Stories of Kindness from Around the World

How small acts of kindness can inspire others give back

Reading the acts of kindness here always inspire me but I have had a hard time finding people to anonymously help. So, I decided to volunteer with the Salvation Army for this very specific program they have called "Ministere de la Rue." It's basically a soup kitchen on wheels.     Yesterday was my first day and there were about sixty people waiting in line in the cold. They waited for about 30-40 minutes in order to get a bag that contained a box of cakes, a couple of sandwiches, half a baguette, a bowl of soup, and a cup of coffee or juice.    They were all obviously very appreciative of the Salvation Army food truck. Some waited an extra long time until everyone got a bag, in the hope that they might get a second bag. They call it the "second serving."   There was a very old and tiny woman there who got ... Read Full Story >>

A Name I Won't Forget

Tuesday night, at confession, Father gave me the usual penance: prayers. Then he hesitated and said, "I'm going to give you a second penance, a fun one, 'cause I know I can do this with you. You are to do an anonymous act of kindness for someone. It doesn't matter who it is, as long as they don't know about it." I decided to give a thank you card and a chocolate bunny to the cleaning woman at work. She's such a cheerful person and she does such a terrific job. The only problem was I didn't know her name! I asked my co-workers. None of them knew. I emailed my boss (I knew she would know), and as I was doing that, one of my co-workers started instant messaging everyone in the plant for her name. No one knew. It was pretty embarrassing for all of us! Finally, my coworker got a response from ... Read Full Story >>

Sticky Note Smiles

About a month ago, I went out to purchase post-it notes, and colorful markers, and I put on my thinking cap! 

Messages of love, forgiveness, patience, gratitude and happiness went on those sticky notes, and I posted them in public spaces where I thought it would make someone smile to find it.

It's not much, but it makes me happy to do it.  I hope that once someone else finds a note, they will receive the happiness that I feel, and perhaps even pay-it-forward! :)

Random Notes of Kindness

For some time, I had been thinking that I wanted to do something to make strangers smile. I decided that I would leave small post it notes around in shops, on public transit, and other public places with positive sayings or kind words for strangers to find. A friend on Facebook had posted that she had received reams of beautiful paper from an artist friend and was wondering what to do with it.  I told her about my idea, and she immediately remarked that this must be what her paper was meant for. So, two friends on opposite sides of the world started leaving these random notes of kindness.  I now have a third friend in the UK leaving notes as well, three continents are covered. :) I leave my notes without expecting any particular results.  Whether they are read or thrown away, it doesn't matter.  The main thing is that I did ... Read Full Story >>

Letting T-Shirts Loose

The department store where I work is having a tremendous clearance sale. So I've been spending a lot of time pricing tons of clothing items.

As I was pricing, I put a few aside for myself. Mostly for the great deal-- each shirt was only 2 dollars, but I picked two that I really loved.

A fellow co-worker came in for the night shift and saw the items I was going to purchase when I got off work. She mentioned how much she loved one of them, and without thinking, I told her to take it.

"Are you sure?!" she asked.
"I'm positive," I answered. "It'll look so nice on you."

And if she hadn't taken it, I would have bought it for her instead of myself. I didn't think fast enough for that, though. :-)  But it felt good to share rather than holding on to the shirts, just for myself. :)  Smiles are contagious! :)

Stamps from the Penny Dish

Recently, my mother asked me to drop off some letters at the post office and pick up some stamps for her. Without giving it a thought, I took the letters and purchased her stamps. A few days later, she mentioned that one of the letters I had mailed was missing a stamp, and asked me if I had put a stamp on it. She had remembered asking me to put a stamp on it, though I certainly had not heard her. So, unfortunately, it looked like the letter, which was bill of course, would come back marked "Return To Sender for Insufficient Postage". A few days went by and I returned to the post office to pick up our mail. While I was there, I saw the substitute postmaster and happened to tell him about Mom's letter missing the stamp. I asked him to be on the lookout for it coming back. ... Read Full Story >>

A 72 Year-Old Gem

Today, I was at an ATM that is situated inside a petrol bunk.  The security guard (who was a 72 year-old man) gently reminded me that I cannot use my cell phone inside the ATM.  When I came outside, I had a desire to talk with him. At first, I felt a little sympathetic.  In my initial impression, he seemed like a poor, elderly retired man who was still working at this ATM.  I ended up listening to him.   He spoke to me about his family, and particularly about his son and daughter. He told me that his daughter always cares for him, even though she is married herself. Then he described his son, who "has a heart of stone".  He advised me me to save money for my old age (not that I am all that young :)), and I told him that I give away everything, trusting in the bounty ... Read Full Story >>

"Do You Like Chocolate?"

While grocery shopping today, I saw that my very favorite chocolate was on sale. I bought three of them and decided to share one with someone.  As I walked to the register, I noticed that the cashier was smiling at everyone. He was asking them how they were doing and wishing them a nice night. When my turn came, he asked me how I was doing.  I replied, "Great!" and then asked, "Do you like chocolate?" "You bet," he said.  I smiled.  As I finished checking out and was about to leave, I grabbed one of the chocolates that I had in my bag, pulled out a Smile Card from my wallet, and gave it to the cashier.  He smiled, "Are you sure?" "Yes."  It was great to see the big smile on his face when I did that. :D

Hot Drinks For Cold Vendors

One cold winter morning, on my way to get my hair done, I decided to go to Dunkin Donuts first and get a cup of coffee.
 
When I stopped at the red light I noticed a guy there selling newspapers and I thought, wow, it is too cold to be standing out here selling papers, he must really need the money bad. Then I thought, maybe he does, and how many others are in the same position? 
 
So, when I pulled up to Dunkin Donuts I counted my money. After paying for my hair I would have $17 left. So, I  went inside and got ten cups of hot coffee. Then I went to every corner where there was someone selling papers and gave them each a cup of coffee. 
 
They were so happy and grateful. Their smiles really made me happy - and I ended up with one for myself! 
 
It is a blessing to be a blessing.
 

Smiles from the Hospital to Fabric Store

The other day, I had a magnificent experience of giving and receiving! It had come to my attention that a lady was going into hospital for an extended period of time.  The hospital had provided her with a list of clothing items needed to participate in the rehab program for her recovery. Because she lived on a very limited income, she didn't know how she would afford the required clothes.  I had extra almost-new clothing that were her size, so I packed up the freshly washed clothing, added several toiletries and an angel pin, and delivered them to her.  When I presented care package to her, she was completely caught off guard. :) Hopefully the extra clothes will make her recovery a bit easier and less stressful! That same day, I had inquired about a bolt of fabric for sale and made arrangements to pick it up.  When I went the fabric store, ... Read Full Story >>

Birthday Tulips

Twin Tantrums Tamed

I was walking down the street when I saw a mother with twin boys. The boys were laying on the sidewalk having tantrums. The mom tried to calm them down but they paid no attention to her. 
 
I make vintage beaded jewelry and had a new necklace in my pocket. I had just made it and wasn't sure if it was finished so i was carrying it to get the feel of it. 
 
I looked at the mother still trying to calm down her sons and then I handed her the necklace. The mother looked at me with a confused look. She said, "Thank you, but I can't afford this." 
 
I told her there was no cost. I was giving it to her! 
 
The smile and the gratitude in her eyes were enough payment. Ohh ... and her sons saw me giving their mom the necklace. They both stopped crying, got up, and went to their mother to see what she had been given. 
 
Everyone was smiling when I left.
 

A Tire-d Kindness

  Money was tight- and then one of my tires blew out!      I managed to pull into a parking lot and park safely before trying to figure out what to do next. A  new tire wasn't exactly in my budget but it was going to have to be worked in somehow. Then there was the additional expense of having to pay someone to come out and fix it.   Another car pulled in right behind me and a man and his young son got out. He offered to change the tire for me, but I told him my spare was in the trunk, already puntured.       He offered to take me and my spare tire to a repair place just a mile or so away. There they put a new tire on the old rim and he waited for me. Then he took me back to my car and put the new tire ... Read Full Story >>

Breakfast Made All The Difference

For many years I worked in a downtown public service organization. Through my work I would encounter so many people going through difficult times. Our doors were open to women and their families for any help we  could give.    We had a public cafeteria on our main floor with huge windows looking onto street. A number of times I saw a man passing by who looked as though he was struggling in life and may even have been homeless. He would come into the cafeteria occasionally, order a coffee, then sit and sip it quietly in a corner. He often looked longingly at the home-style breakfasts being served.    I was personally struggling with finances as our wages had been cut again to keep our organization open. I had planned to treat myself to a breakfast that day, but when I saw this gentleman was there I decided it was my day to ... Read Full Story >>

Your Love Language

Some days, you know, it's hard to find kind things to do!    Today was one of those. I couldn't open the store door for anyone since it's automatic. I couldn't buy anyone else a meal since I didn't have any cash or credit card on me.   However ... I could use my words! And I did.   My cousin was feeling picked on and looked down on. I made sure I told her the truth, reminding her of what she's accomplished: she's smart, is certified in her field, and is creative.   Then there is my friend who is having publishing woes. Her book was supposed to come out next month but her editor left and now her project might get cut. I made sure I shared my sympathies and told her that I would pray for the best outcome (and I did.)   That's all it takes sometimes, especially when you're like me and your "love language" ... Read Full Story >>

The Wallet and the Anonymous Gift

One day, while I was out, I found a wallet on the road.  I picked it up. There was no money inside.  I looked through it some more and found an address printed on the driver's license. It wasn't far from where I was, so I decided to just drive over and return it. When I arrived, I hopped out and gave it to the person who answered the door.
But before I did, I slipped $10 into the wallet. :)

Saturday Breakfast With My Granddaughter

Every weekend my granddaughter (age 8) and I have Saturday breakfast out together.  
 
Last Saturday we surprised two women and paid for their breakfast.
 
We plan to do this each Saturday from now on. I mentioned that in order to do this we need to 'save'.  So, now we have decided to share "our" breakfast, which means I will have to start liking chocolate chip pancakes! 
 
Also, I plan on cutting back on my lunches out during the week so we can afford to do this.  
 
Additionally, we plan on visiting a nursing home each Saturday, and bring along my puppy, Vernell.  
 
I love my Saturday with my granddaughter. Honestly, it's the highlight of my week!  
 
I can't wait until my two other granddaughters (aged 1 and 2) can join in the fun.

Give, Receive, Pay-It-Forward :)

Any other year, my acts of kindness would have come with the hope of someone acknowledging them or saying thank you. I'm big on "Thank you's". My kids have written their own since the age of three for any gift they receive. I love thanking others-- acknowledging coaches, teachers, and anyone who does something nice. I guess it's because I always had looked for that thank you in return. This year has been different. Maybe age has made me wiser. Maybe it's softened me. Part of it is this website. Since joining this site in January, I've done acts of kindness in a more mysterious, secretive way, without expecting a "Thank you" of any kind and finding comfort and peace in that. :) When I did my 46 not-so-random acts of kindness for my birthday this month, I did so with the intent of not receiving any comments, "Thank you", or feedback. The next day ... Read Full Story >>

The Gift of an Apology

For awhile, every time I saw my next door neighbor, I feel remorse and shame. A little while back, I had harshly reacted to him when he did something that upset me. But this is wonderful, as it has taught me to be mindful of my "reactivity," and reminded me of the high price I pay when I am reactive instead of proactive. After sitting with the discomfort for a bit, I finally apologized to him for any harm from my reaction towards his behavior. He noticed my tears as I spoke, so I guess he knew that I was sincere in expressing my regret. Now, as time continues to pass by, I feel less and less awkward when we bump into each other (which is often, given that we share a driveway :)).  The thing to note here is that, when we spoke, I did not apologize for not liking what he did (because ... Read Full Story >>

Picture Perfect

My husband's late uncle was an accomplished artist who died in poverty after running away from home to pursue his art.
 
Many years after his death my husband discovered a stack of his sketches and paintings in an old wardrobe in the family home. The papers were yellowed and bugs had eaten through some of the work, but many of the colors were still pristine. He brought the stack home and put it in a box which then got stored under the bed. 
 
The paintings (from the 1940s) lay there for many more years.
 
Then, in 2013, I surprised my husband by getting two of these very special paintings matted and framed. One was a portrait of his mother when she was a young girl, the other was a painting of a religious celebration in their village. Now they are finally hanging in our home, a part of our heritage with us in the present.
 
He was really touched and surprised!