When I founded Time for Kindness nearly 5 years ago, I wanted to share stories of the kindness that I was sure was happening in the world. I was convinced there was lots out there but we just didn’t talk about it enough.
How right my certainty was! We now receive enough stories that we can publish one every day across our social media channels, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Mastodon and Bsky. So many stories celebrating the wonderful things that human beings are doing for each other (and for themselves).
To celebrate that there has been a lot of light this year, despite the darkness of the news, I asked people to tell me their favourite story of kindness from the year.
1. One of my favourite kindness stories this year was from someone who was having a bad day at work and their colleague gave them a cup cake and a cup of tea, just to cheer them up. It showed how a simple act can make a big difference to someone’s day.
Debs Henry-Pollard, one of our Kindness Ambassadors.
2. The one I would choose is the one I witnessed – not because it involves me, but just shows kindness is freely given, never expected in return, but a beautiful moment when it is returned. When I was waiting at Reading Station, and me and my wife looked after a lady’s bags while she went to get a bottle of water, and then when she returned, she spotted our train had arrived, which I hadn’t noticed. So her bags were looked after, and me and my wife made our train – a double win for kindness!
Barry Denton Radio 210 podcast.
3. I witnessed a car stopping to check that the car going the other way was OK after their car broke down on a busy highway. As it was raining the car that pulled over passed out plastic rain ponchos so at least they could stay dry whilst waiting for the tow truck. The people getting the poncho were so greatful for the rain protection. I loved seeing this as a passenger in the car that gave them out. I now (also) carry ponchos in my glove box – as I thought it was a brilliant idea.
Jonathan Chrimes.
4. I would like to talk about my sister. She has MS and struggles, but is the kindest, most amazing, gritty, devoted and loyal person I know. She knows I’m down and worried about money for December and Christmas, and has not only spent time chatting with me and helping me out with ideas and solutions, but last night a package arrived from her and it was an advent calendar (of tea! My favourite thing!) which was so thoughtful, and really helped me get out of the funk I was in about Christmas. She’s such a kind person – she didn’t say she was doing it, just thoughtfully and kindly sent me some joy and Christmas spirit. She is hands down the kindest person I know, and it’s effortless with her. It’s part of who she is, not what she does.
Lexicaleigh.
5. The TfK story that sticks with me from this year is the one that reminded us ‘people first, work second’. It struck a chord because it made me remember the time when my grandma was dying. That ended up being a very intense time. I was privlelged to be able to be with her in the last days of her life and it was a beautiful experience. That I was able to have that experience was down to my boss at the time, Clare. I told her that I needed some time to be with my grandmother and I would resign or take a sabbatical if I needed to do that. She just wrote back and said “take all the time you need”, no questions asked.
Lucy Whitehall, coach.
6. That’s a tough one! I don’t know if I can narrow it down, but we are living in an increasingly unkind word, hostility and insularity on the rise, so any time I see a neighbour helping a neighbour I want to cry with joy. Small businesses are the beating heart of many communities, and having been homeless myself for a while, when I see local businesses stepping up for the unhoused it warms a special place in my heart. Dry cleaners helping unemployed or homeless people get ready for a job interview, or this pizza guy who said it best: ” I can’t sit in a building full of food and watch somebody starve in my parking lot.”
Jaz-Michael King.
7. So many to choose from, but one that really sticks in my mind was when I was in Switzerland to watch the Women’s Euros Final. In the (long) queue for the ladies loo at the Lionesses HQ fan zone word went round that there was no loo roll left. Next thing I know, a single loo roll is being passed back along the line, with each person taking some and passing it on. Everyone saying they didn’t want to take more than their fair share. Possibly the most English thing to happen in the entire tournament.
Sarah Browning.
8. I think my favourite, although it was very hard to choose, was the story someone sent in about having broken down on the Humber Bridge while having an ME/CFS crash which was making communication incredibly difficult for them. They said how everyone from the call centre staff, to highways agency, breakdown recovery, and friends made sure they were cared for and got home safe. It prevented them from being unable to get out of bed and spending days recovering. I think that one really stuck because so many people were kind all at the same time and it just shows that people are kind and good and want to help each other.
Alexis Bushnell.
9. My story of kindness is from earlier this year, when my wife and I had been walking our dogs in unfamiliar woodland when we were out of town. One of our dogs went missing (clearly the new woods were far too exciting!) and we had ended up searching for her all over the woods for a long time. We did get her back in the end, but what was so heartwarming was how kind and thoughtful everyone was who we passed by in the woods that afternoon. We had never met any of them before, but they were all unhesitating about going out of their way to help us search. And many who had taken our details even took the time to check in with us later on to make sure we had found her. It was just a lovely demonstration of empathy and kindness, from one person after another! It really did affirm our faith in humanity – we had been quite worried because our dog had never gone missing for so long before, but people were just SO kind in the way they responded!
Prof. Robin Bannerjee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global and Civic Engagement, and Professor of Developmental Psychology at Sussex University.
10.It’s a small thing but one that stuck with me. I was on a GWR train, and realised part-way through the journey I was headed outside my usual zone. My contactless card wasn’t going to cover it. Also, the carriage I was in had no air con. During a heatwave. Enter Ivor, the conductor. I explained. He listened. Believed me. Sorted the ticket without fuss. But he went further. He told me which carriage had working air con (clearly I looked sweatier than I thought!), asked about how I usually travel, and explained some discount options I didn’t even know existed, including one that might save me money on future trips.
Kim Stokes from Kindness for Success.
I hope you have enjoyed reading these stories as much as I have. For more stories like this, follow Time for Kindness on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Mastodon or Bsky.
And remember:
• Kindness is important
• Kindness is powerful
• And kindness IS all around us
When you see kind, you feel better. And when you feel better, you can do amazing things!
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