Using Skills You Have In Kindness
In my professional life I am fortunate to have acquired some skills that I find I am able to use even though I've retired. For instance, last week while at church, I met a family that had just moved to our state. Unfortunately, they were mugged shortly after their arrival and had the huge purse the wife was carrying with all their important papers (SS cards, IDs, birth certificates, etc.) stolen. A very kind person in the neighborhood had taken them in, but they had very little money, no transportation, and no way to enroll their son in school without the paperwork that had been stolen. Enrolling that little boy in school seemed to be their highest priority for establishing normalcy for the family. The school district was playing hardball with them with no sympathy for their plight. They had gone to the library to research how to replace this paperwork, but they ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by maryjo47
- Jan 30, 2015
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10 Ways to Live Simply in 2015
Although simplicity has a long history, we are now entering radically changing times—ecological, social, economic, and psycho-spiritual—and we should expect the worldly expressions of simplicity to evolve and grow in response. For more than thirty years I’ve explored the “simple life” and I’ve found that simplicity is not simple. I’ve encountered such a diversity of expressions of the simple life that I find the most accurate way of describing this approach to living is with the metaphor of a garden. A Garden of Simplicity To portray the richness of simplicity, here are ten different flowerings of expression that I see growing in the “garden of simplicity.” Although there is overlap among them, each expression of simplicity seems sufficiently distinct to warrant a separate category. So there would be no favoritism in listing, they are placed in alphabetical order based on the brief name I associated with each. 1. Choiceful Simplicity: Simplicity means choosing ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Duane Elgin
- Jan 5, 2015
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Compliments
Compliments can be the easiest acts of kindness. I truly enjoy complimenting people I see every day. I like to think about what kind of compliment would make that person's day.
For the fashionista down the hall, it's fun to compliment her on her shoes. But maybe the person that just smiles all the time would like to hear, "You have such a nice smile!" Maybe the waitress that's working extra hard would like to be acknowledged. My 5 year old loves to hear how she is the greatest artist EVER!
I'd have to say the greatest compliment I ever gave was to a very close friend. This friend just didn't see the amazing spirit that I see in him everyday. He had ignored or doubted all these wonderful emotions and actions he was capable of.
When I complimented him on all his wonderful attributes, it was like a light bulb went off and he had received that confirmation that he was all those things. Since then, he has embraced his true spirit and it grows everyday. I'm so happy to be a part of that.
- Posted by Lover3
- Feb 24, 2015
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Romance
I was sitting in a coffee shop sipping on my decaf and simply watching the world go by. My eyes caught sight of a very mature couple. I knew this as their hair was very white and they were slightly hunched over. They stopped and seemed to be looking around, perhaps lost? Who knows? But what made me smile was.....they were holding hands. Was it the many years they were together or was this a fairly new romance. I wondered, as the smile on my face lingered and together they walked away.
- Posted by fmesh
- Mar 27, 2015
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Smiles
Watching my "baby" who is now a fifth grader take the hand of a kindergartener to walk her to the bathroom during the middle of Sunday mass made me smile. My daughter seems so small to me, but looked so big and confident helping her little friend. I smiled thinking how cute it was that they figured out a way to break up the long mass without getting in trouble too! I love friendships!
- Posted by maryes21
- Mar 30, 2015
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For The Love of Books
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All week I have been sorting through every book we own. Childrens books, recipe books, self help, reference books, novels, them all.
We have so many, too many for one person to enjoy so I've decided to donate the majority of them. Most I will be donating to a book fair that raises money every year by selling used books. But then there are some, some books that touched me deeply and helped me in life in so many ways.
These books I've decided to gift to those that need them. I will leave them along with a note explaining it all in random places such as bus stops and hospitals. Places where people can really use a book. I have also today gone through all our shoes, shoes that we no longer wear but are still wearable to donate and give to those who have no shoes. Books and shoes, such a gift, and something we all have many of yet there are those out there who have none. Giving brings me joy!
- Posted by brindlegirl
- Oct 4, 2015
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Experiment: Success
When I got a random email from his friend in India, I had a realization ... I was in communication with someone on the other side of the planet! The Butterfly Effect proved that a butterfly in California can cause a hurricane in Japan, but this was much more real. I seized the opportunity and told a friend in India: "Hey, can you give $20 to some random person that might need a break. I'll give you the money when we meet next." 'Experiment: Success' was ... well, you find out. Sorry to be so tardy in posting this note about the outcome of your "experiment" in connectedness, action, and compassion. We wound up deviating from the stated ground rules a bit. (In fact, we didn't even recognize that it was your experiment until it was already underway; and if that invalidates it, we'll certainly try again.) But here's the scoop. The folks we stayed with in Ahmedabad were ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by MBJ
- Jan 14, 2006
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A Random Phone Call
I was out late watching a movie with friend in Georgetown. By the time the movie ended it was 2am. We walked to my car which was parked in the lot across the street. When we arrived, I noticed something strange- the doors were unlocked. I took a quick survey of the car's interior and was relieved to find everything intact, except for one thing- my briefcase was gone. After some discussion with my friend over technicalities- "Are you sure you locked the doors?", "Maybe you left it at work," I accepted the bag was gone and that was that. I considered myself incredibly fortunate that nothing valuable was taken or that nothing else in the car was damaged. The next day I got a surprising voicemail from a man that lived in the Georgetown area. He said he had walked his dog in the morning and came across a ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Rav from the East
- Jan 14, 2006
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Comment Collection, May
How did you hear about us? What inspired you? The Fish 95.9 – California --Ariel, in Orange County I recieved the card. I thought it was great way to see people smile. --Dusty, in Missouri Our family dog wandered off this afternoon. We got a phone call from a wonderful woman who lives some distance from us. She had found our Maggie, called her vet - had her vet scan Maggie's back for the chip we had put in her back (she is an ASPCA Rescue) and then called us! Maggie is a pure bred Daushaund and as sweet a dog as there ever was and our three kids would have been lost without her. I told this wonderful woman - and new friend of mine - that she has renewed my faith in the goodness of people. I told her that this random act of kindness would come back to her and tonight ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Hearts Everywhere
- Jan 14, 2006
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Compassion
My children, Claire and Jordan, were 8 and 9 years old. It was a really hard year for us, and our five kids were told not to expect presents at Christmas time. These two (the youngest of 5) went into the woods and cut small logs and branches and made 'twig reindeer,' which they sold in the town. Together, they earned $300. But the wonderful thing was, even though they weren't expecting any Christmas themselves, they donated every penny to Compassion International to help orphans have a happy holiday, because Jordan and Claire had a loving family... and that was enough!
- Posted by Suzi Wollman
- May 8, 2006
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Corporate Smiles
Every year my company inducts a group of 40 summer and management trainees from various business schools in India.
Every year, I induct each batch to the business development function. This year I planned to do it differently.
I printed 5,000 smile cards and distributed them to these young professionals. Compassion need not be restricted to the "outside work zone".
Compassion is more needed at work where we spend more than half of our lifetime. With each tiny step we take, we make a big difference.
I am now waiting to see the outcome of this tornado!
Thank you for the inspiration.
- Posted by Dr. Anant G Wadkar
- May 20, 2006
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It's the Little Things
I came across your site and ordered myself some cards.What a wonderfull idea!!
I use mine in the eight items or less isle by picking someone behind me and leaving enough money to cover the cost of their items and leave a smile card. I also do this at corner shops by paying for either milk or butter and leaving a card with the attendant, saying the next person who is scratching to get milk money, give them the milk and smile card.
Its the little things in life, sometimes when a little something comes your way when you most need it, it can restore your faith that there are still nice people out there in amongst the rest of society. Thankyou!! :)
- Posted by Danielle W.
- Aug 12, 2006
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Surprise in the Mail
I have been a fill-in personal care attendant for a woman with Multiple Sclerosis. At one point, I was wanting to create a group similar to this but not online. I asked her what would be an act of kindness to her that would make her smile. She said a check in the mail. My offline group never came together but I never forgot that wish. I knew it was just a matter of waiting until I got enough spare change to send something that would be enough to make her smile. About six months ago, enough time for her to forget she made that wish, I sent a blank money order to her with a card that said, "Be one with yourself and all good things will come to you." Inside, I pasted a typed phrase, "You are the awakened heart." I sent it anonymously. I counted the hours when she would arrive home from work and tried to imagine the smile on her face and her getting a lift that lasts for a good while.
- Posted by wonderlink
- Nov 29, 2006
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I'm Not The Only One
i think everyone tries to make some sense of this world. no matter who you are, i believe that you have a part in this world. everyone really does play a part in this world. it dosen't matter if you are the president, a king, or a soul living in poverty; we are all human and we all matter. i believe that if we can all use our heads and hearts as one, and we stop being so into ourselves we really can make a difference. i know people will say, that will never happen, nothing you say can change people, it will always be the same. but "never doubt that a small group of people can't change the world, indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." so i am challenging anyone who wants to, brighten someone's day, say hello to somone you don't normally talk to. simple acts of ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by alyssa
- Jun 19, 2007
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A Track Meet Encounter That Inspired An Idea
While attending my 16 year old's high school track meet, I noticed that one of his teammates was running the events in regular sneakers. So, I asked my son about it later on and he told me that the kid couldn't afford "spikes". I'm a single mom and being able to afford equipment for sports has been tough at times. My son and I are very fortunate to have a very supportive family that always pulls together when one of the kids needs something. It was obvious my son's teammate needed the help of some extended family. So, my son and I came up with a plan that would allow us to help the kid without embarrassing him. The next day my son approached his teammate and told the boy that his uncle bought him a pair of spikes that were the wrong size. My son asked his teammate his size and when he told him it was size eleven, my son said coincidentally ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by pilar.k.tillman
- Apr 16, 2010
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The Shirt Off My Back
Today I had the thrill of giving someone the shirt off my back! For the past four days I have been participating in a disability arts festival as a member of a choir set up specifically to perform at this festival. Yesterday, after our performance, I was feeling a bit sad thinking that this might be the last time I would sing with this amazing group of people. I was putting on an oversize, custom-made, raw silk shirt with mother-of-pearl buttons that I have been enjoying wearing when it occurred to me to give the shirt to the first person who said they liked it. After our performance, as choir members were winding down and changing, the director of the procession said she loved my shirt. So, I happily took if off and gave it to her. She immediately put it on, saying, "Can I give you some money for it?" and "Why ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by youandme
- Feb 9, 2014
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Nothing Like That Had Happened To Him Before!
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I went along with the Kindness Suggestion today and gave someone a surprise treat!
I stopped at Starbucks, bought a $5 gift card and asked the barista to use it on whoever came in next.
I was still waiting for my drink when the next customer arrived. The gentleman thanked me so much for the card and said nothing like that had ever happened to him before. He was so thankful!
He thanked me again as I left, and said, "God bless."
- Posted by angalee73
- Mar 26, 2014
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Fruit For A Hungry Man
Walking to the elevated railway I passed a man in a doorway holding a sign asking for money for food. I smiled at him and wished him a good day.
As I got closer to the train station I saw a man selling fruit. So I bought a bag and walked it back to the hungry man in the doorway.
I didn't know about this website then. It's just the way I operate. I am deeply grateful for the love, joy, and happiness in my life and I give it back every chance I get.
Sometimes it's a smile or a compliment but I am always trying to put it out there in return. It's the best!
- Posted by k2livlov
- May 27, 2014
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Consciousness And Kindness Pay Off
One day I worked a difficult 8 our shift behind the customer service counter at a high-end retailer. I had decided to make a conscious effort to improve the day of everyone I engaged with. Putting all my problems aside and focusing on spreading joy really alleviated my stress and worry. Having numerous people tell me they really appreciated me felt good. One of my bosses told me it's always good to have my energy around.: ) Consciousness and kindness really do pay off.
- Posted by sustainingjoy
- Apr 14, 2014
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Before Drawing Conclusions
An old man was seated in the train with his 25 years old son. As train started the young man was filled with lot of joy and curiosity. He was seated on the window side. He stuck out one hand to feel the passing air. He shouted, "Papa see all the trees are going behind". Old man smiled and admired son's emotions. There was a couple who were seated beside the young man. They were just sitting and listing to the conversation between the father and son. They probably thought it was a little awkward, observing that the 25 years old man was behaving like a small child. Suddenly young man again shouted, "Papa see the pond and animals. Clouds are moving with the train". The couple was watching the young man visibly embarrassed of his behavior. Now it started raining and some of water drops touched the young man's hand. He was filled with even ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Forgive
- May 22, 2014
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