Strangers help each other out every day for absolutely no reason at all- sometimes in small ways that leave behind a smile, sometimes in big ways that alter the course of a life. Whether intentional or not, unexpected acts of kindness have immeasurable value to those giving and receiving.
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Also available for contact or to submit here: strangerkindness at gmail dot com
My mom found out she had breast cancer last year. I was devastated, yet she had so much hope. As my mom went through her treatments, there were numerous occasions where an anonymous card was left on my mom’s car’s windshield. Every single card contained money. We were pretty sure it was one of our neighbors. People’s random acts of kindness GMH
Reblogged from givesmehope
Recently, my apartment building suffered a major fire incident causing 100 residents to flee into a chilly night.
I escaped down seven flights of stairs carrying my cat. Outside, the noise and flashing lights panicked my cat, so I ducked into a local pizza place where the owner quickly made it known that we were not welcome.
A young lady exiting the restaurant saw what had happened and invited me and my pet to sit in her car. She was so kind and considerate and kept me talking about family and other things.
I knew she was trying to calm me, since I had been trembling. She is a teacher at a local Catholic school and has a large family.
I will never forget her and know she must be making a difference in the lives of the kids she teaches. I stayed in her car until my son located me. Thank you, Julie.
I make my way to the checkout line and witness a random act of kindness. A guy and his six pack are in the process of checking out. As the cashier rings up the total he is short on cash. He apologizes profusely and indicates he will get change from his car. A young lady stands in line between he and I. Without a moment’s hesitation she tells the clerk that she will complete his purchase. The young man shoots her an uneasy smile. “You don’t have to do that.” She counters that it would be her pleasure.
The clerk hands the guy his change. He holds it for only a second when a light dawns within. He turns to the one who rescued him. “This is yours ,” he says with a smile, depositing the change in her hand. Then he adds, “Thanks, I really appreciate that.” Then he is on his way.
Maybe she just wanted to save the guy the inconvenience of a trip back to his car. Or maybe the fact that she was also buying a six pack created common ground between them. Whatever the reason, her simple act of kindness is about as generous an exchange as I’ve witnessed in a long time.
When it comes her turn to check out, she discovers that she no longer has sufficient funds to cover her purchase. She fumbles with her purse and glances back at me as I hold up a dollar and we laugh. “There” she says with a sense of satisfaction as she hands the cashier a couple of quarters scavenged from the bottom of her purse. With that she’s off, grinning as she makes her way to the exit. A smile also spreads across my face while crossing the parking lot to my car.
What a different place this would be if people were always that thoughtful. It’s enough to make you think there might be hope for the world after all. Some night’s you lace up the shoes determined that running will be the evening’s priority only to find it’s not the main event at all. Sometimes people surprise you. They leave you feeling guilty for being so cynical. And that’s a good thing.
Reblogged from staree
I did something totally crazy today. On my way to office, stuck in a traffic jam, with people really irritated and wet around me, honking like mad. A bust traffic signal- no electricity. People cursing at the crossroads. Wanting to get ahead. One such gentleman on a motorcycle came screeching towards me in a desperate bid to cross my car before I block his path. Both he and I could see he was not going to win here. In my mind’s eye, I could see an unnecessary curse on his lips. I stopped. Gestured for him to go ahead. Smiled and gave him a thumbs up. He looked at me disbelievingly. I think he was figuring out whether I was being sarcastic or just plain dumb. I think he probably figured I was the former. Because I let him pass, of course I had to wait till a whole stream of vehicles went by. I waited. It took me a minute more to cross the signal -I counted- a minute more than it would have if I hadn’t let the guy go. A minute that brought a smile to my face for a couple of reasons. One- I wondered what that guy was thinking, must be all confused and hating me even more I think. Second- I wondered whether people know that a random act of kindness like this only costs them a minute or so more.
I had to do a presentation in one of my classes at the U of M. I was running late and my credit card was “unreadable” in the parking meter. A girl around 20 years old simply took out her wallet, paid for my parking, introduced herself and with a smile told me not to worry about it. It is amazing how a place that seems so big can magically became a community through one act of kindness. Thank you, Jenna, you made my day. — Cordella Friesen
Reblogged from janieblue84
Today was a very very long day for me. I’ll spare you the details, but I wasn’t having fun to say the least. I went down to my favorite sandwich shop, Santoro’s in Burbank. I don’t shy away from making random conversation with people. This nice gentleman behind me was a regular and we started discussing the quality of the food at Santoro’s. As the long line for the rush hour chugged along, we proceed to talk stocks, politics, life — he was getting ready to retire and was pretty excited about it. As we approached the counter the owner of Santoro’s obviously knew the man and told me that he, the man I was talking to, was going to buy my lunch. I was a little shocked, and insisted I pay for my sandwich as I didn’t even know the man and we had just been chatting in line. Neither one of them would hear of it and insisted. I formally introduced myself to both of them and thanked the man who bought me my sandwich. I left Santoro’s with my sandwich in hand and a warm feeling in my heart. That simple random act of kindness truly made my day. One day I’ll repeat it to somebody else — not because I feel obligated, but because I can’t help but want to make somebody feel as good as I did today.
World Kindness Day encourages us to be kind to others, helping to create a nicer, better world.
Here are a few ideas for kindness
- say “hello” to a stranger
- visit a friend
- buy a coffee for the person behind you in line
- let another person go first
- open/hold a door for someone
- share a smile
- help someone in need
- be tolerant of others
- forgive mistakes
- offer a hug
pass it on!
Reblogged from nlwhite
This evening we visited a local Applebees restaurant where they offered free meals to Armed Forces Veterans. The line was rather long waiting outside. As the line grew, we conversed with an older gentleman who was also a Veteran. After a half hour or so, our name was called that our table was ready so as we began to part I felt compelled to ask the gentleman who was alone to join us and he accepted. We very much enjoyed our conversation and dinner. During dinner we learned he had just today received his final chemotherapy treatment and will know in a few weeks if he will live. On our drive home I recalled an Emerson quote, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Seize the moment, value the privilege of being able to perform random acts if kindness. Share a smile if nothing else, it will brighten someones world.
Submitted by Elizabeth Grace
