookies) with a note on top :-)

1310 Reads

Just Say Hello and Smile!

I just began this project today! I greeted the yard duty at my daughter's new school with -- finally -- a hello! I have seen her several times since we started school, but today I decided to look her in the eye as we passed through the gate. I introduced myself and was so grateful to hear her name and see the smile she gave me.

The interaction perked me up, and hopefully added a bit of a spark to her day, that made her feel special, acknowledged, and connected.
Simple, but worthwhile.

1129 Reads
  • Posted by yogimamakay
  • Sep 29, 2015
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