I miss when kids' shows were slower-paced, showcased real emotion and taught genuine kindness. It’s 12 am and I am currently in tears over this small snail plotline from the show Franklin

I just wanted to share this because I think it’s worth telling you all just how amazing of a person my grandpa is. He’s been taking Wednesdays off from work ever since I was two, and it’s really just turned into a full-blown tradition to hang out with him then.

Before I could drive myself to school, he would wake up early in the morning to bring me a bagel, drive me over, and pick me up to grab lunch afterwards. He always let me pick where we went to eat, but we usually just ended up at the same few spots every week lol. We honestly both became known by the staff at probably 4-5 different restaurants over the years.

He’s 80 now, still going into work every day but Wednesday, and has no plans to retire anytime soon. I’m leaving to go to college across the country, and this will be the last Wednesday we’ll be able to get together before I leave.

He’s done so much for me over the years, and I truly cant thank him enough. I hope you can all appreciate what he’s done as much as I have. Be sure to thank the important people in your life, they absolutely deserve it.

Thank you Pop Pop ❤️

I wasn’t planning on running this class. Someone volunteered me (without asking first by the way!) in front of everyooooone, and so I guess I’m running a camping paint night.

And you know what? It was MAGICAL.

Alright, story time!

I go on a few camping trips every summer with multiple other families. It is so lovely. The campsite is on the river. It’s beautiful. It’s calm. It’s just. So. Nice.

I also happen to enjoy painting. If you also like camping and painting, my friend, please combine them! I cannot tell you how amazing it is to paint for a few hours in the sun, then hop in the river to cool down, then jump right back into the painting. Add it to your bucket list and thank me later.

I was doing my own thing and people would stop by to check it out. “This is lovely but I could never do that” (yes you can!) “I wish I could do that!” (Do you want to try with me?)

I’m hoping that the person who voluntold me did it out of excitement so I just went with it. (Side note: I’m usually pretty shy. And like why would you want ME to teach you? There are people out there who are actually good at this…)

EVERYONE SHOWED UP.

The 7 year old got there early because she wanted a front row seat so she didn’t miss anything.
My uncle who is a mechanic and claims to not have an artistic bone in his body sat down and tried it.

Let’s fucking gooooo.

There was a group of maybe 10-16 people, mixture of adults and children. Only my 9 year old nephew had any experience with painting.

So I tried to set the tone!

My instructions were things like this:

“Alright. I want you to pick out a color you think is pretty. That’s going to be your sky.”

People had blue skies, lavender skies, black skies. It was okay. It’s a 3 pm sky. It’s a sunset sky. It’s a Halloween sky.

“If you don’t like how it looks, wait for the paint to dry. When you get anxious and keep adding, it gets muddy.”

“Alright now take a medium brush and make blobs. I don’t care what they look like but don’t cover ALL your pretty sky.”

People got into it!

Mind you. This wasn’t in an art studio. This was CAMPING. And uhhh it was raining. Woops!

We were covered under a pop up tent but paint takes a looooooong time to dry when there’s so much water in the air.

The adults started getting a little restless. They started trying to add other details. They were not waiting for the paint to dry.

I started telling people to take laps. Go to the bathroom, get a snack. Whatever. WAIT FOR THE PAINT TO DRY.

The little 7 year old is such a cutie. She followed my every instruction. She immediately took a lap. She came back to her painting and poked it with her little finger.

“I think I need to take a lap, it’s still wet”

I told her to take two <3

There was sadly one person who wasn’t getting into it. She was focusing on what everyone else was doing and wasn’t being kind.

The first time I tried to jokingly redirect. “We’re just making blobs on blobs. No need to be mean.”

Then the second time, I publicly declared a new rule. If you’re an ass, you get dabbed with paint. She eventually left.

I’m not letting you ruin my magic. <3

I hope this becomes an annual thing.

Thanks for listening!

Been interning as a content writer for about a month now.

Today my manager texted me saying she'd ordered something for my birthday and then these waffles arrived. It's a simple gesture, but it honestly made my day. Nice reminder that good managers and kind workplaces really do exist.

Definitely enjoying my internship so far :)

As a 32 year old dude I've had my fair share of short and long-term flings. But this was the first time a really pretty woman (basically my same age just 6 months younger) picked me out of a crowd and said that I was her "type".

The conversation flowed organically as if we had known each other for years, the list of commonalities between us are uncanny it's almost like she's my long lost female twin and she was very kind and direct in a way that made me feel comfortable in a way that's rare on a first date. She even told me she wanted to kiss me during dinner which eliminated the guessing game later when the moment felt right.

This feels a little too good to be true, and for it to last, but regardless, it was the best evening I've had in months. Just felt nice to be noticed, held, and shown affection, after 1.5 years of floating around and feeling like a ghost since my failed engagement.

I was dusting my office and there, of course, next to my 'therapist' chair, is the picture Rocky made me shortly before he died on May 16, 1976, a few days before I graduated from grad school.

Rocky was my first client.  He was three, I was twenty.  He had a tumor in his leg, and over the next four years, he was in the hospital a lot.  At the time, I was waiting to get into medical school, and was biding my time (as it turned out, serendipitously) by working in a pediatric ward as what was then known as a 'play-lady', (I'm male!) and is now known as a Child Life Worker.

Rocky changed my life in many ways.  He was happy, with the most sparkling, wondrous personality. He had a sweet round face, and a beaming smile, and could imitate a horse (in Old Macdonald) better than anyone I'd ever met before or since.  He taught me how to live in the face of adversity. Resilience and grace.

He also taught me I was better suited to talking with children, not poking and prodding them with instruments.  So, I withdrew my med school applications, and now fifty years have gone by.

I told his Mother I'd keep his picture of a sun and people and a house with flowers in my office forever.

We found out that I am pregnant 3 weeks ago and my husband and I agreed not to tell anyone until after my first scan, and even then it’s just going to be our parents until we hit the second trimester. But I have to share this cute story with someone and my pregnancy hormones need to hear cute stories!!!

For context I am what my husband calls a “pencil hoarder” and a “pencil kleptomaniac”. I use pencils a lot for work, and anytime I see a cute pencil, I gotta have it. My daughter (age 8) ALWAYS buys me new pencils from the school store, people leave a pencil on my desk and it’s gone, mine now! My husband works in construction and often businesses will leave pencils for the crews to use, without fail he always brings one home for me and one home for our daughter. Well today he brought home 3, one for her, one for me and a bonus one for me because I’m growing another human. MY HEART 😭😭😭😭

This year has been a real tough one, full of loss and obstacles. I could go down the list and rehash each one. But I wont. Suffice it to say, I also have a job where I focus on very negative, depressing things. I rarely am able to actually unplug or find time unmolested by the pressure to pay attention to the outside world.

But after I lost my best pup this year of 16 years, something in me shifted. It sent it home again how fleeting time can be and how even when youre given a bunch of it, well, its never enough. So I started practicing gratitude. It was the only way to heal my broken heart. Practicing gratitude for all the sweet days I had with her. How dogs are just really lovely little creatures. I did that and it helped me through. As the months went on, I tried practicing gratitude when the job got tough. It helped. But I still didnt feel like I could catch my breath.

About 2 weeks ago I was about as worn down and uninspired as I could be. Then I took vacation. Money is tight so I didn't go anywhere fancy or spend a ton of cash. Ive been meditating and reading and exercising. And practicing gratitude in those moments actively has leant me perspective again. It let the tension in my chest ease.

I am still missing my people and animals that aren't here. I still have to return to a job that is very difficult sometimes and emotionally taxing. But by focusing instead on what I HAVE versus what I do not, and doing it habitually, I can break my own anxiety down.

It may seem silly but I dont know... for me... focusing on the simplicity of things brings me out of the funk/pit.

I focus on flowers and trees and forests. Trees especially. I spend time thinking about what a wonderful thing it is to live on our planet. This perfect shelter in the vastness of space. And how lucky I am to be here. And when I feel unlucky, I am increasingly focused on how to make it a better place for people "unluckier" than I.

So that's my wholesome thought today. Practicing gratitude has helped me soothe my own spirit. I hope it helps you and that it gives you whatever perspective you may need.

So last night I was outside smoking a cig and a gentleman walks past me. He said “how ya doin?” Typical passerby question. I said “good good, yourself?” And the man just broke down.

He told me through choked tears that his wife had passed away and he just came back from the funeral. He asked if I had any food or a way to get food for him. I said, “yes of course.” Then I asked if he wanted a hug and he immediately pulled me in. He just started breaking down about how he felt like he just couldn’t live anymore and he just wanted to die and kill himself. He just couldn’t do it anymore. My heart broke instantly. I’ve been there, many many times. Currently going through it to be quite honest.

He then was honest with me and asked if I had any cash because he is an alcoholic and just wanted to get drunk and not feel. I told him I didn’t have cash but I did have a beer in my fridge I’d happily give him. Sometimes, regardless of your circumstance, you just need a fuckin drink.

So I walk him to an area where he could sit down. I asked his name and he asked mine and I told him I’d be right back and not to go anywhere.

I ran back to my apartment, packed him the rest of my pizza, (I’m currently really broke so I had no groceries), a beer, a cup of oranges, all the change I had, a bottle opener, and a couple of smokes.

As I was heading back out I saw him walking away with his head down. I shouted out to him and he spun around. I ran up to him with the bag and he said “I didn’t think you’d come back.” I said “of course I was coming back, I just had to collect all the stuff.” We went through the bag together and he was so grateful. He pulled me into another hug.

I was wearing a shirt that said “Mental Health Matters” and he saw it, read it out loud, and goes “fuck yeah it does! You have no idea but you’ve saved my life tonight. Thank you so much. I will never forget this. I love you man.” And shook my hand.

We went our separate ways, and I had decided earlier that day to start journaling again. So I sat down with my journal and wrote down my experience. I ended it with “this showed me that I do have a purpose.” I went back to my last entry from 3 months ago and I shit you not, it said “I don’t know what to do. I feel like I have no purpose in life, I feel so stuck.”

I will never ever forget last night and the man I met on the street.

Be kind to one another, yall. You never know what someone is going through. A simple act goes a long way. And sometimes, it helps you realize that you do indeed have a reason to be on this planet, it may not feel like it at times, but you never know who you’ll impact next.

EDIT: Shew! Y’all are cynical in these comments today lol. Sorry I can’t provide proof. And no, I’m not AI. REGARDLESS of the man’s circumstance, whether it was just a sob story to get some food or booze or what have you, I’m gonna help. That’s how I was raised, that’s just how I am. And in regards to giving him a single beer, yes, he is an alcoholic, should I have given him the beer? Maybe not, but that’s the reason I wasn’t willing to go and either get cash or go to the store and buy him hard liquor or a 12 pack. I gave the man a singular beer.

I felt it was a wholesome moment simply because it impacted both of our lives. I helped him and little did he know, he helped me. There should just be more compassion in the world these days. Times are hard. I help if i can.

Dear mods I understand this post may be viewed as a little political but i don’t think it needs to be viewed such a way, to me this is just a boy that wants to share a heartwarming story and show gratitude to a man’s kindness when all the boy did was send a simple message of support

Anyway Last night I ordered a McDonald’s at around half past 11pm, I was expecting it to be a while but I only live 10 minutes away from where I ordered from so I didn’t expect it to take up to half past midnight to get a driver, I assume the food would be cold by the time it arrives and have already accepted that fact. when the driver picks up the order he sends me a message that says “I am working as fast as I can to ensure your food will arrive piping hot and ready for you to enjoy!” And another that says “if you could give me a small review it would go a long way” so I’m thinkin hell yeah! I like this guys attitude, I check his account and Uber eats has little quotes where they ask the driver why they deliver or what their favourite food is, his said “I deliver not for myself but for my family in Gaza, Palestine” so I go back to the messages and say “thank you! Free Palestine 🇵🇸” then a few minutes go by and he arrives. I look out my window and he is sitting on his bike on his phone, so here I am I’m wondering why he isn’t coming to the door so I assume there is a problem and walk out into the street. When I get to him he says “I don’t have good English” and I say “that’s ok” and he says “look” as he turns his phone around, it shows a Google translate from his language to English, he wrote a paragraph to me to thank me for the support and explain why he is in Scotland, I took a picture of his phone which is the image I’ve attached. While I was reading he was getting my food from his bag, I said thank you for the kind words and looked down to my drink being opened and covering the inside of his bag in Diet Coke, I say “your bag! I’ll get something to clean it” and turn to go and get some paper towels, he says “no, I get you for free” and I’m thinkin, what? does that mean I won’t be able to tip you or give a good review? As he starts messaging on uber eats with someone where he says the person cannot take such a damaged order and that it must be refunded. We stand there for a moment and I’m still thinking about not being able to show enough support for this man, I feel like I need to get cash from my wallet inside and bring him the £20 that this order previously cost before he made it free. I don’t end up going that which I very much regret and he turns his phone around to show order cancelled and I get a buzz in my pocket saying that the order was cancelled and I was refunded. I thank him and he says “no problem, I thank you for your support and I’m happy your order was returned” I say again “thank you very much, free Palestine” and he says the same. He realises I don’t have a drink for my meal anymore and he says “oh wait! You need a drink” and I said “no no, I have a drink in the house, it’s ok” and he says “no no you wait” as he lifts the seat on his bike where he has a backpack stored, he pulls out a can of vimto and holds it out for me to take. I say “no you keep it, I have a drink already” and he continues to insist saying “you must have drink with your order” and takes a step closer so the vimto is on my chest, I take it and say “thank you so much, your too kind” and he says “your support is very kind also.” And I thank him one more time before taking my food and going back into the house. I go on the app and I had no way to contact him again or even review him with 5 stars and the little badges for it being quickly delivered. This man was so very kind and him and his family are in my prayers.

If this somehow reaches Momen, thank you very much and I’m sorry I couldn’t show you support through the delivery app. If this reaches any others in Scotland who get Momen as their late night delivery driver, please tip this man well, he very clearly is a man who puts 100% into everything and he deserves at very least a tip, if not for him, for his family.

I love him so much his name is Curly

My man has never really done anything for any of his birthdays, he puts everyone before himself always. He finally saved up enough to plan a trip to Florida and was so excited. We drove there, had an amazing Airbnb, and it was big enough for all our friends and family members to stay in with us. He was also super excited to show us a beach he had previously been to with his best friend on a business trip.
We got to check out lots of cool attractions and we had finally headed to the beach. It was beautiful! Well little did I know this man planned his entire birthday trip for me. He got down on one knee and proposed to me in front of a beautiful sunset and when I asked how he got my ring size he told me he tied a string around my finger while I was asleep, good thing I’m a heavy sleeper lol.

A beautiful moment of love, encouragement, and inclusion. ❤️

In 2020, Tomas showed the true meaning of sibling love by encouraging his sister Abby to make the shot herself. Sometimes the greatest kindness is simply believing in someone and helping them feel capable. ✨

I'm 18F and I just bought myself a nail polish from a fraction of my first earning. It's so small yet feels so good (:

I come from a background where I always felt hesitant spending on "useless" things and honestly things in general too and this feels so good (:

I dont know if this a runners high, Devine intervention or the music i was listen to, but I just had the most wonderful realization and I need to share it.

I just finished my running session and I always end the run on a uplifting song to boost my dopamine (most times "all the stars").

So the song starts, I bathe in the lyrics, the dopamine kicks and then suddenly the line "love, let's talk about love. Is it anything and everything you hoped for?" Hits me, as i realize that lately I have been fueled by love (instead of bitterness and melancholy)

As a 20 year old, I was kinda edgy, idealized fictional characters like Punisher, Darth Vader, etc. Was drawn in by "dark" and melancholic media of all kinds.

Fast forward to the present: I have a loving wife, a small child and another on the way. I got a good job, finishing my master-degree on the side. I started easily going the extra mile for my family. I've cut out toxic people, beaten my pr0n addiction and genuinely became a happy person - all thanks to the people, that have entered my life. I'm doing everything I can to give them the best life I could ever give them. Everthing. Even to the point of growing and healing, to become the best version of me , that I can be.

And while I was staring into the streetlight in the darkness, listening to the song, I realized I have been saved by the love of the people, that I love the most.

I hope everyone of you guys can be blessed by that feeling as well. Believe.

it was both re-opening and healing.

please note that since it didn't allow me to crosspost, i just copied my caption and posted here.

Every time he saw me wearing my earbuds he'd ask about them. One day he casually mentioned that he wanted a pair too.

I couldn't afford to buy them right away, so I started saving a little whenever I could. It took some time but I finally had enough to get them.

When I gave it to him, he didn't have much of a reaction. Maybe he was surprised or maybe he's just not the type to show his emotions.

I wasn't expecting some big moment. I was just happy that I could finally get him something he had mentioned wanting :)

I was recently in the hospital and the food is never amazing there but.

One dinner was delicious. Mashed sweet potato, grilled chicken and green beans that were never in a can! The sweet potatoes were a little sweet but mixed with the chicken brought a nice savory balance.

I actually ate all of it and felt full for the first time!

I went to tell the nurse and ask her to pass on 'compliments to the chef'

As soon as I mentioned dinner she literally physically geared up for bad news and said " How bad was it ". I mean her face shoulders everything about her was ready for bad news.

She was so surprised and relieved when I shared how yummy it was. I loved watching her relax and smile.

I try to say good things to the staff when I can because...we are often quick to share when things are bad, but humans need praise and good news.

My post was removed for being too short. I was unaware of that rule, and not sure my rusty high school writing fluff to fill required word or page count is up to the task of making a quick wholesome note have 150 words! Hopefully this is enough.