Teaching My Daughter To Give And Receive With Grace
n the UK in recent years there is a fashion of giving children party bags at birthday parties to thank them for coming. I always found it a waste of money for those who have to buy them and a nightmare for those who receive them because it usually is just a small bag filled with sweets and tiny toys that end up in the vacum cleaner. Four years ago I decided to use the money that would have been spent on party bags on something more useful. I donated teddy bears to children in need. And this year, I donated money to a charity that provides clean water for people in Malawi. It makes me smile to think that 15 people are going to have clean water for 1 year, that wouldn't otherwise have had access. I also sent a package w
- Posted by Bluebell
- May 29, 2011
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Finding My First Smile (Card) This Week
t was a Wednesday night, four days after my grandfathers birthday which he was not able to celebrate since he had died five days before. I was struggling with his death and was acting like he wasn't even gone. In addition to that, I was having a hard time because I was missing my sister who had been living with me until a month ago, before she decided to move in with her father. At first I was okay with the decision because she was a pain but soon after I missed her. This wednesday happened to be the Wednesday when I started a new job and I had been texting my sister about it. She called me a little bit before work and sounded really upset, she said she had gotten off the phone with our grandma and that I needed to call her. I had been avoiding it. I hadn't call
- Posted by misschievious
- Jun 15, 2011
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Good Luck Stones
n New year's day in China, I went to town to book my daughter's birthday party and stopped at the council (they have a lovely coffee shop) for a coffee. The view was lovely and the weather was just perfect a cold winter day but with a lovely blue sky and the sun shining that was warm and almost a promise of Spring. On my way out I left 2 stones with the words "good luck" written on them and some smile cards for people to find. I hope they will put a smile on the face of the person who finds them.
- Posted by Bluebell
- Oct 23, 2011
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Remembering Richard
in to the God-damned trash. I do not want one single ash to remain on this earth that I ever existed. When they asked me if I wanted an obituary, I said 'No, no no!'. I don't want any memory of me left on this earth. Of all my children, I am concerned that one has not ever wanted to contact me or have anything to do with me until now. They have never reached out to me on my birthday or holidays and could give a damn about me. Their sister on the other hand, never forgets; she sent me those flowers over there. I shall call the one when I am able to sit up in a chair and be comfortable. I do not want to lie in this bed and talk to them. Now I don't worry about the boys as much but my oldest, well, he had it the hardest. See, you ha
- Posted by reachnout
- Oct 21, 2011
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When My Daughter Was Born
who kept me company from 16.30 in to 23.00 at night. Due to the shortage of personel, I had to stay with my baby daughter in the corridor of the hospital just outside the bunch of the rooms where women give birth. I can't forget the endless patience and efforts of my friends and family to keep me in good spirits for all those hours. To me, this day is a celebration of my daughter's birthday and a celebration of the most beautiful friendship in times of need. They must have done a fantastic job because I don't remember being bored or annoyed while we waited all those hours! This year I am going to write a thank you letter to each of them for being there for me.
- Posted by Bluebell
- Dec 19, 2011
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A Secret Handshake Puts It Right
Yesterday was my step-mom’s birthday. I haven’t been home in a long time so I wanted to stop by the house to see her on this special day. I have been struggling financially so I was dreading the long trip. Gas is so expensive nowadays! Anyway, I filled my tank with gas and set off. I stopped at the shopping mall and found a present. It was the perfect gift and I knew she would love it. But when I got to the cashier my card was declined! I did not have enough money in my account to pay for the gift! So I pondered the issue for a few minutes. I could put it back and get something cheaper, but I knew there was nothing else in the store she would have liked as much. So, I got on my smart-phone and transferred s
- Posted by hasifa
- Feb 7, 2012
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Moments Of Pure Joy From My Weekend -
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 s
- Posted by cabbage
- Mar 29, 2012
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Kindness As Easy As Apple Pie
At work we have a luncheon each month to celebrate the birthdays of the people who were born that month. We take turns supplying the lunch and desserts. It was not my turn to supply anything for August, but I wanted to contribute. I have a new boss and she is allergic to chocolate. (I know, I wonder how can she live without chocolate in her life?) Anyway, I wanted to make sure that she was able to eat dessert because August was her birthday month and she was new. I stopped at the store and bought an apple pie to add to the dessert menu! Little things mean a lot! I'd say that act of kindness was as easy as pie...
- Posted by Aurelia
- May 8, 2012
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Birthday Acts Of Kindness
read a post by Bluebell saying she was going to do some extra random acts of kindness during September, her birth-month. I’m in too! On Saturday I volunteered at a rest home for a few hours. Every Saturday a group of my friends and I go around to the rest home and sit and talk with all the people there. It is amazing at what a difference you can make to someone’s day just by taking the time to sit with someone who is sick and listen to them and talk with them. They love you talking to them and as youth taking a real interest in them. During September, I'm going to go around to the rest home and spend time with the old people every Saturday. I also left a bright and happy thank you card and smile card for the cleaner who comes to clean my room every few day
- Posted by Jacinda
- May 8, 2012
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A Cake A Day
I have just realized that this month, on average, I must have baked a cake a day! I love cooking and baking for family, friends and colleagues. There is some kind of magic about cooking for others and it makes my heart smile. Tonight I went to a friend's home to deliver more cakes because it was their birthday. On the way back I was feeling so happy for seeing my friend's face when I gave the cakes. The phrase that just filled my mind was, "How can I serve more?" I had to buy some juice for my husband so I went to the local supermarket. When I was paying I realized the young man in front of me was short of cash for his shopping. So I asked how much he needed and I paid the difference. It felt great to be of assistance!
- Posted by Bluebell
- Sep 10, 2012
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Kindness At The Pharmacy
Today is a difficult one. It is my Dad's birthday. He passed away last July from cancer. I so dreaded this day. My husband and I picked up my Dad's sister, who was also just diagnosed with cancer. We took her out to breakfast. She told us that earlier in the week, she had tried to get a prescription filled before starting chemotherapy. She couldn't afford to pay for it, so we decided to stop at a drug store and ask if there was a generic form of the medication that was less expensive. I went inside and began talking to the pharmacist. I was alone at the counter when a women walked up and interrupted: "Excuse me," she said, "I would like to pay for that." She asked how much it was, and placed the money on the counter. I couldn'
- Posted by crosby2126
- Sep 22, 2012
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Sister Saturday
happy to hear they were visiting for the holidays. I took her for some ice cream, strolled around town, raced (and let her win,) carried her, watched her write her name in a note book and watched the ending of a wedding together. It was nice to have had some time to bond with her - and we look so much alike! I also surprised her with an early birthday gift. Boy, she couldn't wait to get home and open it! Her mom sent photos and said she loved it! I'm happy and glad I could spend time with my little sis!
- Posted by princessliz
- Apr 2, 2013
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Knitting A Friendship
I filled it with yarn from my stash and crochet project cards, then placed everything inside along with a Smile card. I waited for her to arrive at the next meeting and, sure enough, she arrived carrying her paper shopping bag. I went over quietly and handed her the new bag saying that I found it in my closet and thought of her. She was so happy and kept saying, "But it's not my birthday!" I was glad I was able to see her reaction since normally when I tag someone I don't get to see the look on their face. It was a good moment for both of us!
- Posted by cinnamonhead
- Sep 19, 2013
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A Week Of First Grade Kindness
nbsp; I teach first graders and want to share about a big kindness activity we did earlier this year. From Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday (Jan. 16) until the 100th day of school two weeks later, students performed and recorded 100 acts of kindness. These acts were collected on small hearts and organized in the shape of a huge 100. The kids worked SO hard to share kindness with each other both at home and at school and parent feedback and support was incredible! That was also the start of my HUGE kindness project. Random Acts of Kindness Week started February 11th, but our preparations started weeks before: We wrote letters, decorating cards and planning for a great week of sharing kindness within and outside of the sc
- Posted by kidzfirst
- May 16, 2013
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Give, Receive, Pay-It-Forward :)
that thank you in return. This year has been different. Maybe age has made me wiser. Maybe it's softened me. Part of it is this website. Since joining this site in January, I've done acts of kindness in a more mysterious, secretive way, without expecting a "Thank you" of any kind and finding comfort and peace in that. :) When I did my 46 not-so-random acts of kindness for my birthday this month, I did so with the intent of not receiving any comments, "Thank you", or feedback. The next day I was quite content just knowing that I'd touched more than 40 people, even though I didn't see much of it happen, nor would I know how those people felt or reacted. Then it happened - people started reaching out and thanking me. The friend I had s
- Posted by kidzfirst
- Aug 2, 2013
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Gifts, Cakes, Love Letters And Coffee
eeks go by so fast that sometimes it can be difficult to keep track of everything that has happened. This week, the girl I have been tutoring had her last exam. To celebrate, I gave her a farewell present, and baked a cake for her mother and for her mother's best friend who I have never met. Later, one of my beautiful companions from the Service Space community had his birthday, and on his behalf I composed six letters of universal love, sent a gift to a friend who has been feeling under the weather and bought coffee for a stranger. Towards the end of the week, I made a list of ideas to help a friend expand her business, and listened to someone who needed a listening ear. Tonight, I will make the time to listen to another friend who is going through some tough life challen
- Posted by Bluebell
- Oct 17, 2013
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Book-marking The Anniversary
am an artist amongst other things. Wherever I go I always feel the urge to brighten the world up through color and art. Last year I donated more than eighty hand-drawn and laminated bookmarks for my local library to do with as they wished. They ended up selling them for $.50 each to help with library funding. This year the library is celebrating it's 150th birthday, and I am drawing like crazy to make another donation before the big event. This morning I counted thirty-three done, and I'm not even nearly finished yet!
- Posted by joyannie
- Oct 18, 2013
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Forty Fantastic Minutes On The Phone
her life. In exchange for my time she gifted me with her adorable stories and sense of humor. She says the cutest things that always surprise me and cause me to laugh out loud! As our conversation began, she was a bit out of breath as she had been busy pretending she to be an octopus jumping around on an "obstacle course" of pillows. After that she told me about her friend's birthday party, which included a dalmatian cake, chocolate ice cream, and sand art! Then there was the most recent fort she'd built, with layers and layers of blankets to make it extra dark! Then there were stories about her new little brother (who has learned how to make some funny new faces,) cute animals she's seen recently (3 dogs and 1 cat,) and, of course, the weather!
- Posted by starryskies
- Dec 7, 2013
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Balloons For Mom
ednesday would have been my mom's 67th birthday. She was an activity director at a nursing home. In her memory, I bought two dozen blue balloons (her favorite color) and took them to a local nursing home where I took them around and gave them to residents. With my 2.5 year old son in tow, we went around tying them to wheelchairs, invoking smiles and sparking conversation. The director of the place asked for my info because she was so touched! It really brought a little light to the place :)
- Posted by pinksmoochies
- Jan 6, 2014
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Traveling Kindness Notes
So for the next month, I would randomly pull out a smile-inducing sticky note when looking to grab a pen or some chapstick. I ended up sticking all these notes on the wall next to my bed, as a daily reminder of the tremendous joy that can spring forth from such a small gesture of love. Today, two months later, I wanted to spread some kindness around my neighborhood in honor of an elder's birthday. He's someone who has given so much to many people-- family, friends, and strangers-- and I thought that there's no gift I could give that'd be better than a small act of kindness. While trying to decide what kindness mischief to perform, I noticed the collage of inspiring sticky notes on my wall. It was perfect! I grabbed a stack of them and walked around my neighb
- Posted by smileswithhope
- Jan 16, 2014
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52 Gifts For 52 Years
oday is my 52nd birthday and it just so happens that there are 52 students in the little school where I teach. So I was inspired to give a gift to each of the students in the school to celebrate that "52" connection. I took a brand new deck of playing cards and with some help from my daughter last night we made a playing card bookmark for every student in the school by adding a bead and a red ribbon to each card. Coincidentally I have 13 students in my class so they will each get one of the hearts. I can't wait to share these as part of my special day :)
- Posted by jcdery
- Jan 22, 2014
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Not Forgotten
esterday was the birthday of a college friend of mine who passed away ten years ago to liver cancer. I took a moment to write a letter to her sister reminding her that my friend was not forgotten and that she and I had enjoyed a wonderful friendship during our college years. Though her life was relatively short, I wanted her sister to know how much she had given to me and the legacy she left.
- Posted by bleibyog
- Jan 27, 2014
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Beautiful Girl - Beautiful Father
family. "I try to really showcase the person for who they are and not the illness," she told The Huffington Post during a phone conversation Tuesday afternoon. Villatoro went to Jim and Grace's home for a shoot and offered to do one with their young daughter, Josie. After she left, she posted about the family on her website to get gift donations for the girl to help make her last birthday with her father a memorable one. But she decided to take the surprise one step further and dreamed up the idea of a wedding for the girl -- complete with flowers, desserts, a promise ring and a dress from L.A. Fashion Week -- so that her father could walk her down the aisle.” For today, appreciate those you love. Give them lots of hugs and be grateful they are in your life
- Posted by kperrine@po-box.esu.edu
- Apr 2, 2014
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Singing Kindness
oday, I went downtown to play music with my new singing friend. We sang songs we have not practiced, and though I was nervous, it felt so good, I kept singing. At the end, a woman who had been close, thanked me. She said her dad passed a few years back and today was his birthday. Every year on this day, she walks around open to whatever needs to happen. This time, she said, it was us. I did not realize I was being kind to anyone. She told us, weepy eyed, that us sharing our voices was an amazing gift. She thanked me saying I had really given her something by choosing to sing for everyone to hear. I was just doing what I love! Thank you for this beautiful affirmation - I feel so gifted. This was everything I needed to hear.
- Posted by amneaves
- Apr 12, 2014
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Tuesday's Kindness Report
to the woman who lives under a bridge near her home. I didn't see the lady who would give it to her, but I have the bag ready-to-go in car for when I do meet up with her. Then, while running some errands, I chatted up with the clerks at Trader Joe's. It was nice to have some laughter and good conversation. After that, I swung by the bank. I had been to the bank about six weeks ago, on my birthday, and the new teller remembered and asked how my day had been. We ended up chatting about kindness, and I shared the KindSpring site with her. :) Next, at Whole Foods, I ended up getting into some nice conversations with several customers and clerks. Finally, when I arrived back at home, three neighbors were around and smiling wide, happy to see me. They stayed and chatted fo
- Posted by jomartin87112
- Nov 4, 2014
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Carnelian For Clarity
made a lovely pair of faceted carnelian earrings with 14k goldfill wire spirals and popped it into a mailer with a birthday card to mail it off to someone who will never ever expect it. She's a lovely young woman with much heart and strength. I gift my earrings constantly and donate them for fundraising auctions etc. My personal goal is to give a pair to every powerful wonderful beautiful woman I know.
- Posted by tsukid
- Nov 8, 2014
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A Celebration With A Cause
version of a celebration? Asking for donations of warm socks, hats. gloves, etc. and books. Why? Because she, along with friends (including me!) and family, traveledl to Cleveland OH where her daughter attends school at CSU. There we all met up and distributed the items to homeless folks near campus and the books, etc. to children in homeless shelters. I am so blessed to have been a part of this birthday "celebration" and look forward to helping many more times, in many more ways!
- Posted by purplecola
- Dec 18, 2014
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Gratitude Practice
can never repay my childhood friend who helped me pack after I had major strokes in the middle of moving two states away. She also bought food, cooked during that time. She was my first visitor in my new home. Her family took my husband out to celebrate his 70th birthday. This gratitude practice helps me remember these things and look at how I can pay this forward.
- Posted by peekabooboop
- Apr 17, 2015
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Seeing Someone. Paying Attention For A Change.
his was on Thursday. I was driving to visit my brother for his birthday and I had to stop and wait because the utility guys were blocking the road. As I waited this woman went walking past with a cane and looking sore and tired. So when I got to her I stopped and asked if she wanted a ride. "You don't know me"." Well ", I said. "I have been having to walk with a cane and if I had to go very far, I'd be sore and tired in a hurry. So, hop in and I will take where you need to go." She did and it was even on my way I was going. I'm glad I had to stop and wait. Gave me a chance to really SEE her. So I thank the. utility guys for the chance to be kind. And I had a great time with my brother when I got there too.
- Posted by janelle.ford170
- Jul 25, 2015
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Everyday Stuff
i, My name is Max. I'm 10 years old. I was at an amusement park for a birthday party today, and I found an iPhone on the ground next to a videogame. I gave it to a person who worked there. I feel like I did the right thing.
- Posted by kristinjerger
- Aug 9, 2015
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