Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Coffee, Diners and Smile Cards

Peapod and I just returned from a trip across the pond to see her parents and some of her friends back home in America.  We had a great time, being somewhat spoiled by her folks  :-)  While we were away we kept our eyes open for opportunities and managed to leave a little kindness behind us on the way. Coffee and coffee houses seem even bigger over the water than they do in the UK, so one idea we had was to buy some $10 coffee cards and give them out to people as we wandered around the town.  We quickly earmarked two particular people to give cards to.  Earlier that afternoon we had been to a jeans store to exchange some jeans and the girl there really knew her stuff!  Before we knew it Peapod had a replacement pair and an extra pair of jeans, while I was also buying a pair.  The ... Read Full Story >>

A Little Act of Giving

A lady in our church who recently lost her brother rejoiced in letting the congregation know that she was blessed with a new grandson

My husband wanted to get the baby something and also to lift her spirits at the same time. I went to Wal-Mart not sure what the baby was in need of when I spotted some newborn Hallowe'en pyjamas! They were so cute and reasonably priced so I couldn't resist!

We presented her with a bag of the goodies and expected her to take it home to the momma but she pulled out the jammies and showed everyone in Sunday School! Everyone thought the outfits were cute and adorable.

Believe it or not the teacher was so impressed, he used them as part of the lesson that he taught that day! I guess the jammies were enjoyed by many. I would have never have guessed our little act of giving would go so far!

Learning About Pay-It-Forward In School

Today at school I just learned about "Paying It Forward" and after that I couldn't feel more happier! I sent anonymous notes to everyone saying "you're Beautiful no matter what everyone says" . The next day I got my whole class to sign a letter to my teacher saying "Thank you for all you do for us, we love you". I feel like my life has just gotten better :)

A Small Smile of Acknowledgment

I had read Aurelia's story about "acknowledging" everybody and I remembered it yesterday morning.  I was walking across a shopping center parking lot to get to class and there was a man working there sweeping up. As I passed by I smiled and called out "Have a good day!"  I could tell he was really surprised and happy to be spoken to....so that was cool.

It was totally random and spontaneous on my part but I''m glad it brought a smile to his face

Paying it Forward with Flowers and Dessert

For several weeks, I had been meaning to get my wife flowers.  Everyday I would leave for the office in the morning reminding myself to get flowers on the way home, but would always forget. Finally one day, I decided to repeat the word, “flowers” (as though it were a mantra) as I drove home to make sure I remembered.  It turned out that that day the flowers were on sale, two bouquets for the price of one.  While I was at the store, I came across two neatly folded $20 dollar bills with no one around.  I picked up the bills feeling like this was a universal sign and went home with my flowers knowing that the money had to be used for spreading kindness.  After I gave my wife the flowers, I told her I had another surprise and showed her the money.  My wife definitely felt like this was a calling since ... Read Full Story >>

More Than Just a Meal at McDonalds

I was at McDonalds the other day and I was trying to decide what snack to get to tide me over until I rode the bus home. There was a young lady looking at the menu but she just got a small soda. I decided to help and got two breakfast burritos for $1 each and two apple pies which are two for $1.

I shared a burrito and a pie with her and she was so happy that you would have thought it was the best meal of all time. I was happy too because I was able to share a meal with someone. I told her I never like to eat alone and was happy for the company.

Who knows, maybe I will see her there again some day. I found out she had lost her job and didn't have much money for food. I suggested that she go to my church and they would help her with some groceries. So I knew she will have something else to eat later on that day too. It's a blessing to help someone in need.

The Insight of Children

I took my children into the city last night to meet up with my husband to celebrate my daughter's 6th birthday.  We walked through the downtown area while we waited for him to get out of owrk.  In front of one of the subway stops was a woman sitting with a can.  As we walked by, my daughter asked what she was doing and I told her that she was probably homeless and was trying to get some money.  My daughter  looked back and asked if on the way back she could give the woman some money.  I told her that she absolutely could do that, and we continued exploring.   Later on during our walk, we  found a bed of cardboard and blankets.  My daughter knew what it was and wanted to know who it belonged to so she could give them a dollar or two.  We moved on, and she played ... Read Full Story >>

Gratitude Creates Gratitude

I just read the story of the folks who baked cookies and cupcakes to hand out to people in their community who they wanted to thank for doing the jobs they do, and how moved they were by the responses they got from folks.

I had a similar experience when I typed a short email to the Siemens Corporation to thank them for making and selling the radiation machine that treated my cancer.  I got personal emails from an exec there telling me I made her day.  They ran my email in their company newsletter (seen by some 500,000 employees) and then flew me up to Siemens Healthcare US headquarters to let me say thank you in person to their employees!  They filmed my talk and then did an interview with me and will be sharing all that with more employees in the future who couldn't be there that day.

I knew that it would matter to someone there if I said, "thanks" but had no idea the impact that act would have on the company or on me.  Just a tremendous blessing all around.

There is Always an Opportunity for Kindness

As I was leaving the grocery store yesterday, I noticed an old man hobbling along struggling with 2 sacks of food.  It was bitterly cold (10 F).  There isn't much near the store, so I guess he must have a fair walk ahead of him.  I pulled up near him, rolled the car near him and put the window down to ask if he needed a ride.  I think he was a bit skeptical since few people go out of their way to do these sorts of things, but he did accept.  After he got settled in the car, my husband and I introduced ourselves, but he was very quiet and reluctant to give his name. During the drive, we tried to make him more comfortable with some small talk.  We chatted on about the weather, this new store opening and the like. His home was more than 2 miles away on unplowed streets, it would have ... Read Full Story >>

A Little Help for a 5 Year Old

I went on to this web site that I am part of where everyone tries to help each other.  There  was a special request made for a five-year-old year old on her birthday.  The request was for a dress, a birthday card and some bows.

I made contact with the mom, got her information and mailed out a box to the little girl. I sent a dress, bows, and a birthday card with $2.00 in the card for her. Her mom was happy. I just got the email from her and it bought a smile to my face knowing that she appreciated it.  It said: "Thank you so so so much for the card and the bows and the shirt! Savana loved them! You are a blessing! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! Thank you again!"

Her statement made me smile. And, I am glad that she got her little ones package before the birthday this month. At times our funds run a little tight and you need some help. But, I felt good knowing that I contributed to a little one's smile on her face when she received these things from me.  This alone is special to me.

The Simple Kindness of a Four Year Old

A few weeks ago, my oldest son, Erik decided to spend the day with one of his nieces, Mia, who is 4 years old. They went out and about to several places and then decided to go downtown before heading back home. Downtown is Mia's favorite place to go!  They were walking around and browsing in store windows and taking in the sights when Mia spotted some flowers and she picked a few. After some time, Mia began to drag a bit and Erik, wanting to head back home urged her along. Passing a few homeless men sitting along the sidewalks, he would walk a bit faster to get her past them, but she held back and made him come to a complete stop. ''C'mon, Mia. You need to walk with me.''  ''Okay, Uncle Erik '', she replied ''but this man needs a flower!''  He looked on as she handed the homeless man her flower and Erik said that the man smiled a big ... Read Full Story >>

Anonymous Kindness With My Coworkers At School

Yesterday, I anonymously gifted three coworkers at the school I work at. First, I left a note for our school assistant superintendent that said, "Thank you for holding down the fort."  She has taken on the additional role of principal until one can be hired. Next, our school secretary received a note that said, "Thank you for wearing your happy face, everyday."  She does an awesome job of constantly being patient and smiling at everyone. Third, our payroll person got a note that said, "You make a difference."  Needless to say, she makes sure we all get paid, but she is also a great mom that has brought two wonderful children into this world.  I know because I have taught them both. Along with the notes, the recipients got the famous Smile Cards and small bottles of various perfumes.  I have not seen or heard the effects of these small acts of kindness.  However, ... Read Full Story >>

Brownie Cakes Help a Smile Along

Today at work, there was a misunderstanding between our boss and a friend of mine. My friend felt terrible and just wanted to go home after the confrontation.  However, she is a teacher and going home was not possible. 

When I went home for lunch, I thought about what I could do to brighten the rest of her day. Then I remember I had these Yummy Easy Brownie Cakes you make in the microwave in one minute!  I quickly put a smiley face on a sticky note and wrote, "Eat Cake and SMILE."

When I returned to work, Kelly's students were in art class and she was alone, so I went in and gave her the Easy Brownie Mix and yest, she SMILED widely and said, "Aurelia, you are so good to me!...I love you."

It felt awesome to know I was able to give her to the lift she needed :)

Smiles are contagious :) and it felt like the school had a different atmosphere when Kelly felt better.

Candy Care from the Kindness Contest

In early December, I had a fun idea. I thought it would be a good idea to provide care packages for my students who were heading into their final exams. I teach two classes at CWRU in Ohio, which is a difficult, research oriented, private school.I also teach two classes at Tri-C, a community college made up of more mature college students who worked and had families. They had their own stresses.  I found this site, HelpOthers.org and the kindness contest, and wrote in with my idea to use the $100 to provide care packages for my students.   Before I even knew if I would win the kindness contest, I spent $50 of my own cash. I used it to get the supplies for my CWRU students' care packages. I pondered this for awhile before I did it, because $50 is a lot of money to me, but it quickly became an obsession.  I decided to do it ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness with Gummy Bears and a Partner

I was on a first date with a woman at a coffee shop when I decided that I would like to reveal the side of me that carries out random acts of kindness.  I brought two pouches of gummy bear candies, and pulled out a Smile Card.  During our stimulating conversation, I invited her to be my partner in kindness – first, by looking for someone who has walked away from his seat in the café, and then swiftly and gracefully placing the gummy bear pouches and Smile Card on the person's seat. It turns out that my timing for suggesting this to her was impeccable since a person sitting nearby stood up to go to the restroom just moments after I opened the topic.  It was as if the universe was smiling upon my desire to share kindness with my date and with a stranger.  As soon as the person walked ... Read Full Story >>

A Small Gesture To Make Some Children Smile

A few years ago my family and I  decided to go to Kentucky Friced Chicken and grab a bite to eat.  In the line, in front of us, were three kids that looked to be in middle school.  I noticed they were scraping their purses and pockets to pay for their meals.  They managed to pay for it and I was glad.

However, I took it to an extra level. While they were quietly waiting for their food, I told the cashier that I wanted  three gift cards in the increments of $5.00 each. She handed me the gift cards and I went to the children and said: "You have been blessed today and your next lunch meal is on me."   I gave them each a $5 gift card.  They were so happy and thanked me. The girl that was in the group said,  "I have to tell my mom this about this one, I really do."  I just smiled and told them to enjoy their day.

They were so happy they were bursting with joy. You can tell they appreciated a stranger showing an act of kindness that day. Even a small gesture like this can make an impact in children's lives.

An Opportunity To Teach My Son About Gifting

My sister came to visit me recently.  On our way to the airport, I picked up a lottery ticket to give to her as a fun surprise.  Imagine our surprise later when while sititng at dinner, she scratched the ticket and had won $50.  We were thrilled but my son thought she should have to give some it back.  It was funny because I had to explain that that is not how a gift works.  I think I finally got through but he talked about that winning ticket all week during her visit.

Finally the day came for her to leave us again.  She had spent a fun week volunteering time at my son's school and had seen some students in need.  Imagine my surprise when before she left, she insisted I take the ticket winnings and donate it to a new program at the school, called "Kindness in Christ".  Thankfully, we have never had to ask for help but we know families that have, and we gratefully do whatever we can to lend a hand.   This was an excellent way to show my son that it is not always the person that gets the winning tickets that wins, in this case, everybody does! 

Monday Brightened by Shipping Smile Cards

My week starts with shipping off Smile Cards.  It starts my day with a smile as I imagine these cards taking on a life of their own once they have left my mailbox...where will they go?  Who will they meet?  What wonderful stories will be shared (or not) about how they were used?  I usually don't think about the "big picture" of Smile Cards, but for some reason I am today...and I know that there are many kind acts happening out there without Smile Cards as well :-).  It warms my heart to feel that we are all connected by tiny invisible threads -- across oceans, miles, and even language...our common humanity teaches us in every culture that we are all one family.

I'm now going to go give some fresh homemade soup and zucchini bread to a few neighbors (what else to do with the Lord's bounty at this time of year?!) :-).

Ya'll have a smile-filled week!! :-)

Learning Kindness From A Neighbor

Last winter, I had tons of snow on my driveway. My mom asked me to help shovel, since dad was working. I shoveled and shoveled mounds of the white stuff, panting and sweating and silently complaining. My good neighbor saw that I was struggling, came over and helped me finish up. We chatted a few seconds. I can't remember what was said, but I suddenly felt bad for my rotten attitude. This man was pretty much a stranger helping me out without asking, and I couldn't shovel for my own family without feeling sore about it. The year passed and I didn't think much about his kindness, until yesterday. The neighbor was working on his house with a group of his buddies. It was a fairly mild day, but if you were moving about you would probably work up a bit of a sweat and a good thirst. I wrote a quick note, ran down to the ... Read Full Story >>

Accepting a Difficulty with Positivity

Yesterday I lost my money purse and most probably I was pick-pocketed. I was sad because there was good deal of money in it but I accepted the loss and also my carelessness and moved on. No point in being sad for too long. May be there was a reason for the loss.

I blessed the person who must have got hold of it and also the money. Maybe the money was an answer to his prayer.

There are times these kind of things do happen. People have lost a lot more than money. It could have been lot worse.

I can still smile and try to see the positive side of it.. !