Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Teaching Moment

Today I held a very intriguing and thought provoking Diversity Discussion with my staff members. As part of our weekly meetings we hold 20-30 minutes to talk about a diversity issue, and how it relates to our jobs.

Today's discussion was held on "Disability." It took a while for the staff to get warmed up, but after they did warm up, it was easy to tell they were engaged and ready to learn more. I was just extremely happy they received the information well and want to learn more.

My act of kindness: simply teaching others to see those that are unseen by society and how we as able bodied people can make the world a better place for them. 

2234 Reads

feeling inspired

I am so happy to have come across this website today. It has given me inspiration, and I will continue to do random acts of kindness every single day, that is my promise. I should have been doing this all along, better late than never.

Today, I began with paying for someone's afternoon snack, I truly hope that it really does bring a smile to their face and their heart. :)

Let's make a difference, one smile at a time!


1871 Reads

Kind Gesture

My friend went on a field trip with her grandchild's class. Many of the students have little material wealth. Although she also struggles with making ends meet, she bought each of them a dinosaur coin.

Her idea was that they could always remember this trip, and  that each child would have something to take home. What a kind person.

1671 Reads

Off to See the Wizard...

The cashier rang up the "Life" magazine issue celebrating the 75th Anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz.." She remarked, "Oh, how I love the "Wizard of Oz!" I wish I had a copy of the movie."

We exchanged pleasantries on how we both enjoyed the classic film. "Have a blessed day!" the cashier said, handing me my packages.  I thought, "Yes, I will give this kind woman my copy of the Wizard of Oz."

When I returned home and checked my DVD library, I was surprised to find that I had two copies! The cashier was delighted with my gift of the movie.  I was doubly blessed in realizing the generosity of the Universe, for I was truly willing to give away my only copy. 

2047 Reads

I Love It When It Works!

A friend had a son who committed suicide and she was returning to work for the first time after.

Apparently I met her in the parking lot and walked her in and talked of other things. Like what had been happening at work. I didn't think much of it. I was just glad she was back.

A month later she stopped me and thanked me for walking her in. Said she was afraid someone would ask her about him and she'd break down and go home.

So I had helped her out. I consider that the greatest compliment . That I got to help and I was just being me. I love it when it works! You never know what good you might do someone. so always be kind.

1508 Reads

My Best Birthday Ever

After being inspired by a video of a young Pakistani man celebrating his 22nd birthday with 22 random acts of kindness, I mentioned to my girlfriend Tamara that I'd like to do the same for my upcoming 55th birthday in December. Well, she grabbed onto the idea and made it happen. We wore goofy reindeer antlers to make people smile, placed cheery stickers on the shirts of children, cleaned up a park, passed out delicious Mexican hot chocolate to those in the park--many of whom appeared homeless, offered bottled water and compassionate listening in the shopping mall, played rock/scissors/papers with a bored 10 year old boy who was waiting for his sisters to finish shopping, and more. The highlight for me occurred at the end of the day when we were passing out carnation flowers in a retirement home after their dinner. At first I found myself questioning my motives and how it would be received.  It turned ... Read Full Story >>

2871 Reads

Instant Karma & Blessings!

I was really broke. I had only $10 and didn't have time to eat breakfast or pack my own lunch that day. As I drove my son to school, I noticed a man walking up the road. I'd seen him before - elderly, worn, dressed in whatever rags he could find and leaning on a piece of a branch as a walking stick. Usually I'd always pack 2 sandwiches in case I saw him or anyone else in need. I also noticed a lady selling fresh fruit cups ($5) & fruit bowls ($7) on the roadside. I prayed I'd see him when I came back in that direction to go to work. I did, and he was sitting on the bus stop bench right next to the fruit vendor! I pulled over, purchased a bowl of fruit for $7, told her to keep the change and immediately turned to give the ... Read Full Story >>

3531 Reads

Jasmine, Bambi, Crystal, and Unspoken Joy

My Partner's beastly cancer had reared its head again during a savagely hot summer. For nine weeks, Monday through Friday, she endured radiation daily, along with four 3-day infusions of chemotherapy. By the end of summer, she was so exhausted yet so grateful for encouraging news from our care team & beautifully bald. She chose the perfect wig to match her radiant personality...Mindy. She named it Mindy. I asked if it would be okay to have a small, informal gathering of friends up to the house for dinner when she was ready. What I neglected to mention was that they were all going to be wearing wigs, many from their own journeys through fire. They streamed in: "Jasmine," "Bambi," "Crystal," "Chantal," ...on and on.. tears, hugs, laughter, love. We sat down to dinner and I toasted our company, and then I toasted my Partner. I've no recollection of those words, but I do ... Read Full Story >>

1949 Reads
  • Posted by Dragonflysoul
  • Mar 6, 2015
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Help When We Can...

I was at the grocery store today and the lady in front of me could not find her money. I saw her face, she had this panicked look, and said "I can't pay for my groceries".

I then told the cashier, "I'll pay for it." It was $7 and change, so I swiped my charge card. The lady looked at me and said "oh no I can't." I told her not to worry. She finally took bags still looking worried, and says to me "God Bless you and may your receive ten fold ." She left and I paid for my groceries.

As I walk out of the store, she is on the side with everything out of her purse. And tells me "I found my money, oh my God please forgive me, I thought someone stole my money from my locker at work." Then tells me that she needs to repay me, and I told her that she already had by blessing me.

As I walked out I realized that she was so worried, because it was 2 $50.00 bills. I wonder if she was so worried because that was all she had, and thought it was lost.

1272 Reads
  • Posted by PinkPrincess
  • Mar 5, 2015
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A unforgettable dance student and gifts we give and receive

As a graduate student, I picked up a job as a dance instructor at a community college. It was my first legit teaching job. My second semester there, I had a mother and daughter enroll in my jazz class. The daughter had a mild case of cerebral palsy and was on a pharmaceutical cocktail to help her. Some of the medication was for her medical condition. Some was psychopharmaceuticals to deal with the side of effects of the medication for her medical condition. She dealt with a lot of anxiety and sleeping difficulties. Her mother attended the jazz class as her care giver and to assist her with her special needs. The daughter was a delightful young woman in her early twenties and she was in a special programme that was set to help her gain her independence and live on her own. So she often missed my class but this was ... Read Full Story >>

2582 Reads

Heart Glow

Last school year I held a teaching position working with 3rd to 5th grade boys with severe autism. It was a very challenging year due to a 2 hour per day commute on top of a rewarding yet exhausting day each day.

One of my instructional aides wrote me a beautiful card telling me how much he thought of me as a person and a teacher. He complimented me immensely by telling me that I was one of the best teacher's he had ever worked with. I felt honored and humbled and that compliment makes my heart glow even today.

1535 Reads

A Human Connection With A Cashier

The cashier was tall, slender, and dark-skinned. His name tag identified him as "Mataye." After he rang up my purchase, I asked, "Is that pronounced Muh-TAH-yeh?" "Yes!" he exclaimed with apparent delight. "You pronounced it right!" I gathered most people don't. His accent sounded African, though I couldn't be sure. "That's what it looks like," I replied. "Where are you from?" I asked, smiling. (The smile was important. My question might be interpreted as a challenge or even a threat. I wanted to be sure he understood that my intention was friendly.) "Ethiopia," he answered. "How long have you been here?" I asked, still smiling. "A year," he answered. "Your English is excellent," I said. He smiled. "Do you miss Ethiopia?" Between his accent and the noise in the store, I couldn't make out his answer. Another customer was waiting, so I just smiled again, looked him in the eye, and said, "Thanks, Mataye." It wasn't a big deal, ... Read Full Story >>

2365 Reads

Wings of Joy Shared

My elderly neighbor, who is housebound, has always enjoyed watching birds. Since she is no longer able to get close to nature, I brought the birds closer by hanging a hummingbird feeder from a hook off her home's gutter edge, where she could see it well.

Now that the hummingbirds have migrated to warmer climates for the approaching winter, I will replace the hummingbird feeder with a sunflower-hearts seed feeder, designed for perching birdsonly. That way, there will be no mess and my neighbor can enjoy the various birds, such as chickadees, finches, etc. We are so blessed to be able to share these gifts with our feathered friends. Their wings uplift us to much joy!

3437 Reads

Park Place

I'm young(ish) and able-bodied, so I've recently begun giving up those "plum" parking spaces I would occasionally find open at the grocery store or gym or wherever and deliberately driving past them to find a spot further away.

I used to bedelighted whenever I found a great spot, but now I imagine that someone else might need or appreciate it more. It's a small thing, but I like to think i
t might put a smile on someone's face!  (And the extra walking benefits me too!)

2706 Reads

Brightening the Day

Good day, everyone! I'm sending this picture of flowers in bloom, knowing that some of us will be looking at snow eventually. I'll use this for my computer wallpaper once the snow hits.

This morning, I finally did something I've been meaning to do, but just didn't have the time. An elderly couple who lives on one of the roads in my morning travels has this beautiful wooden wishing well which was toppled over during one of the storms.

I stopped this morning, propped it back up, and in the center of it I placed a nice yellow mum. I hope this makes them smile. Wishing all of you a great day!

1762 Reads

Never too late to say I love you!

I could not make it home for my Father's 80th birthday, because of  some health challenges I'm having. Instead, I completed, using a template on Word, and highlighters, a "fun"ky art project, listing 80 things I appreciated and loved about my father.

We were never really close...and this act was healing for both of us. Miraculously, it has shifted how we see each other and our relationship.

4081 Reads
  • Posted by dianasmith77
  • Feb 28, 2015
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On This Day

Hello Friends ! I want you all to do ON THIS DAY:
Mend a quarrel . Search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.

Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forgo a grudge.

Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands of others. Think of someone else. Appreciate. Be kind, Be gentle.

Laugh a little more. Deserve someone's confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decree complacency. Express your gratitude. Worship your GOD. Gladden the heart of a child.

Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still again. Speak it still once again.

1959 Reads
  • Posted by nepalcancerfound
  • Feb 28, 2015
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The Invisible Woman

When I had breast cancer I had to have a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation (the works). The hardest part of that entire experience was losing my hair. I have strawberry blonde wavy hair down to the middle of my back which I have always considered one of my most attractive features. What was hard about losing my hair, though, was that I lost my anonymity with it. After I lost my hair it was like having a tattoo across my forehead that said "chemo patient." I am a very active, athletic person so to have people looking at me with pity as if I was an invalid or a leper was very hard to take. Of course they never said anything, but if I got in an elevator everyone looked away because they didn't know what to say. I didn't blame them, God knows I've done the same thing myself, but ... Read Full Story >>

5862 Reads

A SPECIAL MEMORY

I was on my way from work one Mother's Day, and I noticed a man pulled by the side of the road and he was trying to load these huge logs into the back of his pick-up truck. As he attempted to load a log, I noticed every vein and muscle in his body straining to complete the task, but to no avail. I stopped my car and offered a hand. The gentleman looked at me as though I might not have enough strength to assist, but since I was the only one offering help he accepted. Together we lifted the log into the back of his truck and then two more. Admittedly, I was grunting from the weight of the logs. As we were loading the logs, I wondered if he was a craftsman who might be making tables from the huge logs (recently cut down by the city), but he ... Read Full Story >>

2477 Reads

Coffee, Cake, And Communion

Every Friday morning, after Mass at the Timber Lake Manor, we have coffee and rolls. One of the ladies from the parish always brings fresh rolls, coffee cake, or some other kind of treat for us to share. I'm always amazed!  

What a wonderful act of kindness and generosity to thoughtfully prepare this little meal which unites us around the table in conversation and fellowship. It's a wonderful extension of the intimate communion we share in Christ.

1371 Reads




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