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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.

illustration of two surfers holding one surfboard that spans from the Philippines to Hawaii

A Surf Board Drifted from Hawaii to the Philippines and Started a Friendship Between the Two Owners

It traveled over 5,000 miles across the ocean and was still in one piece.

I Was Bullied on Valentine’s Day as a Kid. Here’s How I Spread Kindness on February 14 as a Teacher Now.

As a child, I had a humiliating experience on February 14. Now that I’m a...

A Dog Was Trapped in a Cave for 30 Hours. It Took 8 Cavers to Find Him.

Buzzman the dog hadn't returned home for a few hours. Thinking it was unusual, his...

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...

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...

10 Extraordinary Ways Kids Are Giving Us Hope in the Time of Coronavirus

These ten examples will inspire you and the children in your lives to shake off...

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.

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.

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...

A Toddler Was Playing on Train Tracks as a Train Approached—The Conductor’s Quick Action Saved Her Life

The engineer could never stop the 6,200-ton train in time. So when the conductor saw...

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

An imperfect man finds the perfect way to give back.

Enjoy the BEST stories, advice & jokes!

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...

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...

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