I was finished putting my groceries in my car and was returning my cart. As I looked around, I saw a lady who was using an electric chair with a basket on the front (most stores have them here for folks who can’t walk well for whatever reason). She was at her car about to unload her groceries, and when I walked over, I saw she had terrible Edema in both legs – this happens when your lymphatic system doesn’t work properly and fluids don’t drain from your body, and I’ve heard it is both painful and debilitating – anyway I made sure I looked her right in the eyes and asked with a smile on my face, if I could help put her groceries in her car for her.

I spread positivity wherever I go.

I was speaking to a patient last week at a cancer fundraiser in the chemo ward and he asked if I worked at the hospital. I told him I am also having treatment. He said, “you look so well, and you are so happy!”

I remember in my last year of high school. One of the popular boys asked the chubbiest, most unpopular girl (that sounds mean but we weren’t a bullying year level so she wasn’t bullied) to the formal in front of the whole class!!!

After spending a week doing random acts of kindness, our last day found us collecting trash at our local beach.

One of the highlights of the week was when my husband told me that this project has made him really try to show more kindness to strangers, such as when he told the painters that they had done a fantastic job on our local cafe as he walked by, and when he deliberately approached the chef after he’d eaten his delicious BBQ chicken, and told him it was the best he’d had. – Bryony

I popped into a little patisserie that hasn’t long been open. They have lots of tempting delights both sweet and savoury and, as it turns out, very nice coffee!

I had still been feeling low and overwhelmed and decided to put together a little envelope containing one of your “Smile because you are …” cards with a $5 note tucked inside and with a big smiley sticker on the front. I attached a little note saying, “Perhaps you know somebody who may be feeling low, somebody dealing with grief or illness. If so, please pass this on and shout them a treat from me. Thank you”.

The night of December 17, 2016 was horrid. But I found comfort and healing the next day in a very unexpected place – a chaotic, extra crowded mall. A place I rarely go, even outside of the holiday rush.

I was sitting at a coffee shop researching ideas about kindness when a spontaneous act of kindness occurred.

One of the things we were able to offer at our outreach program before COVID forced us into lockdown was pre-loved clothing. We would set it up on tables once a month for our members to look through and take what they needed.

Not long ago, I was waiting in a long line at my favorite bakery, which makes some amazing scones. The delicious pile in the glass case dwindled quickly as those in the long line ahead of me snapped them up, until there was just one perfect beauty remaining — and one woman ahead of me. To my everlasting joy, she chose a croissant, so when I got to the counter I pointed to the last scone and declared, “I’ll take that.” No sooner had I spoken than the fellow behind me cried out: “Hey, that’s my scone! I’ve been waiting in line for 20 minutes!” Which he had been — behind me.

There are some truly beautiful people in this world! 😀