Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Little Victories

I left a bunch of change in the vending machine at my son's school. 
Thinking of all the times that my son wanted me to buy him something and was disappointed because I had no change, I smiled imagining someone else in my shoes, discovering the change and getting surprised.

It was a really hot day here yesterday, so I bought some bottles of cold water and handed them out to the two construction workers near my house, who tirelessly stand there everyday, directing traffic.

I also gave some cold water to the person bagging groceries in my neighborhood grocery store, always with a big smile and kind words for my kids.

The smiles on all their faces as they gracefully received the water made me feel really grateful for the Kindness Challenge that is giving me this amazing opportunity - thank you :)

944 Reads
  • Posted by shirinsubhani
  • May 7, 2014
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Smile Card Stash

Day 1: As I was leaving my Day 1 "assignment" of giving a SMILE card and cupcakes to a grocery employee, I saw a homeless man pushing his shopping cart in the parking lot. I pulled over and parked and asked if he could use some help. He smiled and said he thought he was managing ok.

I asked him if he was homeless and he said that yes, he was. I said well, then I think you could use a little help and gave him a SMILE card and $20.

I keep several cards and bills in small envelopes so I can hand them out and it's a bit anonymous because they usually put the envelope in their pocket, only to discover the gift at another time. It always feels so good to give them away. I receive the money from unexpected sources (bonus at work, rebate from credit card points, refunds, etc) and turn them into SMILE card gifts.

1676 Reads

A Gift Card For A Guy On The Street

Last week someone gave me a $20 Au Bon Pain gift card. Today I passed it on to a man who sells "Spare Change News" on a busy street corner near my workplace. I introduced myself and explained that I don't buy "Spare Change News" because I don't read it. He responded by saying that I always rush by him and that he thought I didn't like him.

Delighted by the gift card, he says he doesn't need that much. Joking, I pointed out that I can't cut it (pantomiming scissors) to reduce its value. I said, "It's for all the issues of "Spare Change News" that I don't buy." I promised to say hello from now on when I see him!

1427 Reads

A Smile Goes A Long Way!

It costs nothing to share a smile and help someone in need. Today I woke up grumpy and on the wrong side of the bed (obviously).

I knew that doing something special for someone would snap me out of this mood. I work with a bunch of college students and today, I met a really nice student. She was returning after the death of her father. He lived to see his daughter attend college! I decided to go one step further and show her where she needed to go for her ID and parking pass.

Instead of telling her, I walked with her. I am rehabilitating from a full knee replacement.  I really feel that walking with her not only helped her learn her way around college, but helped me in my rehabilitation process. We both smiled, glad that we had made a new friend. Something so simple as a smile goes a long way.
 

3298 Reads

An Old Friend

Today I logged on to my Facebook account and searched for an old elementary school friend named Mike.

After just 5 minutes I was able to find him. It turns out that he has been going through a rough patch in life. He struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Mike and I ended up chatting for over an hour!  We reminisced about the good old days and about what the future may have in store for him!

At the end of the conversation he told me he hasn't  smiled that much in two months! I am so glad I chose to look him up!!!!

3805 Reads

Update

I would like to get to know my neighbors better and so I had an idea to organize a "Get Acquainted" Meet-and-Greet block party: I was able to pull it together and we had a great time!

I had name tags and a sign-in sheet with contact information. I was able to hire a wonderful "BBQ King" from church who cooked the best hamburgers and hot dogs ever. Everyone contributed by bringing delicious additions to the meal.  And what's even better, everyone wants to do it again next year. One lady even suggested we try to get together around the Holidays as well. Now I know 24 of my neighbors by name and it feels terrific!

1156 Reads

Gift of Harmony

I conduct a small funeral choir and today we sang at a funeral for a local guy who was homeless. The members of the choir waived their usual fee and came to sing for what was a beautiful celebration. We all felt part of something bigger, and it was lovely.

1325 Reads

A Change In Attitude

I was about to continue an argument with my sister on email, but sent her something I read on KindSpring, instead:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Good-bye."

She answered: We may argue but I love you very much.

924 Reads

A Shining Star

Recently, I had minor surgery done.  When I woke, post-op, a young nurse was caring for me.  She was bringing me a drink, checking my blood pressure, and generally being very gentle and kind.

We started to talk and she explained she was a trainee nurse, but that she continually struggled wit her confidence and self esteem. She also had a weight issue after comfort eating due to being severely bullied as a child.

She tended to my needs quietly and compassionately. After leaving the hospital, I decided to send her a card of appreciation.  Inside I enclosed a little silver star on a chain that was gifted to me when I achieved good results in my counseling training. I explained this in the card and wrote, "This is being passed to you for your starring role in being a caring and compassionate nurse".

3975 Reads

Old Friends

I spent all day sending messages and calling friends that I haven't contacted in long time. I have to say that this made me really happy and I hope my friends were glad too. It was really nice to hear what everybody has been up to and refresh old memories.

I think we will meet each other more often now.

1002 Reads

Work Blessings

After subbing for someone at work, I left a card on their desk thanking them for allowing me to work for them while they went on vacation. It felt joyful and heart opening to thank someone for giving me the opportunity to work.

867 Reads

Dontaing a Hotel Room To A Needy Stranger

I decided a few months ago that I was going to treat myself to a 4-day getaway from Los Angeles and visit Chicago. I turned in some long-saved frequent flier miles for the airplane ticket, but had to shell out cash I really couldn't afford for the hotel. I found a travel website where a discounted promotional 3-night stay was purchased from a recently opened hotel. About three weeks before the trip, I had to regretfully cancel and only then realized the room, while transferable to another person, couldn't be changed to a later date and wasn't refundable. For the next two weeks I tried selling it on Craig's list with no success. Five days before the "big weekend" I gave up trying to recoop any money and decided I'd contact some acquaintances who live in Chicago and offer someone a free "staycation". After trying a handful of people all of ... Read Full Story >>

6339 Reads

Gratitude In Action

I suppose my story will be a little different from most. It's not about what I did today or any other day that was uniquely Kind. It's what I've been trying to do every day for many years. And maybe "trying" is no longer the right word.

I wake up every day and reflect on how grateful I feel to be alive. Grateful to not have cancer anymore. Grateful to not have painful kidney stones anymore. Grateful to have a son that I share healthy communication with. Grateful for friends and co-workers I respect and respect me in return.

And now I take that gratitude and put it into action by practicing the principles that have brought serenity to me: Honesty. Humor. Compassion. Brotherly/sisterly love. Service to others. Empathic listening.

My life is so much better than it ever was. My life is better now that it's been over 25 years of being clean to be able to live in serenity. That's my story for today.

1387 Reads

Highway Harmony!

The on-ramp from a freeway that I pass on my way to work is always backed up on week-day mornings. Today, as I do most days when I have the opportunity, I stopped to let several folks merge even while the person behind me honked three times and made frustrated gestures.

The light was red, I don't know where he thought he would go, ha ha!

928 Reads

Gift To A Friend

I have just finished a crochet shawl that was given to a friend who was spending time, helping people in Africa building compounds for people in need. My gift was given to a young couple who were expecting another child.

The couple could not afford the fare to the town to get contraception, and after finding out about the baby, the wife was so depressed about how they would be able to afford another child that she would not leave their home.

My shawl was given to her, to give her something special for the new baby and hopefully show that people care, even if they do not know each other.

Others will help the mother-to-be to come to terms with her new child both financially and emotionally. I felt really pleased that my small gift was given this way.

1078 Reads

Quality Time

Spending some extra time with my little cousin in hospital today. It's a crazy busy day with work and studying, but I'm stopping by for a little longer than usual with her favorite chocolates, switching the phone off and spending some quality time with her.

1790 Reads

Bus Money

 As I was walking in Berkeley last night, i heard an old man ask another man for bus money. I walked by, but after walking ahead a little... I thought that I'd go back.

I went back and asked the man, if he got his bus money or not. He hadn't, so I asked him, "How much is it?" He said $2.10. I took out $1 bill, and then as I was fumbling for another $1, I pulled out a $20 on accident. The man was like, "No... I'm not going to take a $20."

I found another $1 bill and gave him $2. He was genuinely appreciative. He told me where his destination was and said it got a lot closer now that he had these $2. He thanked me and we went on our way.

1799 Reads

A Gift For Our Local Firemen

I was in another town, and saw some firemen standing outside of their building, praying in memory of their New York brothers who died in 9/11.

I returned to my community, purchased some coffee and cookies for our local firemen and wrote a note thanking them for their service. I gave the food to two firemen who were walking into their building.

At first, they looked concerned when I approached them, and then their faces lit up with big smiles when they saw I was bearing gifts and gratitude.

870 Reads

Day 2: Tipping At Starbucks

Well, after trying (and failing) yesterday to pay for the person behind me at the drive-through, I decided to take a different approach today. I did something that absolutely could not be rejected, and probably won't even be noticed for another few hours. About once a week, I go and get a coffee at Starbucks (otherwise, I brew my own to save money). I usually pay with a credit card, or my Starbucks card, which means that I, like many others, don't get any change or cash back. As a result, I don't often put money in the tip jar -- and when I do, it's usually a dollar that I've pulled out of my wallet for that purpose. Actually, I need to back up for a bit of history: my family was recently at a vacation house with my parents. My kids, husband, and I did a grocery shopping and prepared ... Read Full Story >>

4578 Reads

Bakery Brings Smiles!

Well three weeks ago my employment ended, due to the boss relocating out of state. I never really got to say good bye to some local company girls I worked with. I decided to stop at one of the best bakeries in town and personally delivered to them, brownies, cookies, and banana nut bread.

They were thrilled to see me first off, but extremely thankful for the special treats. I didn't realize how much they missed me, and it was so good to see them too.

I'm looking forward to a new opportunity in the near future. They say when one door closes another door opens. I hope so!

1454 Reads




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