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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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A Girl Wrote a Simple Thank You Note to Her Postman and Got Hundreds of Responses

The appreciation delivered by an 11-year-old girl is returned to sender—from grateful postal service employees nationwide.

This Tattoo Artist Helps People with Scars Love Their Body Again

The first fingernail tattoos started off as a joke—but soon he was getting the attention of people from all...


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.


12 LGBTQ Activists Who Have Changed American History

It's hard to imagine where gay pride would be without the work and efforts of these LGBTQ leaders and countless...


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I Rescue 100 Cats a Year—Here’s What I Want You to Know

Each day a cat is rescued is an emotional rollercoaster of heartache and triumph, and Denise wouldn't have it any...


16 Photos That Celebrate the Good in All of Us

As we navigate through this unprecedented time, the number of people who need help continues to grow.


14 Nurses Share Stories of Positive Moments Behind-the-Scenes of COVID-19

These frontline workers spend lots of time bedside—bringing joy to patients and fellow nurses. Here's a glimpse at how they've...


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21 Moving Photos of Kindness in the Time of Coronavirus

Tough times can truly bring out the best in people.