Stories of Kindness from Around the World

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 world.  You are loved, and your presence is so very precious and valuable.
Signed, Anonymous

The card was sent with a pseudonym and pseudo-address, and reached her a few days later.  I was planning to send a series of things in the mail over the course of a week, and noticed that my co-worker was visibly much less stressed. Though he usually talks to me quite a bit when dealing with spousal stress, he's had nothing to say about home life for about a week, which is a very good sign.

So often in life, the mental pain we attach to the physical pain we encounter simply amplifies our sense of suffering.  And though I can't take credit for any improvement my co-worker or his wife might be experiencing, I have personally experienced the extent to which kindness is a powerful medicine that dissolves mental pain and eases physical suffering in subtle but powerful ways.  And even if it does nothing for someone else, it felt great to be nice, and gratifying to strengthen the habit of listening to the voice of kindness within.
May we all grow courageous and kind!