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Inspirational Stories

Reader’s Digest has the stories to lift your spirits and fill you with hope in your darkest moments. We’ve promised to be a source of joy, and these stories deliver. From everyday heros to reunited long-lost siblings, we’ve got the stories to inspire you.

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30 Stories About the Touching Kindness of Strangers That’ll Make You Tear Up

We asked readers for firsthand accounts of compassion. Here are 30 stories on kindness that touched your lives—and our hearts.

21 Extraordinary Stories of Generosity That Will Stay with You

These acts of kindness—big and small—speak to the generosity of the American spirit.



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21 Moving Photos of Kindness in the Time of Coronavirus

Tough times can truly bring out the best in people.


20 Real-Life Heroes That Are Changing the World

There is still a lot of good in this world.

This Heartbreaking Story Will Remind You Just How Much Kindness Really Matters

Her moving story will stay with you long after you finish reading.


10 Inspiring Stories of Extreme Forgiveness That Will Lift Your Spirits

After suffering devastating tragedies, these remarkable people were able to put aside their anger and blame to find mercy in...



18 Things I Learned From My Sister

Family is great, but there's something especially special about having a sister. Whether it's learning about love, sharing, giving, or...


How a City Bus-Turned-Shower Station is Helping the Homeless Regain Their Dignity

Doniece Sandoval convinced the city of San Francisco to donate four old buses and she raised money to turn them...

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So I Let My Daughter Play With a Stranger at the Beach. And Then Learned This.

My misguided fear about my child interacting with strangers led to a heartwarming discovery.