When writing and blogging, it’s easy to focus on negative experiences and interactions. However, when we encounter unexpected positive experiences, we can easily take them for granted if we’re not careful. It’s often easier to focus on the negatives rather than the positives, and I can’t be alone in perhaps sometimes doing this. Here are some recent experiences from 2024 and 2025 that make me truly thankful for the kindness of others.
When we were experiencing issues with our family car last year, a family friend offered to lend us one of their cars. It was an amazing offer that really helped us get mobile again.
During the same period while without a car, my sister and her husband kindly helped me out by giving me lifts to an event about 20 miles away that I had booked. I was so grateful for their help.
What can be even more amazing is receiving unexpected kindness from complete strangers you pass briefly on the street. For example, my wife and I were in a library in Desford, where they were running a charity event selling books. I selected some and went to pay, but discovered they only accepted coins and notes. Since I only use Apple Pay, I put the books back, feeling disappointed. As I was leaving, a lady who was paying for her books offered to buy mine. It was an unexpected and lovely offer. The books cost a pound, and the lady was kind enough to say it would all go to charity. I got my books and felt a renewed confidence in the kindness of others. I, of course, thanked the lady, and now I need to make sure I pay this kindness forward.
Have you ever been unexpectedly helped by a stranger? If so, please share your story in the comments below.
