Kindness is not a dying art, after all. Millions of times each day, a stranger retrieves a dropped pacifier, a friend sends a virtual hug, a neighbor returns a wayward dog. And kindness chugs along, despite (or perhaps because of) all the spite and vitriol flying around our heads.
Here, Embody readers share stories of the acts of kindness — received and given — that have made a lasting impact on them. We hope these stories provide not only inspiration, but real-life confirmation of the research findings that tell us kindness benefits our mental health, relationships, and overall wellness.
“My dad passed away in a motorcycle accident on an isolated road near his house. After his accident, the moderators of a local internet motorcycle forum, on which my dad was active, posted about his passing, and a guest joined the conversation and asked if he could be put in touch with the family members. This man became our angel on earth because, it turns out, he came upon my dad seconds after his accident and sat and comforted him as he passed. He did not know my dad, and he did not have to stop. To ensure that my dad was not alone in death was the greatest act of kindness.” — Melyssa, Texas
“When my sons were young, I took them on a flight to visit my family, and one of them threw a fit because he didn't get the window seat. I was beyond stressed because he wouldn't calm down — until the nice guy behind him tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to help him solve his iPad game. It worked perfectly and I was so relieved I cried and thanked him for 20 minutes. He just shrugged and said he ‘gets it’ because he has a kid too. I'll never forget it as long as I live!” — Katie, Texas
“When our son was hospitalized as a teen, our neighbor volunteered to take our dog for the day, so we could visit the hospital without worrying about getting home to walk and care for her.” — Susan, Massachusetts
“My relatives dedicated a week of their time to pack me and my son up and move us to Montana. They even helped us find furniture and hook up local internet. I was blown away by their kindness and willingness to help. Can’t say enough about my family!”— Lorraine, Montana
“My life as a Rotarian is about putting service before self. I may not have all the money that I want, but I'm married, have two awesome kids and, really, everything that matters.” — David, Massachusetts
“My brother, who worked as a regional house manager for a sober living nonprofit organization, passed away three years ago. After he passed, we learned he had bins of clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. in his basement to give to people entering the sober living program. The sober living organization kept his charitable efforts alive by establishing ‘Tyler’s Closet.’ I volunteer at the closet at least once a week and help collect and distribute items. It makes me feel close to Tyler again.” — Amber, Maryland
“When I was going through a dark time, I had a friend who never gave up on me. She texted me, sent emails, and left voice mail messages to make sure I was OK. Little by little, I started responding. Now she just says ‘Proof of life!’ in her messages, and I call her right back. It means so much now.” — Marianne, Idaho
“When my husband and I eat out, we always leave a larger tip than expected. We love to see the hard-working waitresses smile.”— Anonymous
“My daughter and I both auditioned for a community theater show together. When it was my turn to sing at my callback, the director told me that my daughter, who had her callback audition before me, had told him, ‘I'm more nervous for my mom.’ The fact that she was concerned for me took me by surprise and made me almost cry!” — Shannon, Texas
“One thing I like to do is share a compliment. When person A tells me a positive thing about person B, I share it with person B. I initially suggest that person A share it themselves, but they tend to believe person B already knows it. I've proven many times that they don’t know — and the comment makes a huge impact on them.” — Sally, Australia
“Many years ago, I was at the airport, waiting for my flight. I was rushing to another state because my father was dying. I had missed the first flight by mere minutes and was waiting for the second when my phone started going flat. In those days (2003), you didn't have charging stations at the airport, nor did you have mobile battery packs. So I went to the bookstore in the terminal and the lady at the counter set me up in the corner of the store, on a stool, with access to a power source so I could charge my phone. Twenty-three years later and it still brings me to tears. A little bit of humanity goes such a long way.” — Sally, Australia
“I was given money from several church congregation members to pay my utility bills until I was able to find another job.” — Joe, Indiana
“I used to be a manager. One day an employee told me she was having difficulty focusing. I recognized her struggles as ADHD and reorganized my team so everyone got jobs they were good at and, for her, more manageable.” — Bronwyn, New Zealand
“I ran into a curb during a blinding rainstorm and destroyed two tires, so I had to rent a car for a week during repairs. During that week, I cracked two ribs while painting. When my car was ready, the rental car guy drove me to the shop. When I came back from the restroom ready to pay my bill, the rental car man had already paid for it. Much later, I went back to try to find him and couldn't. I wish I could thank him again for his kindness.” — Kay, Virginia
“I often hold doors for people carrying bags or boxes to help ease their effort. I might point out a tire in need of air to someone in a parking lot, just to ensure the driver is aware. I help people with home projects often. All these kinds of things make me feel better about myself.” — Dewey, Delaware
“Recently, when my mother passed away, a friend brought breakfast, dinner, and dessert for me and my husband. Each member of her family made a dish and provided one to freeze and one that was warm to eat right away. It made me feel so loved and cared for.” — Michelle, Virginia
“I still send snail mail cards and letters to people. I get a lot of positive feedback about this. People tell me it makes their day. I love receiving them too. When people take the time to send me cards and letters, it lifts my spirits.” — Ann Elizabeth, California
“I have lost my keys, purses, wallet, and phone so many times I can't even count anymore. For the most part, some kind person has always returned the missing items. I feel blessed in that regard.” — Julie, Oregon
“As a single parent, it was nearly impossible to find overnight child care when I had to travel for work. Then one day, my daughter’s Scout leader offered to take her for the night. I was so relieved.” — Patty, Massachusetts
“I enjoy being a cheerleader for my family. I’ll send a text that tells my daughter she’s doing a great job as a mom, a note to a grandchild extolling how he went out and got a new job, a kiss and an ‘I love you’ to my husband when he’s struggling with something.” — Cathy, Texas
“One of the most memorable gestures of kindness was when one of my biology professors in collegesilently recognized that my struggles were coming from ADHD. He sat me down one-on-one and encouraged me to both talk about it with someone and to contact a provider who he referred me to for help.It’s no exaggeration to say that without him taking that initiative, I would never have been capable of the positive life trajectory I experienced after that.” — George, Wisconsin
“My husband and I recently showed up unannounced at a friend’s home to shovel her walk and bring her homemade chicken soup. She was sick and overwhelmed with all the snow.” — Renée, Canada
“I save money all year so that I can give out $100 tips to the people who take care of me.” – Anonymous
“I started going on walks at lunch. After my boss overheard me talking about it with a patient once, she gave me her ‘old’ Apple watch, to encourage me to keep it up. I’m happy to report that I have continued walking every day since, and I know that she is cheering me on in the background!” — Michelle, South Carolina
