Sign Up For Our Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Newsletters
More Categories
    Select Filters
    Seasons
    Brands
    Topics
    Pets & Animals
    Nicest Places
    People
    Life
    Holidays & Observances
    Beauty & Fashion
    Humor
    Money
    Arts & Entertainment
    Wellness
    True Stories
    Content Type
    Travel
    Reader's Digest Magazine
    Knowledge

    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.

    illustration of a figure painting a rainbow over the clouds

    15 People Share the Silver Linings They Found Amid a Pandemic

    This year, many of us have new appreciation for life’s simpler joys. RD readers share their discoveries.

    How This Quadriplegic Man Learned How to Move His Limbs…with His Mind

    Ian Burkhart was the first quadriplegic to regain control of his body using his thoughts.

    This 11-Year-Old Mows Lawns to Raise Money for Social Justice

    Meet Jack, a young boy giving up the money from his summer job to support...

    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...

    A 14-Year-Old Boy Helped Save Another Boy’s Life After Meeting Him Through a Video Game

    The friendships that teens build online can be stronger than you think.

    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...

    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...

    Students Noticed One Boy Was Wearing the Same Clothes Every Day, so They Stepped in to Help

    "They went home and hunted through their own drawers and closets."

    Her Hometown Was Broken After Multiple People Took Their Lives, so She Set Out to Create Signs of Hope

    Her heartbroken hometown needed a sign, so she gave them one.
    Tout icon

    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...

    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...

    14 Heartwarming Stories of Nurses Who Went Above and Beyond Their Call of Duty

    These (and all) nurses deserve a major thank you.

    25 Moving Acts of Generosity Proving That Kindness Will Win Over Coronavirus

    During challenging times, kindness always wins.
    Tout icon

    Read One Teacher’s Genius Response to the Question “What Do You Make?”

    Teacher Taylor Mali's unforgettable, searing retort to a thoughtless question certainly put a dinner companion...

    A Football Player Decided to Donate Bone Marrow—He Never Imagined That It Would Save a Little Girl’s Life

    When Mike Mushaw decided to donate bone marrow, he not only saved a life but...

    After Living on the Streets, This Man Takes Every Opportunity to Help Others

    An imperfect man finds the perfect way to give back.
    Tout icon

    During the COVID-19 Crisis, This Man Helped People in Need Get Toilet Paper

    When Jonny Blue realized that people were hoarding toilet paper, he set out to make...
    Tout icon

    11 Ways Teachers Are Going Above and Beyond During Coronavirus

    Teaching isn't just a profession—it's a calling. No one embodies this more than these inspirational,...

    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...
    Tout icon

    21 Moving Photos of Kindness in the Time of Coronavirus

    Tough times can truly bring out the best in people.

    This Lovely Little Story Proves Why You Should Always Be Nice to Drive-Thru Workers

    A "tomato fairy" I met as a drive-thru worker inspired me to pass along the...

    These Uplifting Stories of Neighbors Helping During Coronavirus Will Inspire You to Do the Same

    In times of crisis, people can be truly amazing.