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Being Alive and Well Fed

This morning I asked myself a question: ‘What does being alive mean to me?’. The question eventually led me to this moment now. Well, isn’t it only to be in the now to be alive, anyways? Well, at this particular moment-right now - being alive means sharing the abundance of kindness in a story. Two years ago, I was hitchhiking and a friendly man in his mid-sixties pulled over. Curt was brimming over with stories spiced with his joy for living. My journey to the chiropractor didn’t take it’s usual 3 or so rides.  Curt altered his route to drop me off directly in front of the office 45 minutes later. During the ride, I learned that Curt was just dropping off a van-load of free food for people in my small town.  He did this weekly just because "It is so fun to bring people food which otherwise would have gone ... Read Full Story >>

Popcorn Kindness at the Dentist's Office

Waited for the gal at the front desk at our dentist to walk away and quickly put this bag of assorted mini-bags of popcorn, with a peace dove inside & a smile card outside, on her desk. I was still sitting in the waiting room when she returned & found it. She smiled & looked at me. I acted totally innocent :)))))

When My Daughter Was Born

Exactly 10 years ago I gave birth to a little girl, now turning a big girl.

The day my daughter was born I was blessed with the company of my husband and 3 friends 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.

A Time for Kindness at KFC

Last summer, I was visiting my Dad in Texas.  One particular day, since he had already had lunch, he told me to go get something to eat.   I ventured out, found a KFC and got something warm at a good price.     While I was there enjoying my lunch a young man with a bottle of window spray, a squeegee and a backpack arrived. He must have known the people there because he waved, showed his water bottle, and filled it up.    I was wondering about him as he turned and smiled at me. He came over and asked if he could clean the windows of my van. At first I said "No" but then I had second thoughts. I knew he could use a tip so I told him it would be a good idea.     I finished my meal and got to the van as the young man was finishing with the ... Read Full Story >>

Serving Others, Serving Myself

Today I a conversation some homeless individuals, like myself, and  and told them that I am in the process of getting a grant to start up a small buisness.   I got a lot of "yeah rights"and paper balls tossed at me but I decided to keep talking about my idea.  I explained what I was going to do with the money and that I plan on hiring homeless people only. When I said that,  I got all of their attention.  I let them know that I would like to hire all of them but I will only be allowed to hire a few people at a time.   I handed out applications to all that wanted to fill one out. I got about 65 back so far!  In a few weeks I should get the grant and I will be helping to get myself and others off the streets and back into the ... Read Full Story >>

I Saved A Life ...

I Saved A Life By Shoveling .................................................By A Friend • January 21, 2019 My neighbor is a paramedic, him and his wife are some of the nicest people I have ever met. A few years back we started this sort of "favour war" where one of us would do something for the other, such as shovel their driveway or help them build a shed, and next time the other would try to top it with another favour. Yesterday morning there was maybe 2 or 3 feet of snow on the ground (we live in a northern Ontario town so this is typical) and I remembered he shovelled my driveway for me last snowfall. So I bust out my shovel and take care of both our sidewalks and driveways because it was my turn to do a favour back. It takes a while but I finish and get into my car for work. ... Read Full Story >>

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 >>

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 >>

A Double Act of Kindness

I had the opportunity to help two people today.

A young lady had parked her car in a no parking zone near the Anna Nagar roundabout in Chennai, India.  She was upset and was anxiously asking people what to do because the wheel of her car had been locked with a special lock so that she could not drive it. 

She would have to pay a fine to get the lock removed but she seemed to be very scared of dealing with the police.  I accompanied her to a police van parked a little way away and dealt with the police officer on her behalf.  I paid the fine of Rs.150 on her behalf and she reimbursed me later.  She was so relieved to be able to drive her car off again and thanked me several times. 

Later during the day, I came across a young poor couple who were trying to deposit a check at the bank where I have an account.  They had been given a check for Rs. 6,000 by the government which is given to new mothers.  They appeared confused and were unable to fill out the forms.  I helped them with that I hope I eased some of their confusion. 
 

Taking the Extra Step to 'Pay-it-Forward'

I wanted to do a random act of kindness for my friend’s birthday, so on Friday I went to Walmart to carry out my gift to her because I think people who shop there do so to save money and could use a gift. My gift in honor of her birthday is a birthday cake!  I selected a cupcake birthday cake for which the recipient of the gift can pick any design they wish. My plan is for the next person who walks up to the bakery counter to purchase a cake to be told that someone has anonymously paid for their cake, and for them to then receive the receipt along with my handwritten message explaining the gift along with a Smile Card attached. It took some doing/convincing!  I had to speak to 2 members of the management and make 2 trips to the store.  I was turned down the first time ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness Cookies From A Conference

I'm attending a conference at a hotel this week. The hotel provides a continental breakfast as well as an afternoon snack selection.  When our session ended today I noticed there were still some cookies left. Knowing that the way home would take me through an area where there are homeless people I was inspired to pack up some of the extra cookies in napkins and take them with me to give away.     Granted, cookies are not the healthiest food but they are an indulgence I imagine few homeless people get to enjoy. And these cookies were really good!   I gave two to a homeless gentlemen, left two neatly wrapped on top of a container in another public place where I often see homeless people, and have two more with me to give away on the way back in tomorrow.   It's an idea you might consider if you happen to be staying at a ... Read Full Story >>

Passport To Europe

Someone I work with was asked to go to Europe to sing with her church choir! 

Kind Words Calm Mother and Child

One day I was shopping with my child after work to pick up supplies needed for an employee celebration. I was exhausted and wanted to get in and out quickly.

My child was tired and cranky and wanted out of the shopping cart. She was grabbing for every item we passed. I was losing my patience and temper when an elderly woman came over to us. She took my child's hand, and said, "what a lovely child."

My little girl was quiet immediately. The woman looked at me. She had an angelic smile and then said, "They are so wonderful at this age." At once I felt peaceful and in control of the situation.

After she walked away, I found a snack that pleased us and we had a pleasant shopping trip. That one moment of someone reminding me what a treasure I had turned my whole attitude around and made my shopping trip so much easier.

Free To Me - A Gift To Them

Six months ago I joined an online couponing/saving website. They post a lot of free samples of products, coupons and some instant-win and other sweepstakes!   I try to enter these sweepstakes as often as possible.   Well! I won a $50 giftcard to Olive Garden recently. Instead of keeping it for myself I sent it, anonymously,  to a couple I know where the husband has been off work due to health problems. So, I know money has been tight and I know a night out would be a real treat for them.   Neither one knew it was me but the wife posted on her Facebook page that, "An angel sent me and my husband a gift-card in the mail today. I dont know who it was but they probably didnt know our ten year anniversary is coming up and now we can afford to go have a nice meal. So, thanks!"   This is something I ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness Is The Medicine

One of my co-workers was recently stressed because his wife is struggling through a period of severe depression triggered by a rebounding of bodily pain from fibromyalgia.  She's also been on furlough from work for a number of years, and doesn't get much opportunity to maintain social ties and a sense of purpose which are often so essential and deeply nourishing.  After listening to him unload his burdens, I decided to do something small to support him and his wife. I don't know his wife very well at all, but wanted to express some warmth and kindness to her, since it so often feels like the universal balm to soothe every ailment. I found out that, like most people, she loves receiving handwritten mail.  So I purchased a card and wrote the following message to her: Dear Nxxxx, I want you to know that you have something very unique and beautiful to offer the ... Read Full Story >>

Letters Of Appreciation

I recently wrote two letter of appreciation. One was to a vehicle rental company and the other was to a vehicle dealership. Both companies treated me with a lot of respect and made me feel like a person of value. They were very professional and caring. 

I wrote long letters of appreciation mentioning all the employees and the wonderful jobs the were doing to their bosses. I made sure I left the letters open so the employees could read them first. 
 
I feel when employees are kind and treat people the way I have been treated the deserve to be told what a good job they are doing. This will, hopefully, continue to motivate them to keep being the good people they are and encourage them to be the best they can be. 
 
A little appreciation goes a long way. I appreciate all they have done. Lets all continue to motivate each other to be kind loving people!
 

Dubai Market

A few of us friends got together for a random acts of kindness event at a flea market in Dubai. 

We collected items from our homes, our neighbors, and our friends, which could make good gifts. Then we put up a bright and chirpy stall at the market, put all our gifts on display, and took a lot of people by surprise! 

We had a gratitude board too, where people pinned up their answers to the question, "What are you grateful for?" 

And we had a basket full of kindness ideas for people to pick up and, hopefully, put into practice!

It was a beautiful, beautiful day!

Top Ten Kindness Stories of 2012, Story #10 - 8 Things To Do Every Day That Will Make You Happier

1) Thank someone First thing in the morning, send an email thanking or praising someone. Research shows this can brighten your day.   2) Spend money — on someone else Harvard professor Michael Norton, author of Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending, explains how spending money on other people can generate more happiness than spending on yourself: 3) Give 5 hugs People assigned to give or receive hugs 5 times a day ended up happier than the control group. From Sonja Lyubomirsky’s very interesting book, The How of Happiness: In a one-of-a-kind study, students at Pennsylvania State University were assigned to two groups. The first group was instructed to give or receive a minimum of five hugs per day over the course of four weeks and to record the details. The hugs had to be front-to-front (nonsexual) hugs, using both arms of both participants; however, the length and strength of hug, as well as the placement of hands, were left ... Read Full Story >>

Making Sure to Thank the Referees

I spent my Saturday at the basketball court watching all three of our kids play their games.  My older two had playoffs as they worked to be in the championship game.  During the third game of the day I commented to my husband that these playoff games were getting a little overly rough and competitive and it was making me nervous. As my son's game continued, the fans around us starting making light-hearted comments about the refs' calls - or lack of.  These were the same ref's my son's team has had all season and I think they are a GREAT pair - which I said often during the game.  The refs had a sense of humor and grinned and nodded as the comments continued to come. It was an intense and physical game and I was cheering loudly!  It was a tight game to the end, but my son's team did end ... Read Full Story >>

A Kind Local Gardener

A few weeks ago the local gardener came to help me with the hedge as it is so difficult for me to do on my own. He's a lovely man and I always enjoy talking to him. We talked about the flowers we liked and I mentioned that I would like to get lupines some days because they look gorgeous at the garden centre. Today he was due to do the lawn, which only takes 45 mins so I didn't get to see him. When I got to my garden he'd left. I checked my phone to call and thank him and he'd left me a message saying that he'd left some lupine seeds for me in the post. How sweet and kind is that?!