Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Ten Greetings

I was having lunch with a friend the other day. In between bites of her chicken sandwich she would give a big smile and a greeting to kids passing us. 

After one particularyly heart-filled greeting she turned to me and said, "Finished!"

"What?" I asked.

"That was my tenth greeting today. I'm finished."
 
I asked what she meant and she told me how she tries to greet ten people with a smile and wave each day.
 
"It makes me happy to be greeted, so I know it makes others happy when I greet them," she said.
 
This seemingly effortless act of kindness made me incredibly happy, so I asked if I could participate as well. It feels great to see the smile on people's faces when they are greeted. Being acknowledged is a great feeling and can brighten anyone's day.

 

1347 Reads

Turtles And Horses And Bunnies, Oh My!

I like to practice kindness with the animals as well.     I live out in the country and we often have big old turtles trying to cross the road. I always stop, pick them up, and take them across. I've even stopped in the rain and kept the traffic at bay while I ran across with a hissing turtle!     Lots of people around here do this and we always give each other a thumbs-up or a wave. However, I have seen people purposefully run over the turtles and it always breaks my heart.    Our neighbors have three beautiful horses that my husband and I enjoy petting. We keep a steady supply of carrots, apples and sugar cubes to feed them (with the owners' permission, of course).   We also have a couple of rabbits who live in the shrubs off our driveway and I like to leave them carrots and lettuce.     We keep a ... Read Full Story >>

1493 Reads

Just A Pen

I was waiting in the airport before boarding my plane and there was a family of four sitting across from me: a father, mother, and two daughters. I had my headphones on while working, so I was minding my own business.
 
The father was speaking on his mobile phone and I noticed that he was asking his daughters and wife by his hand gestures if they had something for him to write with. Either they didn't have anything or they didn't understand him - I couldn't tell. But I knew I had some extra pens in my bag. So, I fished one out, reached over, and handed it to him while he was frantically searching his pockets.
 
Lately I'd been feeling like I don't get the opportunity to do many nice random acts of kindness. Before he boarded the plane, he turned to me and thanked me again. It made me happy to know that I could do even this one small thing to help someone.

905 Reads

Magnetically Attracting Kindness

I found a twenty dollar bill on the ground the other day. I've been on a tighter than usual budget the last month so thanked my lucky stars for the opportunity to spend more on others. First few bucks were spent opportunistically: anonymously adding to the funds of an older man who went into a gas station counting bills and asking for ten dollars if gas. That kind of thing.   Last night I walked down the street after work and saw a woman selling a newspaper published for homeless folks. She also had some fridge magnets for sale. "What's your most popular magnet?" I asked. "Oh, probably the Bob Marley. This John Coltrane one is really nice too," she said. "I'm surprised it hasn't gone yet. They're five dollars each."   I counted the remains of the cash. "Here's nine dollars," I said.   "Which one would you like?"    "I don't need one myself, but the next person that ... Read Full Story >>

4439 Reads

The Grip Of Love Is Hard To Let Go

I was in the bus when a lady, probably in her late 60's, boarded. She sat next to me and, coincidently, we got off at the same stop. As we were walking, she began complaining of giddiness and thirst. So, I took her to a nearby restaurant, got her sweet lime juice and a snack and she smiled.   Then I accompanied her along her way. She seemed to have wanted a saree but I didn't have one to give her. She also didn't seem to be very happy with her relatives. So, I just told her to forget all that and just relax as we were walking along. I said it with a smile and she actually seemed to brighten in response.    Then she wanted to rest at a temple along the way.    Her friend (another elderly lady) came by and I gave a small amount of money to each of them so ... Read Full Story >>

2139 Reads

Giving A Gift Card

I was leaving Walmart the other day and saw a young man standing by the exit. He was holding a sign that read, "Even 50 cents would help."  

My heart went out to him because he looked to be the same age as my son. I didn't want to give him money, so I decided to drive to McDonalds (about a mile away) and get him a gift card.  
 
I bought the gift card but when I got back to Walmart he was gone. I drove around looking for him but didn't see him.  
 
About a week later, in another shopping area, I saw a man in a wheelchair. He was in the parking lot asking for money so he could buy some food. I reached into my car and gave him the McDonalds gift card.  
 
It made him so happy that I decided to always carry a gift card to give to others I might meet who are in need.

 

8668 Reads

Grace In Defeat At The Soccer Match

After my son's soccer game this weekend I witnessed something that really made me proud! 

His team lost 3-0 with the last goal scored in the last few minutes. As they walked off the pitch I saw my son put his arm around the goalie, his team-mate, and I overheard him reassuring the other boy. "Don't worry," he said. "It's not your fault. You couldn't have done anything more. Don't beat yourself up about it. It's okay ..." and so on.  
 
He stayed with the other boy, who was obviously upset, patting him and talking to him encouragingly until the coach called all the boys together. 
 
To hear this kind of positive talk coming from a new teenager just made my day!

 

1694 Reads

A Simple Bowl To Drink From

While buying milk from a nearby vendor my husband noticed an old lady walking by. She had a big sack on her head and two milk containers in her hands. She was walking a little ahead of him and, after some time, she sat down on the footpath, laid down her sack and tried to drink milk from the container. 

My husband thought that she must not own a bowl. So, he cam home and asked me to give the lady a bowl so she could drink her milk without spilling it. 
 
We hurried after her with a bowl but by the time we reached her she had already finished her milk. 
 
Seeing us there, she said something which we could not understand. We asked if she needed some food and she nodded her head. We came back home, made up two food packets and hurried back to her. She was still there. We offered her the packets and she smiled as if giving her blessings. 
 
No words exchanged, just expressions and gestures, but we came back home feeling lighter in our hearts.

 

5154 Reads

Beauty At Cracker Barrel

A co-worker and I were at Cracker Barrel for a quick workday lunch. Seated next to us was a large group of about a dozen people. They had several tables all pushed together, with children milling about and adults laughing and talking. My friend and I rolled our eyes at being seated next to such a noisy crowd. But after watching them for a few minutes I saw the most beautiful thing. An elderly man was tenderly cradling a tiny baby wrapped up in a pink blanket. We watched as he kept leaning over and kissing her forehead and whispering into her ear.     He was beaming just being in the presence of this little girl. It was so sweet that it brought tears to my eyes.   On our way out I decided to stop and tell the man how much this little interaction touched me. He smiled very broadly and said the ... Read Full Story >>

1855 Reads

A Dollar's Worth Of Smiles

Today I did my usual thrift shop rounds, buying clothes to donate to a shelter for the homeless.  

 
I went to the register to pay and found I was $1 short. As I fumbled through my coins a sweet man behind me in line said "I have a dollar. My wife always says I know how to pass the buck, so here ya go!"
 
I started to protest but then realized that allowing this man to do something nice for me was a real blessing. I didn't want to take the pleasure away from him because I know how good I feel when someone lets me help them.
 
So I thanked him graciously and we exchanged smiles. Then the cashier, who was moved by his generosity, said, "My customers are always so good to each other!" And she smiled too.  
 
He and I walked to our cars still smiling, and I then dropped off the clothing at the shelter which made other people smile.
 
That $1 brought a lot of joy to a lot of people today.

 

1537 Reads

Searching For Gum In The Mountains

My family and I were driving along Skyline Drive which passes through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.  

We stopped at a rest stop and I decided to buy gum for my son. His ears were bothering him due to the change of altitude and I thought chewing might help relieve the pressure.  
 
I searched the gift shop but there didn't seem to be any gum for sale. Just as I was wondering what to do next another shopper, who had seen me searching, gave me her own packet of gum!  
 
She said that she had kids and understood perfectly!

 

910 Reads

Moments Of Pure Joy From My Weekend -

Baking and sending a surprise care package to my friend's son. He has just started college. I didn't tell his mum I was doing it!

Finding exactly what kind of bread someone wanted in the soup kitchen. We give away a lot of donated food items and I remembered that this one lady liked a particular kind of bread.  I saved it for her this time and she was touched that I remembered!
 
Throwing a big neighborhood birthday bash for our dear neighbor who just turned 100! Organizing this was so much fun and I loved seeing more than sixty people from our neighborhood come together in our front yard. The adults shared food, good wishes, and memories. Then the kids made their own future memories, playing cricket in our driveway and hockey in the street. It was awesome. Then taking food and cake to some of the people who couldn't make it to the party. They were so happy.
 
Gifting "gently used" books from the library book sale to a neighbor's young kids just for fun. No occasion, just an excuse to have them be enjoyed again!

 

1725 Reads

To The Airport, With An Unexpected Chauffeur

My family was going on a trip and usually our neighbor would give us a ride to the airport. This time our neighbor told me she would be working but her partner - who is a recovering alcoholic and the center of a lot of past drama in her life - would be happy to help us.  I mentioned this to my family and they were a bit hesitant. I didn't have to hear the words to know they were wondering - should we ask someone else? We don't really want him driving us, do we? Is he really ok now? But I realized that this was an opportunity to show my friend that we trusted her partner, and an opportunity to make him feel like he was doing something good! So I explained to my family that allowing him to drive us to the airport would be like giving a gift ... Read Full Story >>

4279 Reads

Spontaneous Dog Therapy

Two days ago, in the pouring rain, a young man was yelling into his cell phone as he was approaching the horse trail where I was walking with my two Great Pyrenees dogs and Yellow Labrador.  Kailash, my biggest dog, wanted to approach him. But, since the man was so engrossed in the angry conversation, I did not want to come up behind and startle him. We just stood silently sending unconditional love as he walked on.    After returning home with the Pyrenees and Lab, I headed back out with my two Golden Retrievers. Down on the trail we found the young man bent over, holding onto the horse railing.   I asked if he was okay. He said he was frustrated. We talked and I suggested he pet the dogs to help him feel better. I told him about oxytocin, the hormone released by stroking a dog, how it calmed the brain and ... Read Full Story >>

1972 Reads

Love - The Long And The Short Of It!

I have never lived in the same province as my only niece but she and I have a special bond. Since she was two years old I have written her a letter every week!  We refer to them as my Thursday letters because my day off used to be Thursday and the first thing I would do would be to write to Brooke. She is ten now and quite grown up, but I continue to cherish the times when I write to her. I have only missed six Thursdays in eight years; because of a mail strike and a hospital stay.    When Brooke was four she was talking with my mom. "Auntie Steph writes me a letter every week," she said   "That's a lot of letters," my mom replied. "What does she write about?"    "Well ..." Brooke thought about it. "She tells me that she loves me! Sometimes she says it long and sometimes ... Read Full Story >>

5632 Reads

Smiling In China Town

A few weeks ago I was on vacation with my family in Malaysia. We visited lots of places. One of the hotels we stayed in was near a China Town. Everything was cheap there so did a lot of shopping. I was looking for a watch for myself and one for my girlfriend. There were many shops that were selling the same watch - but for different prices.   I finally found the best price, so I bought the watches while my sister and mom were buying other stuff from the same shop. When it was time to pay I realized I was 10 Ringgits short, so I suggested returning one of the watches. The owner of the shop asked why and I explained I didn't have enough money with me. She smiled and said, "You can take it, but promise me you'll pay tomorrow!"    So I asked her what time she would be ... Read Full Story >>

2049 Reads

Remembering My Foul-Mouthed Friend

When I first purchased my home an elderly neighbor used to visit regularly. He was a foul-mouthed man. It wasn't through drink because he never drank. He also had a truly kind heart. He was just in the habit of swearing - a lot!

And, it turns out, he was also sick. 
 
During the last months of his life my home was the only outside location he ever chose to go. I would let him talk for hours while I worked. In his last weeks he paced a lot to relieve his fear of the pains that were growing in his chest.
 
When my neighbor passed I was at the hospital and called his family to make sure they got there in time. I was also at his funeral; one of the few friends he still had left in this life.
 
I still smile when remembering my foul-mouthed friend. If he could, he would say, "You %$#@ better remember me!" Then he would genuinely wish me a happy and healthy life.

 

1131 Reads

Why She Kept Me

Twenty-five years ago my wife and I were going on one of our first pre-marriage dates. As a young twenty-something I needed to cash in several rolls of quarters from my apartment. So, we stopped at a small store where the cashier was kind enough to exchange them for bills.
 
My date and I then drove twenty minutes to our destination - where I realized that the cashier had given me twenty dollars too much! I apologized, but explained I would have to return the money even if it made us late. My sweetheart readily agreed.
 
When we arrived at the store and returned the money the cashier, a young girl, burst into tears. She explained that if she had messed up the cash one more time she was going to be fired!
 
My wife claims that event played a large part in her decision to "keep me around."

1408 Reads

A Little 'Game of Good'

For the last two and a half years I have been giving out Smile Cards whenever I find an opportunity. I am sad to admit that my family and I are homeless, we live in a trailer which we were so kindly given by a family member. During this period, I have given out over 200 Smile Cards.  I have always tried to find something kind to do, even when my husband lost his job and we were fighting to get by.  I have started giving out coupons for free food, plus money for people to get at least one meal, on me. I always put my coupon, gift and Smile Card in a envelope that says "For whoever finds this". Once I left an envelope on someone's work truck and got back into our trailer. I just happened to look out at the bus later and I saw the guy open my envelope and find the gift.  He read the card and then he looked ... Read Full Story >>

5167 Reads

Can You Go Overboard With Kindness?

This past weekend I had a bunch of charitable things I wanted to do. I took food to the animal shelter, I bought sweaters and a couple of sleeping bags to donate to the homeless, and I bought someone's breakfast at the drive-thru. On my way into the good-will shop I saw a couple of young teenagers huddled together; a boy and a girl, no more than 14 or 15. The girl had her head on the boy's shoulder and they were clinging to each other. No one paid them any attention. On my way out, I saw them still sitting there. I started to walk to my car but thought, 'No. What if these poor kids need something? What if they've run away and have nowhere to go? What if they're hungry?'     Imagining all sorts of awful scenarios I turned around and walked towards them, very proud of myself for my ... Read Full Story >>

2169 Reads




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