Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Touching Hearts With Words and Actions

On Saturday, I took my car to the drive-through wash.  When you come out the end, there is an attendant who hand-dries the car.  Normally, the person doing this is minimally friendly, but on this day the man on duty was VERY friendly.  He was smiling broadly, handling all the little details in a charming take-charge manner, and making jokes.  I was amused, thinking "he's doing this to get a tip", but I realized that I really enjoyed it.  And I went forward with my day feeling better than before I encountered this man. Later, after loading my groceries into my car at the market, I was about to roll my cart back to the store. I was thinking "sheesh, this WOULD be a day I parked extra far away. It sure would be nice if someone going in would want this cart and I could give it to them" - when right then an older gentleman ... Read Full Story >>

An Impromptu Wedding Present in Action

Two of my dear friends got married last Saturday, May 2nd -- a special date for the wonderful souls. But what it was even more special was their intention: "We would like our wedding, and in fact our entire marriage to be about creating more good in the world." When I got their *personalized* wedding invitation exuding love, creativity and inspiration, my heart was instantaneously filled with gratitude and joy. Circumstances didn't allow me to attend their wedding in person, but I tried to celebrate their union in a unique way. Ever since I received their invitation, two and half months ago, I thought about this wonderful couple -- every day, twice a day actually.  I thought of the fusion of these two beautiful hearts, and I sent along my secular blessings. (I guess I took the inscription on their wedding invite literally: "No gifts please - Your Blessings is our Gift"). That ... Read Full Story >>

Lend a Hand With a Bus Transfer

I gave away my transfer today to someone that needed it. The poor guy was homeless and needed to go to his case worker.You could tell that he did not have the money.

I remember many years ago in Seattle I was evicted because I lost my job and the hiring then was zero. I lived in a women's shelter because I had to. I was often hungary and broke and I made a promise that it would not happen again. Some people here are not at all prepared when they lose their jobs. I wasnt prepared because I was not expecting it and my late mother and brother knew that something was wrong. So when I get transfers on the bus line, I give them away. Also the buses here have been really crowded.  So if you have a transfer or bus change, give it to one of the homeless.

Delivered With Love to Mothers on My Street

Once again this year I am going to deliver little gift bags filled with candies, a pretty quote and some goodies to mothers who live on my street and might appreciate being remembered on Mother's Day.

I bought mini gift bags, some candy kisses, an individually wrapped Biscotti cookie and a tea bag.  The tag on the bag reads "With Love From God."

I walk my dogs early in the morning at 6am, so it's easy to sneak these little bags and hang them on the door knobs of a few women in my neighborhood.  One lost her child tragically, two are recently divorced with young children and two are elderly with no children in the area. I also drop a few off at the local nursing home on the way.  It's a small gesture, but makes me feel good.

"If I Had Ten More Years"

Paul was dying of cancer.  It became clear to him that it was time for him to prepare for death. About a week before Paul died, I was visiting him one morning.  I found him sitting up, propped against a mound of pillows.  I sat on the edge of his bed.  His bedroom had a beautiful porch with French doors that were always open to the summer sun and gentle breezes.  Paul sat, silent, in the rays of the morning light. "I feel ready to go," he said finally.  There was quiet on his face.  "But sometimes," he reflected, "I just wish I had more time."  Paul's voice carried so much sadness mingled with acceptance, melancholy softened with a gentle peace.  In a moment like this, it is bittersweet.  Some of our dreams have come true, some have not.  There is a readiness to die, accompanied by an equally passionate wish to ... Read Full Story >>

Students of Life

Certain people weave in and out of our lives. Some come in and stay a little longer and then there are others who are with us for a lifetime. No matter how eternal or fleeting the moment is, this short story reminds us of the lessons that life teaches us if we are ready and alert to be its earnest students. Here is one of those lessons I would like to share: Life Lesson 1 - "The Cleaning Lady" The first lesson encourages us to examine how we treat others. It was my second month of college. One day, our professor decided to be spontaneous and announced the sudden arrival of a pop quiz for all of the classmates. I was a rather conscientious student. I was particular about completing the daily homework assignments, and always stayed after class to probe the professor with detail-oriented questions which were at times unnecessary. At any rate, I wasn't ... Read Full Story >>

An Extra Hug

    This morning when I dropped off my daughter in her day care class, I had the chance to make a difference for her best friend, if only for a bit. Her friend comes to our house and I play with them both, giving them “horsy rides” and chasing them around. Her dad is not around very much so I know it means a lot to her.      My daily ritual is that I always give my daughter a big hug and kiss, tell her I love her and wish her a great day.  While I was hugging her today, I noticed that her best friend who, was sitting at her table, had gotten up and was right behind us watching closely. I could tell by her face that she really wished she could do what we were doing. I quickly pulled her in for the “hugfest” and squeezed them both. ... Read Full Story >>

Loving Kindness Is Twice Blessed

I felt gloomy the other day. The weather had been dark and rainy, and I just didn’t feel so positive. It happens to us all, I guess. As I was sitting at my desk, I remembered it was the birthday of a dear long-time friend—a single, middle-aged woman who has dedicated the past 30 years to nursing and loves her work. Knowing that she doesn’t have family in town, I decided to give her a call. Sure enough, she was scheduled to work late into the evening, and wouldn’t have much of a birthday this year. As always, though, she sounded cheerful and was happy I called. After I hung up, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she would really appreciate a little attention on her special day. Still feeling a little gloomy myself, I tried to put it out of my mind, but as the day passed I couldn’t shake the thought. I ... Read Full Story >>

Let Your Voice Of Kindness Be Heard!

Have you seen the news off to the side on this website here about the extra $100 to spread kindness in the community?

A Joy Ride in Bangalore

I have recently been volunteering at a center for high-risk kids who live in the slums in Bangalore. These children now have a place to hang out, play and learn in a peaceful way.     I was generally lending a helping hand wherever I could -- teaching one child to read English, reading Sleeping Beauty to a group of kids, or playing blind man's bluff with some others. As I got out when the center closed, my aunts' Honda Civic car (In India Honda cars are fancy) stood outside.    The children were completely awestruck.  They hadn't been so close to a fancy car. The chauffeur/driver got out and opened the door.  They examined the inside, exclaiming that it was the coolest thing they had seen.  I asked them if they wanted a ride. Four little girls were jumping up and down, so excited that they could barely contain themselves and sit in their ... Read Full Story >>

Sweet Temptation To Be A Little Kinder

Hi dear friends...I was just laughing to myself thinking how I seem to anticipate logging onto this webbsite every chance I get and it's awesome how I never get dissappointed really.  It's all that I long for and more...real people with real stories to share that actually happen to them.

When you hear others talking about things that seem so far off from you it's so amazing the strength that creeps into you and suddenly your mind goes in a new direction where it's all I can all the way.

I'm tempted in a good way every time I log on and even when I don't, just thoughts of stories read and new friends made gives me enough reason to be a little kinder.  A little blinder to the faults that are so evident in our everday lives and focus more on the goodness and joy life actually brings.

Thank you every one who is a member of this website.  You are "temptors temptresses"....bringing along sweet temptation to this little one's life...

A Flourishing "Free" Market

We are a small town of less than 4,000 people in the mountains of Ecuador . Recently our new organic farmers cooperative started hosting one afternoon a week to exchange our produce and seeds among ourselves...no money changes hands. As of this past week we started to lay our stuff on wooden tables set in a portal on the main square, we hold hands around the table to give thanks to our ancestors who used to do this in ancient times in this country, and we pray in thanks, either out loud or silently according to each one's own spiritual beliefs. Then comes the fun... each person around the table tells and shows what she brought.  Each one, in turn, goes around picking and taking what he NEEDS to either feed him/herself and family, and to add to their garden that which is missing. This last Thursday was one such day and some ... Read Full Story >>

The Seven Wonders of Love

Love is the highest emotion in life. When one practices love, one can love the self first and from there the love flows to your most cherished life members, family members , forever friends, and extends to your neighbors, your community, strangers, your city, your country, your continent, and ultimately, the universe. Here is a love prescription, or rather a compilation of love exercises that I assembled which I hope can be a fruitful source of love generation for you:  The seven ways to love oneself are: 1. When you wake up in the morning,give yourself three loving compliments.  2. Before you go to sleep, think of three good things that happened to you that day.  3. When you brush your teeth in the morning, look into your    eyes and say, "I love you" and mean it.  4. During the day, pay attention to any subtle energy shifts     and ask your heart for guidance, when anything is off      balance.   5. Put ... Read Full Story >>

The Power of Anonymity

This past Friday I received an anonymous gift from someone and I really want to tell the person, whoever it was, thank you sooo much. I have no idea if this person is even on myspace, but I hope that my thanks somehow reaches him or her. Honestly, not only was the gift amazingly beautiful and touching, but it also reminded me that there are kind people in this world. These past few weeks have been the hardest days of my life and this small gift really gave me a lot of hope for this cruel, violent world. Usually when people give gifts they do it because they want to experience the joy that it brings the other person, the person who gave me my gift did not even get to see that from me and I think that shows what a truly amazing and genuine person this is. Thanks again, the ... Read Full Story >>

Paying a Mother's Bus Fare

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion."  ~Dalai Lama

I haven't been here for a couple of days because I have had exams. I was so so happy to come online this morning and find so many inpirational, beautiful stories that had been posted. I am so honored to be a part of this kindness quest.

I paid someone's bus fare last night on the bus home. The bus driver seemed very confused, but when i explained and handed the smile card over, he was happy to join in. I watched the face of the woman with two kids from under my sunglasses as the bus driver explained, and I know he must have added more of his own money, as I had only given him enough for one ticket, but he didn't make the kids pay either. I was worried that the woman wouldn't bother reading the smile card, but she did and she put it her purse to keep.

Hope everyone is having a happy and peaceful week xx

A Vaccination in Kindness!

For those of you having a rough week, I put together some bulleted list of thoughts of my own and a few from the sages of our past who can help inject you with some jolts of kindness this week!   The best thing we can do for ourselves and the people in our lives is to love them unconditionally, forgive them without reservation and to accept them exactly as they are.  Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.   It's not the load that breaks you down. It's the way you carry it. ~Lena Horne - American actress and singer   It's hard to beat a person who never gives up. ~Babe Ruth- Major League Baseball player   You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed ... Read Full Story >>

An Anonymous Wedding Gift

When my sister got married some time back, we were all excited.  After her honeymoon she invited me over to her house to help her unwrap the gifts and send some thank you notes to all the people that came to the wedding party.  As a side note, my sister works at Standard Bank in Malawi. Going through the gifts, we came across this precious exotic ice bucket in silver and gold.  I had never seen such a beautiful ice bucket.  Inside it was a note that read, "When I heard you were getting married, I asked around for the details and somehow managed to get here.  You might not know me but I know you.  I am a regular customer at Standard Bank and you helped me a lot when I was applying for a loan.  I will never forget what you did, God bless you.  -- Anonymous" When I showed my sister the note, she couldn't remember who the person ... Read Full Story >>

What about Tips from Tao?

I sometimes feel like I have spent the first half of my life struggling to get ahead and haven’t really gotten anywhere to speak of, though I do catch myself always in a hurry. I seem to not have time to talk because I have got an endless supply of "things to do." This persistent behavior made me really pay attention to this short  story that captures a few key life truths in a nutshell: “There was a man who disliked seeing his footprints and his shadow. He decided to escape from them and began to run, but as he ran along, more footprints appeared, while his shadow easily kept up with him. Thinking he must be going too slowly, he ran faster and faster without stopping, until he finally collapsed from exhaustion and died. If he had stood still, there would have been no footprints. If he had rested in the shade, his shadow would have disappeared.” As we ... Read Full Story >>

Unusual Opportunity to Help a Student

I've been really tied up recently helping my elderly parents out of a crisis and sorting out their house.  But sometimes unusual opportunities present themselves to you, which is what happened today. I was heading out of town on my way to a well-earned picnic in the countryside, waiting to turn across a stream of traffic into a side road, when I noticed out of the corner of my eye a pedestrian apparently crossing the road at an unexpected and rather dangerous place. The figure of a young woman eventually arrived at my passenger window in the middle of a two-lane road, looking distressed and pleading for a lift to a college in town, where she should have been taking an exam which had started 10 minutes earlier, having been let down by the bus. I gave her a lift and she eventually arrived 20 minutes late. It would probably have been ... Read Full Story >>

Cherish Life Today for Tomorrow May Never Come

  Let Me Be A Little Kinder Glen Campbell   Let me be a little kinder Let me be a little blinder To the faults of those about me Let me praise a little more Let me be when I am weary Just a little bit more cheery Think a little more of others And a little less of me Let me be a little braver When temptation bids me waver Let me strive a little harder To be all that I should be Let me be a little meeker With the brother that is weaker Let me think more of my neighbor And a little less of me Let me be when I am weary Just a little bit more cheery Let me serve a little better Those that I am strivin' for Let me be a little meeker With the brother that is weaker Think a little more of others And a little less of me   We attend a funeral service planned for Danny at 2pm on Friday.   ~ModestoBob     Last week, two days before Father’s Day, a close personal ... Read Full Story >>