Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A Phone Call Every Third Wednesday

In my town in South Asia, every third Wednesday there is a electric shut down from 9AM to 6PM.

Even thought we all knew about it, many of us would forget and not make the adjustments necessary to pull on without a day of electricity.

Well, one of our neighbors had this habit -- he used to call everyone at 7AM to remind us about the power shut down so that we can get things done before the 9AM deadline.

How kind he has been, all these years!  Sometimes it is the simplest things in life that touch the soul.

3608 Reads

A Poster In My Room

Sometimes help comes from the most expected places.  I have this poster in my room, with the title 'Don't Quit': When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As everyone of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don't give up, though the pace seems slow - You might succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than It seems to a faint and faltering man, Often the struggler has given up When he might have captured the victor's cup. And he learned too late, when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside ... Read Full Story >>

2178 Reads

She Has Beautiful Eyes

Being a parent is so rewarding at times, but can also be so heart breaking.  When our children are young, it's so  easy to show them what we feel is right from wrong, but as they get older they start to make up their own mind.  Some grow up into ideal sons and daughters, but you can't always expect that. When my daughter drinks, she becomes someone I can't recognize -- angry, argumentative, abusive, and many other adjectives that would not be complementary to her.  She becomes an alcoholic, not the real person underneath the drink.  The real person is kind, loving, caring, a heart of gold. Over time, I've learned that she has low self esteem, and she perceives herself differently than what others see.  So the other day, I told her that what "beautiful eyes" she has, amongst other attributes. Isn't it interesting that the eyes we sometimes see through, and the ... Read Full Story >>

2308 Reads

Why Do You Share?

A reporter once asked a farmer to divulge the secret behind his corn, which won the state fair contest year after year. The farmer confessed it was all because he shared his seed with his neighbors.

"Why do you share your best seed corn with your neighbors when you're entering the same contest each year?" asked the reporter.

"Why sir," said the farmer, "Didn't you know?  The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field.  If my neighbors grew inferior corn, cross-pollination would steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbor do the same."

And so it is with other situations in our lives. Those who want to be successful must help their neighbors, friends, relatives to be successful.

Those who choose to live well must help others live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

7010 Reads

The Gift of Dying Well

This week I went to a memorial service for a friend who died of lung cancer.  My friend had lung cancer for a year and a half.  It is not a fun way to leave the earth.  When Maggie found out she had cancer she was very open and wanted to let her family and friends know what was happening.  There was an outpouring of cards and calls and visits.  Maggie had a great spirit and was someone who loved to learn.  She loved The Catholic church, she loved the Buddhist philosophy and the the native view of life. She loved them all.  She took part in  circles and wanted everyone to be friends.  Not alway easy.  Because she needed help and asked for help (how hard that was for her) her friends came together around her.  We cleaned her house, cooked, did what needed to be done and we ... Read Full Story >>

2264 Reads

Daniel Hilcke's Bike

This is a story I read that is so touching and warm that I just had to share it with all of you. Hope it makes your day as it has made mine. :) Hello, my name is Daniel Hilcke. One day I was riding home from church, and I saw a young child that was crying; his bicycle had just been run over by a car, and the car had sped away. I remembered the pay it forward idea, and decided to give him my bike, which i just got for ... Read Full Story >>

2124 Reads

White Box For A Road Construction Crew

Road crews are always out working, especially in the summer months.  While most of us groan when seeing the signs that say, "Road Work Ahead" or  "Be Prepared to Stop",  I saw someone use the opportunity to initiate a random act of kindness.

The stretch of of road I was traveling was under construction all summer, and this driver seemed to fit the "daily commuter" profile.  On this particular morning, as he slowly advanced from one flagger to the next, he stopped and handed them a white bakery box and a to-go style cup of what I guessed to be coffee or hot cocoa. 

Being a few cards behind this driver, I got to see first hand the reaction of the road crew workers as they enjoyed the unexpected treat and kindness.  What they usually get to see are the grumpy faces of drivers who didn't plan ahead and now find themselves possibly being late to wherever they're headed.  But here they were, feeling like a million bucks.

And all it took was a little pre-planning and a few  dollars!

3548 Reads

The Man Who Planted Trees

In order for the character of a human being to reveal truly exceptional qualities, we must have the good fortune to observe its action over a long period of years. If this action is devoid of all selfishness, if the idea that directs it is one of unqualified generosity, if it is absolutely certain that it has not sought recompense anywhere, and if moreover it has left visible marks on the world, then we are unquestionably dealing with an unforgettable character. About forty years ago I went on a long hike, through hills absolutely unknown to tourists, in that very old region where the Alps penetrate into Provence. This region is bounded to the south-east and south by the middle course of the Durance, between Sisteron and Mirabeau; to the north by the upper course of the Drôme, from its source down to Die; to the west by the plains of Comtat ... Read Full Story >>

34.2K Reads
  • Posted by Jean Giono
  • Dec 18, 2007
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Seven Questions on Giving Time

How can giving time be more powerful than spending money?  Below are seven questions of an interview with Nipun Mehta in Healing Life Styles and Spa Magazine: 1.      How is spending time on gifts more beneficial than spending money? In the moment when we spend money for others, there is the deep joy of expressing gratitude, of imagining the recipient's delight and of silently recognizing our interconnection.  It's beautiful.  Yet, it only lasts for that moment.  Instead, when you give time and allow yourself space to experience the process, you witness a long series of those joyous moments.  If spending money is generosity, spending time is like generosity on steroids. :) 2.      Can you please provide some examples of how to spend time? How are these just as rewarding (if not more rewarding) as purchasing a gift? The minute my mom gets invited to a baby-shower, she'll start knitting ... Read Full Story >>

6972 Reads

A Paper Clip Angel

My daughter is in her final year of high school. With her friends, she faces many exams and the finishing touches to enormous assignments.

Seeing a lot of them feeling the stress, I decided to 'lighten' their load, a little. I made each of them a 'study buddy': a paper clip angel with a message.

Interestingly, I had many tentatively approach me, awkwardly 'enquiring' how they might acquire one. I was amused when two 18 year old boys, came to me saying, "Miss they have pretties," pointing towards some of the students, lined up to enter their exams.

As a teacher/mother, I am fortunate enough to have a good rapport with these beautiful young people, and was heartened when, at the end of an exam, some of the students excitedly told me that they were allowed to keep their 'angels' on their desk in the exam. I wish them well for the future.

5490 Reads
  • Posted by MarvelousMoth
  • Dec 15, 2007
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Instant Pay It Forward!

We drove over to a friend's place to load up our car with boxes full of books. After driving a short distance, my husband realized that our rear tire was flat! After some labor to set up the tire change, I went over to the garage sale next door for some entertainment -- a teenager was doing tricks on a short bike in their yard. He was really good. While watching him, something caught my eye -- a beautiful blue painting with lots of fish and dolphins. "My little son would love that," I thought, considering that he had just seen dolphins in Sea World. Seeing my interest, the lady said, "A dollar for that."  I looked at it again.  It was surely worth more to me.  So I gave her the two dollars I had and when she was surprised, I told her the buck would travel farther if she wants ... Read Full Story >>

10.7K Reads

A Happy Home For Kids

I used to run a day care in my home.

Most of my parents were single or they were struggling to just pay the bills. So I watched their children for whatever they could pay me. Sometimes that is just R50 a month. Sometimes more. There were even been times when they could not pay at all. But with me watching the kids they could keep their jobs and that meant a roof over the children's heads and food on the table for them.

In return, I got lots of love from the kids and thanks from the parents. I loved all the kids and took care of them like I did my own.

That was my part in helping to do small acts of kindness --  my happy home full of kids!

2116 Reads

Dont Worry Be Happy

This is one of the happiest songs I have ever heard -- Bobby McFerrin's Don't Worry, Be Happy.  Every time I'm down, I listen to this and I wanna share my happiness with you all.  Here's the video and below it are the lyrics to the song: Don't Worry, Be Happy Performed by Bobby McFerrin Here is a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note Don't worry be happy In every life we have some trouble When you worry you make it double Don't worry, be happy...... Ain't got no place to lay your head Somebody came and took your bed Don't worry, be happy The land lord say your rent is late He may have to litigate Don't worry, be happy Lood at me I am happy Don't worry, be happy Here I give you my phone number When you worry call me I make ... Read Full Story >>

5619 Reads

The Casual Day

My daughter goes to a special needs school and every year they are involved with Casual Day.  This year I helped the school sell approximately 9000 tickets, with all my contacts, friends and family.

The smiles of appreciation, the children's laughter, the rewards .... enormous.

Today I decided my daughter had to look special on this special day ... I stuck gorgeous star stickers all over her face and put a T-shirt on her that says, "I may not be a STAR right now but I will be someday!"

The theme today is "Be a Star".  She is a star today, my star, my special, loving,gorgeous, angel child.

Here's to you today Brittany! We love you in unmeasurable quantities!

1752 Reads

Proper Attire For A Stranger

My friend Robert started a new job this week and he's been in training class for two days.  The employer has a very strict dress code --- dark blue shirts and khaki pants. On the first day, an older gentleman in his class did not have the proper attire and he was sternly told that he would be dismissed if he didn't have the right attire the next day.   He explained, "Sir, I had not been told about this.  Because of my larger size, it's sometimes difficult to find the right clothing for a price I can afford." Last night, Robert and I decided that this old man shouldn't lose his job simply because he couldn't afford the clothes.  I had some cash on hand at home and  Robert  took it with him this morning just in case it was needed. When training started this morning, the trainer was ready to fire ... Read Full Story >>

15.9K Reads

Ti Kanis?

As I was walking down the frozen aisle section of our grocery store, a little old lady comes up to me.  There was  no one around so she asks me softly, "Do you shop here often? Do you mind if I ask you something?"  I said, "Sure."  "Well, I am looking for the frozen pastry sheets and I cannot seem to find them".  Aha, I told her to follow me as I took her down to the frozen desserts aisle.  On the way, she told me that she did not want to impose but there is no way that  I was going to leave little old lady wandering on her own -- supermarkets can often feel overwhelming! As we walked, to make small talk, I asked her what she was going to do with it and she replied that she was Greek and that her grandson is on leave from the military ... Read Full Story >>

4285 Reads

A Newborn At My Doorstep

Nearly 6 years ago, a little boy was brought to me to look after in my day care.  He was a mere two days old.  After being with me for some 3 months, we realized that the "Mother" has disappeared, leaving this helpless little boy.

I could not get it over my heart to leave this child to his own defenses and decided to adopt him.  We come from different backgrounds and cultures, but I was will to endure everything in order to love this child unconditionally.

I adopted him and am proud to say that he is today a real blessing in my life!

4111 Reads

A Terrible Ex In Need

So, I have a boyfriend of two years. We live together and love each other. We try to help people as much as we can, and he is a really good guy. Sometimes too nice, because often, his kindness is only repaid with bad things from those he tried to help. A few days ago my ex boyfriend showed up. A little background on him: I am the only person in the world who sees an ounce of good in him!  And even I probably shouldn't. But what can I say, first love etc. etc. So he shows up at my house. His girlfriend just dumped him and he's sad. On top of being dumped, his parents kick him out. I offer to let him stay the night in our spare room (after asking my boyfriend if he minds of course) and X did. I go to work the next day leaving the ... Read Full Story >>

2242 Reads

A 'Grave' Situation

On my way into the city of Orillia today, the sun was shining bright.  It was a very hot, gorgeous day.  For me, it wasn't a very easy morning, but everything was falling into place and I felt good. Just then, I noticed some peculiar activity in a small graveyard just off the road.  As I got closer, I noticed that an elderly man was attempting to pick something up.  With a car parked on the small laneway in the graveyard, he was crouching beside one of the gravestones.  Upon closer inspection, it was clear that he was sobbing. After all that had gone on so far in my day, it was time to give something back.  I pulled into the small graveyard behind the lone car that was parked.  As I approached the fellow, I called out to ask if everything was ok. I noticed then what the fellow was trying to ... Read Full Story >>

4898 Reads

Saying Grace In A Restaurant

Last  week, I took my children to a restaurant.  My  six-year-old son asked if he could say  grace.  As  we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!" Along with the laughter from  the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!" Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the  table. He  winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great  ... Read Full Story >>

8072 Reads