They say money makes the world go round, but they’re mistaken. What truly gives life meaning is human connection and the most powerful emotion of all, kindness. Offering a kind gesture lifts your spirit; receiving one can warm your soul. With that in mind, here are a few heartwarming stories of kindness to brighten your day and remind you of the goodness in the world.

was waitressing to make ends meet. One day I saw an old lady, sitting rather sadly with a small cupcake and a candle in front of her. I figured it was her birthday, so I bought her another small cake and sat down with her during my break. She seemed overjoyed, and we exchanged numbers. We stayed in touch, and met sometimes.
Six months later, I got a call. It was her nephew. She had passed away in her sleep, peacefully, and willed me $20,000 and a note, thanking me for my kindness to her. The note made me cry, and the money was enough for me to turn my life around and do what I really wanted. I will forever be grateful to her. Thanks, Emmy, you were one of a kind!
I was selling my bike when I was a teen for $30. Got a hit and set up a location. I ended up being greeted by two kids on a single bike (one on the pegs), and the kid with the bike bought his friend my bike so they could ride together. © SchrockyBalboa / Reddit
When my wife gave birth to our firstborn, the woman she had shared a ward with while in the early stages of labor had a stillbirth. After giving birth, rather than spending time bonding with her newborn, my exhausted wife gave me our son and spent 3 hours comforting and consoling this woman. Something about the bond of mothers seemed to connect them.
The woman and her husband have since become close family friends and had two beautiful children after this. They still credit the support we (mostly my wife) gave them in the period of time after the stillbirth, especially in those three hours, with helping them get through their grief. The kindest act I’ve ever seen was done by the kindest person I’ve ever met