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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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This Rescue Dog Helps His Owner Nurse Baby Hummingbirds Back to Health

You don't have to be from the same species to be kindred spirits.


How an 18-Year-Old Helped Save a Hiker Who Fell 75 Feet Off a Mountain Cliff

An 18-year-old went on a hike with his mom—and returned home a hero. Here's how his quick actions saved...


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When the World Shut Down, This 9-Year-Old Created an Unlikely Bond with 6 Chickens

In a time of isolation from the rest of the world, this little girl found friendship in her family’s new...



15 Amazing Facts About the Women of NASA

The sky is not the limit for these incredible pioneers.


How an Activist with Disabilities Went from Being a Role Model to a Runway Model

A disabled activist won’t let Twitter trolls stop her 
from seeing herself as she really is—a star.

The 14 Best Good News Stories from 2022 You Might Have Missed

Stop doomscrolling! Lift your spirits with good news stories that prove the world is full of inspiring people.


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.