Even if life isn’t always easy, occasionally we are reminded of the goodness in the world and the beauty of life by unexpected bursts of generosity, hope, and brightness. We’ll share true tales in this book that encapsulate the wonder and magic that can lift the spirits on even the gloomiest days.

Story 1: 

A few days before my 30th birthday, my (now ex) wife told me she had a meeting in the city and would be home late — but she actually drove to the airport to pick up my best friend, who had secretly flown in from out of state to surprise me.
The next day, she took us to a spot a few hours away, where we spent my birthday weekend with a bunch of my other friends. It was one of the best weekends of my life! © TempleOfCyclops / Reddit

Story 2: 

I was totally down on my luck, living out of a hotel. I had a job, but not enough money to stay there until my check came. A friend of mine bought me lunch and told me they couldn’t help much, but this was what they had, which was $300 short.

I guess we had talked about it, but I don’t remember. The next thing I know, this guy at the next table is leaving, and he tells me not to go until he comes back. His girlfriend/wife stayed behind even though they had already paid the bill. He came back in a few minutes and handed me $300.

I asked him for his contact info, but he said he didn’t want it back and told me to keep working to stay off the streets. That man literally stopped my mom and me from becoming homeless. I still have a job, and I’m in a nice apartment now, but I will always remember that man’s generosity. I have tried to help other people as much as I can to pay him back in some way. © Limp_Distribution / Reddit

Story 3: 

Story 4:

One day, I was having a rough time, so I decided to sit in the park to cool myself down. A man who looked like he was in his 60s came up to me and started a conversation. During our talk, he was writing something on a piece of paper.

I didn’t think much of it, but before he left, he handed me the paper. It said, “It was nice talking to you. You remind me of my son, who was a sweetheart just like you. I just wanted to say, never give up on yourself, even if life gets hard, because I’m rooting for you.”

That made me tear up instantly. Ever since that day, I’ve been giving it my all in life because of him. © Savings_Eye1165 / Reddit

Story 5: 

One time, when I was training for a new truck driving job, the trainer noticed that I just sat off to the side during lunch while everyone else ate. That afternoon, he bought me lunch during a time when I didn’t know where my next meal would come from. I’m forever appreciative of that gesture. © Existentialist** / Reddit

Story 6: 

Story 7: 

When I was pregnant with my daughter, my ex and I were looking for a new place to live. We found a private rental, and when the landlord was showing us around, she asked if I knew what I was having. I told her we were having a girl.

When we moved in, the room for the nursery had been painted pink, and beautiful pink blackout curtains had been added.

The day we moved out, she even came over to help me pack and clean. Just a genuinely beautiful human who showed me so much kindness. © snoozlybar / Reddit

Story 8: 

I was at a restaurant and one of two customers (didn’t see the other person). I was talking to a friend on the phone about something personal that made me really upset. I went to pay, and the hostess said a customer covered my meal. I cried. © JackfruitCurry / Reddit

Story 9: 

Story 10: 

A few years ago, my siblings and I hosted a 70th birthday party for my dad on my birthday. My birthday is in July; his is in February. We had him fooled into thinking the surprise party was for me, and he was shocked when he walked in and realized it was his party. Half the fun was watching him almost spoil the surprise about half a dozen times.

Fast-forward to yesterday: I got a package in the mail with a super cozy sweatshirt and a note from Dad saying it was a birthday gift for me on his birthday. In the note, he wrote, “I couldn’t think of a better person I would want to swap birthdays with.” I’m not gonna lie, the note was the real gift. © Tanaisy / Reddit

Story 11: 

During a busy spell at my former job, I was working a double shift and couldn’t grab food because it was so busy. A customer bought me some soup and coffee after noticing I seemed frustrated, though I was actually just super hangry.
I was so appreciative of that bowl of soup… it doesn’t take much to be nice to others. © Balding_Unit / Reddit

Story 12: 

Story 13: 

I was 18 and living away from home for the first time (from the UK, moved to Canada). I couldn’t afford much, so I walked two miles through the snow to buy bedding in a discount shop, and was having a miserable day. The woman in front of me in the cashier queue put $50 on a store voucher card, handed it to me, and walked away before I had a chance to react.
In the middle of a tough day, it really made a difference. Definitely the most memorable random act of kindness I’ve ever experienced. © w1256414 / Reddit

Story 14: 

My first week in Japan, I went to the post office to pick up my ATM card, but I had to go to the main post office a mile or so away. I understood that much, but nothing else, and I certainly had no clue where it was.

A little gentleman in farmer’s garb tapped me on the shoulder and gestured for me to follow him. He took me to his mini-truck and then drove me to the main post office. I thanked him as best as I could in my very rudimentary Japanese and headed inside.
When I came back outside, he was waiting for me (!), and he took me back to the original post office. He said a total of two words to me on the way back: “Teacher?” and when I said yes, “Good.” © Japanat1 / Reddit