Learning to walk the walk in Morocco
My husband and I recently had the good fortune of celebrating our 25th anniversary in Morocco. Our daughter had very kindly gifted us the trip for the occasion. One day, we were walking around in the vibrant, noisy, dirty, bustling streets having a great time. My eyes were just drinking in all the amazing places and architecture, and all the beautiful faces of the people around us. While I was soaking it all in, my husband wandered into a shop. I was left standing alone. Women in this country are never alone. After fifteen minutes, I started feeling a little uneasy. A street man dressed in torn, ragged clothes was coming my way. Sad to report, I thought the worst. I negatively thought he was a beggar coming to ask for money. As he was passing, he stopped, touched my shoulder, and--with eyes that made me weak in my knees from the enormous love ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by readyrobyn
- Jul 12, 2013
- Comments (13)
- Share Story
Feeling Good and Helping to Buy Some Food
In a long checkout line at the grocery store, a young woman had only a few food items to purchase. Her debit card kept declining. I could see her embarrassment and I offered to pay for her purchase. Her total was $27.00. She left with her items and she thanked me for my kindness.
The store clerk looked at me like I was crazy, but I didn't care. It felt good being able to help her buy some food.
- Posted by niceirishguy
- Jul 11, 2013
- Comments (5)
- Share Story
Kindness and Love on Valentine's Day
Today is Valentine's day so I decided to start off my day by buying a dozen roses. I wanted to do something with each individual rose and wanted to tie some kindness in to distributing these roses.
I gave the first rose out of the dozen with a Smile Card to my mom: a very important woman in my life. I gave the remaining 11 to my friends at my high-school, each with a Smile Card attached.
The friend I gave the last friend rose to said, "Aww... what a compassionate act."
The outcome was great and I know the ripples of kindness have started for my friends today! We are all loved and tying kindness onto a day of love is something that I will hope to be part of everyone's life. :)
- Posted by Dillan
- Jul 11, 2013
- Comments (4)
- Share Story
When Smile Cards Burn Holes in Your Pocket
I had my last smile card burning a hole in my pocket this morning. :) I was wandering around Goodwill and stopped to look at the costume jewelry. This young girl was looking as well, and she immediately started talking to me. We chatted about the jewelry and she asked if I could untangle a necklace for her. Then she blurted out that her friends were wondering why she seemed so depressed lately. I asked her if she knew why and she said no. Then I asked her how old she was. "Fourteen," she answered I laughed. "That might be why," I replied, laughing. "My stepfather is always depressed, too," she said, "and he's in his mid-forties." Being that age and knowing that feeling myself, I laughed and joked, "Maybe that's why he's depressed too!" The girl ended up picking out a couple of necklaces and wandered away. I didn't see who she came in ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by whitby98
- Jul 10, 2013
- Comments (10)
- Share Story
Volunteering With Martha
I just have to tell you about this amazing 77 year old lady who has really inspired me so much!
I have just started doing voluntary work at a sheltered housing complex for older folk. There I met Martha who has helped with the guides for over forty years. She has a crumbling spine and her hips are so bad they are inoperable. I reported to her on my first morning to assist her in making dinners, voluntarily, for the other residents.She is 77 herself and still looking after old folk!
She gave me instructions and I basically did as I was told. She sat at the cooker and cooked a lovely meal for 16 people all aged 75 and above. I did all her running around.
After clearing up we sat down and had a coffee and a chat. What a lovely woman! She has so inspired me and I cannot wait to go back and help all those lovely people!
I am so glad I have met a person like her and am going to keep her in my life. I have her phone number and will visit her.
Oh, by the way, all the other folk there were lovely as well!
- Posted by Randomact
- Jul 9, 2013
- Comments (6)
- Share Story
A Quick Return
About a week ago I was in a local supermarket and a gentleman was attempting to open a plastic bag to put some fruit into it. I had a feeling he wasn't the one who generally did the shopping in his family, so I pulled another bag off the dispenser, opened it, let him fill it, and handed it to him. He gave me the other bag, smiled, and said, "Thanks!"
Earlier today I was in an unfamiliar grocery store. I had my hands full and couldn't see where the plastic bags were located. Before I knew it an elderly lady tore a bag off, opened it, and told me to stick my produce in!
I met her again going through the checkout and told her that her good deed would be returned very soon as mine had taken less than a week.
We both chuckled and went our separate ways.
- Posted by macgoo
- Jul 8, 2013
- Comments (6)
- Share Story
A Young Girl Stranded
On Sunday morning, after listening to a sermon about making "A World of Difference", we stopped at the gas station for a snack and drinks. When we pulled into the parking lot we noticed a young girl sitting on the curb. She was outside in January, in the Midwest, with only a sweatshirt. No coat or gloves. She didn't look very happy. I approached her and asked if she was okay. She said yes and told me that she had run out of gas down the road, walked to the gas station, and was now waiting for someone to bring her a gas can and a little money so she could get her vehicle running again. By the look on her face I think she had been waiting for a while. I, hesistantly, asked if we could give her a lift somewhere. I was fearful that she might be worried about our intentions. ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by MamaPajama
- Jul 7, 2013
- Comments (20)
- Share Story
No Cart Needed
I ran into a local store today to pick up a few things. It was a quick errand, so I didn't take a cart on my way inside. As I walked around the aisles, I passed by a young couple and their baby. I continued through the store, grabbed the few items I needed, and ended up standing behind this couple in the checkout line. While waiting, I noticed that the young father was clutching his money and nervously watching each transaction on the register. The young mother was cradling the baby in her arms and asked the cashier for a job application. When the total was rung up, they had to pick items out of their cart because they didn't have enough money. But all their items were basic necessities. It just broke my heart to witness the couple attempt to figure out what they could do without. Somehow ,they managed ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by crosby2126
- Jul 7, 2013
- Comments (25)
- Share Story
Soup For A Smile
One day I was at the mall with my mom when we saw an old man in scruffy clothes breathing with the help of an oxygen tank. He was checking all the trash cans for bottles or scraps.
He didn't find very much.
My mother and I watched as he left the mall, saddened by the sight. Too often, we thought, people see these sort of things happen without doing anything about them - then we realized that we could do something!
It was cold outside so I went to a cafe and got some soup and bread. Then I went after the old man. When I caught up with him I asked if he would like some hot soup. He nodded, so I handed it to him. Then I walked away with a smile and a warmed heart!
- Posted by kitty23
- Jul 6, 2013
- Comments (11)
- Share Story
Making Sure to Thank the Referees
I spent my Saturday at the basketball court watching all three of our kids play their games. My older two had playoffs as they worked to be in the championship game. During the third game of the day I commented to my husband that these playoff games were getting a little overly rough and competitive and it was making me nervous. As my son's game continued, the fans around us starting making light-hearted comments about the refs' calls - or lack of. These were the same ref's my son's team has had all season and I think they are a GREAT pair - which I said often during the game. The refs had a sense of humor and grinned and nodded as the comments continued to come. It was an intense and physical game and I was cheering loudly! It was a tight game to the end, but my son's team did end ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by kidzfirst
- Jul 5, 2013
- Comments (6)
- Share Story
A Ride Home In A New Town
I just moved to a new state and started a new job at a retail store. After the store closes the staff all walk to the car park together for safety purposes. Yesterday, as we headed for our cars a young woman was waiting on the sidewalk. When asked if she had a ride, she replied, "Yes, I called a taxi." Everyone started saying things like, "No Way. Cancel that Taxi. One of us can give you a ride," and so on. We waited as a group and she called to cancel her taxi, then we started to walk to our cars. Nobody said, "Come with Me" and so, finally, she said, "So, I cancelled my taxi. Who's taking me home?" Being new to the area and it being pitch dark out I was hesitant to offer. So, I waited about ten seconds and then said, "I'll take you." Funny how everyone was happy to ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by AURELIA
- Jul 4, 2013
- Comments (7)
- Share Story
Makes My Day to Make Your Day
This website has inspired me to search for ways to help others every day. I'm disappointed if a day goes by that I can't think of a simple way to make someone else's life a little easier! Today, I grabbed a quick lunch at Jack-in-the-Box. While paying at the drive thru window, I remembered all the stories I had read on this website about paying for the person in line behind you - so I decided to do just that. When I asked the cashier to ring up the car behind me also, she gave me a puzzled look and asked if I knew the man in the car behind me. I smiled and replied, "Nope". She gave me a warm smile in return and proceeded to take care of his bill along with mine. In my rearview mirror, I was fortunate enough to see the reaction of the shocked gentleman behind me. After he found out his meal was paid ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by MamaPajama
- Jul 4, 2013
- Comments (17)
- Share Story
Family is the Best Medicine
I was excited by the possibilities of sharing a meal with my mum, aunt and cousins. I wanted to make it a monthly meal of togetherness. I drove more than 250 miles to make this meeting and thought of ways that we could extend this more often. My mum has been unwell and when I arrived at her home she was irritable and refused to meet family for a meal. I texted my cousin and said my mum was unable to meet. My cousin texted me back and said they would bring the family to my mum's home. I had to go to the bank and when I returned, my mum was sitting up and just reveling in the attention of having her family around. But to add more joy to the event, more great nieces came and shared the day by bringing Girl Scout cookies and their joy of looking ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by reikigardens
- Jul 3, 2013
- Comments (7)
- Share Story
50 Cents Was All It Took
My son's class had a fund-raiser, selling fifty cent treats to raise money for their field trip. I had talked to several of the children and knew some of their situations. I realized that many of them might not be given the money to participate. Even though we ofen struggle financially I wanted to do something for these children. Nothing huge, just prevent them from feeling left out again. So, I found out when the treats were being sold, then I called the teacher to let her know I would bring in extra money for any children who couldn't afford to take part. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that another parent had offered to do the same thing! So, we split the cost between us. Then, today, as I was entering the classroom to help as I normally try to do, one of the kids approached me and thanked ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by smilingdaisy
- Jul 2, 2013
- Comments (10)
- Share Story
Warmed by Coffee Kindness
The day was cold and windy, just before Christmas.
The local home-supply and garden store was still open, and the cashier shivered as he rung my sale.
"Bet you wish you had a cup of coffee right about now!" I said.
"I sure do!" he answered, as a gust of cold wind made us both shiver.
I thanked him and started toward my car when I the convenience store across the street caught my eye. I wondered, How much would it take for me to go and get him some coffee?
When I returned with a big steaming cup and some sugar and creamer, he was surprised."Thanks so much!" he said, tearing off the lid," That's awesome! " I still made it to my next appointment and felt warm all over. And instead of coffee, it was the small act of kindness that energized me.
- Posted by suzanniered
- Jul 1, 2013
- Comments (8)
- Share Story
8 Real Life Super Heroes Who Saved the Day
1. Daughter lifts a car from her dad's chest and saves his life. When Lauren Kornack, 22, found her father Alec, 52, pinned beneath his car in their garage, she knew she had to act fast. According to CNN, her superhuman powers kicked in as she lifted the 2,000 pound car from his chest and pulled him out from underneath. A trained lifeguard, Lauren immediately performed CPR in order to get his heart beating again. According to Kristen Kornacki, Lauren's sister, Alec had been working on the car when the jack holding it up slipped. Lauren found him stuck beneath the car, unresponsive. Though he suffered broken ribs, numbness and fractures, Alec suffered no permanent physical damage thanks to Lauren's astounding strength. 2. Little boy learns the alphabet and uses it to help save father's life. Nathaniel Dancy Jr., 5, had recently learned the alphabet at school when his father suffered a stroke and had an ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by anonymous
- Jun 29, 2013
- Comments (-3)
- Share Story
A Surprise Delivery
One evening, a few months ago, a friend of mine was at home with her toddler. I was online and noticed that she had posted on her Facebook that she really wished that there was a delivery service for ice cream.
I decided it'd be fun to take it upon myself to be that delivery service. :)
So, shortly after reading her post, I went to the grocery store and purchased a small container of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Then, I drove to her house, set the ice cream on her porch, rang the doorbell and drove away.
Even though I didn't stay to see her reaction, the small act of generosity made my evening a whole lot brighter. :)
- Posted by RMammaKat
- Jun 29, 2013
- Comments (8)
- Share Story
Tip from a Boy Who Doesn't Speak
.jpg)
I was playing guitar in a cafe when two women with a boy about 8 years old walked in. The boy had a learning disability. He wandered over to me, mesmerized by the music.
As I played, I noticed that he wasn't able to speak. He would make excited and happy sounds instead of expressing himself with words. The women would call him back to them, but he'd wander over again.
After a few minutes, I gave him a guitar pick, and his face lit up. As he then reached into his pocket, his mother raced over, asking "Did he steal something? He's always doing things like that..."
As she was speaking, his hand came out of his pocket. In it was a quarter -- and with a smile he dropped it into my tip jar.
It is the best tip I have ever received.
- Posted by karma1
- Jun 28, 2013
- Comments (25)
- Share Story
Baby Hugs
I nanny for a family with three small children. One morning, I was helping the oldest learn to put on her shoes. She was having a hard time and getting very frustrated and upset. As she started to cry, my youngest walked over to her and gave her the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek.
I smiled and was amazed at how quickly that 18-month-old can put the biggest smile on her sister's face. I guess their parents and caretakers must be doing something right. All three of the kids are very loving and caring.
To add to the greatness of it all, Sarah looked down at her baby sister and declared, "I love her so much." It was an incredible start to the day.
- Posted by karenfaye
- Jun 28, 2013
- Comments (6)
- Share Story
Trash Day
As I drove down the street I live in I saw all the trash buckets at the end of everyone's driveways.
It was the end of the work-day and all the trash had been picked up. So, I thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be nice to take the buckets up the the houses so when the hard working people got home they would have one less thing to do?"
I left a smile card on each of them!
The funny thing was a couple of people called and asked if it was me! It was interesting to hear who the others thought it was. Fun stuff!
- Posted by tinah333
- Jun 27, 2013
- Comments (7)
- Share Story
