Kindness begets kindness. So, wanted to create a space to share and amplify stories of kindness with the hope that it inspires a chain reaction.

O’mar Aleem

I”ll never forget it. For some reason or another I decided I wanted to try modeling. Didn’t really expect much but went on to find related facebook groups and posted a few recent photos and waited to see if anything would become of it.. Recent photos at a time of my life where I didn’t much like what I saw nor felt about myself yet it didn’t take long for a photographer (Arron Vince, AV Photography) to reach out with interest in a tfp fashion and fitness photo shoot. Quickly I began to panic not knowing anything further than a google search about how to be a male model, so I made a facebook post asking for any advice on what would be expected of me. However, a few likes, no comments told me I would have to learn this myself. I remember coming back home from a walk as I did often to regain balance and strength to my left leg, that I found a box next to my front door. Sent to me, by a sender I didn’t recognize. So I brought it inside to open it but noticed there was a note attached. Read more>>

Jasmine Albuquerque

At the end of 2018, my family home burned to the ground in the Woosley Fire. I was 8 months pregnant and had been temporarily living at home while transitioning my life. My dance community did a massive fundraiser for me along with a full dance performance to raise money to get me back on my feet. I felt like a queen that night. There were dancers performing for me that night I had never even met, showering me in flowers and love. It was the kindest thing anyone had ever done for me. Read more>>

Madhuri Shukla

I don’t know about the kindest thing anyone has ever done– I’d have to credit my parents for that superlative. But in the last couple years, it is by far being trusted to do a small mural in my local bookstore. Read more>>

John Adelman

Several instances in my art career come to mind when others have been overly kind or gone out of their way to express kindness. First, while in graduate school, a prominent New York-based artist was visiting the campus; she offered to critique my work, even though it differed significantly from hers. She was running extremely late for her scheduled public talk when she arrived at my studio; she walked in and stated, “This work is great! But I got to go.” I greatly appreciate that she took that time, as little as it was, to make that comment. Another also while in graduate, after having finished an 8-ft drawing of every object in my studio, my professor (the guru of the professorial contingent) walked up to me, shook my hand, and said, “There is nothing else I can teach you.” But the foremost moment came when I was first shown in a national magazine. I gave a copy to my grandmother, who was overjoyed, verbally so. However, my grandfather, whom I had never seen much emotion, had a tiny, almost indiscernible smile, and that was enough. Validation, whether in grand statements or simple gestures, helps sustain and propel my mental acuity. Art-making is a solitary, singularly focused pursuit, generally devoid of any external acknowledgment. In many instances, even those who collect my work, I am unaware of what prompted them to add it to their collection. Early in my career, these instances made me aware of my abilities and fortified my conceptual understanding of Art. Also, personally, having gone through my cancer journey, there were many family, friends, business associates, and artists who went out of their way to show me great kindness. Read more>>

Sunny Berry

I am in the business of helping people (mostly teens) achieve their dreams of learning a musical instrument, as well as helping them find their voice and confidence through songwriting. I invest a lot in my students—their goals, self confidence, and beyond. I do my best to check in with them. I ask questions to get them unstuck when they get impatient with themselves or the process. I truly love connecting and teaching in this way. Sometimes, I pull so hard for others to achieve and grow, I forget my own pursuits and passions. One of the kindest things ever done for me was when someone, in total seriousness, asked me, “What is your dream?” It had been so long since I even considered what my “dream” would be. It was such a genuine question, and so direct. I have been examining the possibilities of having a dream outside of my job. (Jobs and dreams are not always one and the same!) Read more>>

Manijeh Motaghy

When I lost my son, on June 30th, 2017, my entire world collapsed. My brain shattered into a billion pieces. I had flashes of insanity. I couldn’t think, or understand it. All I felt was pain. Tsunamies of pain and suffering. For the first 35 days, I’d faint in the middle of the day. My brain would shut down. Many people were kind and surrounded me with their love, service, and compassionate ears to hear my sobbing and bewilderment. Read more>>

 Jessica Taylor

I am so grateful to have an amazing support system in my life. The kindest thing anyone has done for me is love me unconditionally. I have had several big life events, health challenges, dreams, and difficult scenarios occur throughout my life. My loved ones have always shown up in the kindest and most meaningful ways. They have and are there to listen to me, give me a hug, cry with me, laugh with me, and genuinely care about me. Read more>>

Louise Lang Robinson

A long time ago I was sat on a train travelling home alone. We were pulled up in a station and out of the corner of my eye I saw something hit the table in front of me. I looked down and there was a small piece of lined paper folded up and on the front it read “to the lone girl on the train”. I think I paused for a minute but then I opened the note and inside it read “You’re beautiful, scars and all. And whatever you’ve been through or are going through, you’ll always be beautiful. Good luck in life, stranger! Keep fighting! xx”. I was immediately struck by emotions. I didn’t even catch a glimpse of who left the note but I think it will always be the kindest thing someone has done for me, because it was a stranger. That person saw my pain and despite not knowing me they took the time to make me feel not alone. I still have the note and I will treasure it forever. Read more>>