A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

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.

Add Filter

Advice From a Mother of Two on Navigating a Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Sponsored by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca

When Lisa was 46, she was a busy wife and mom of two young children. Like many parents, she juggled a full-time job and her family’s hectic daily schedule. Always “on-the-go,” Lisa maintained a steady daily routine for her family and felt she had a good work-life balance. Then, Lisa discovered a lump in her breast.

How Unity Park Heals a Decades-Old Racial Injustice and Unites a Community

This park rights a historic wrong and brings people together with nature


Damar Hamlin: Thank You, Buffalo

In this touching letter, Damar Hamlin reflects on the support he's received from the Buffalo community, 2023's Nicest Place in...


This Flower Farm Delivers Free Flowers to Spread Cheer—and Fight Pollution

This nonprofit is spreading smiles and saving the earth, one bouquet at a time


A Devastating Flood Brings Out the Best in a Small Town

When the floodwaters rose in Red Lodge, Montana, so did a river of helping hands

Tasty Ribs and Helping Hands: Mark BBQ Serves 170,000 Meals to Those in Need

In addition to brisket burgers, this restaurant offers free meals and second chances


Uniting in the Face of Deadly Blizzards and Tragedy, Buffalo, New York, Is the Nicest Place in America

Despite natural disasters, shooting tragedies and Damar Hamlin's near-death experience, Buffalo's community is stronger than ever

The Importance of Men’s Friendships—and How Poker Could Make Them Stronger

People who make time to hang out with friends have all the luck


Readers Share the Incredible True Stories of Their Hero Pets

We're pawsitive you'll love these stories of courageous animals


These Neighbors Rushed to Help a Man and His Son After They Fell Into a Well

A father's worst nightmare came true when his child fell down a well. After jumping in after his son, he...


Meet the Woman Who Turns Chip Bags Into Sleeping Bags for the Homeless

How one environmental justice advocate is helping the most vulnerable while also diverting trash from landfills

Tout icon

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.


This Barbecue Restaurant Owner Donates Cars to Those in Need

“He handed me the keys and didn’t ask for anything.”


This Elementary School Teacher Pledges to Donate One Million Books

“I wanted to do something that’s going to stretch my faith, my work ethic, my everything.”


Here’s How a Group of Strangers With the Same Name Started a Virtual Band—And Friendships to L...

Four men with the same name who all love making music? Baltimore Paul had an idea. Wouldn’t it be funny,...


A Child Lost Her Beloved Baseball Cards in a Wildfire, So a Stranger Stepped Up to the Plate to Help

A longtime baseball card collector seizes the opportunity to do good after a destructive wildfire.


This Veterinarian Helps Pets of Homeless People Out of His Own Pocket

A California veterinarian makes house calls to pet owners who have no place to call home.


Mitch Albom on What It Means to Be a Real Father to a Special Orphan

What is a real father? An orphan in Haiti teaches ­­bestselling author Mitch Albom a wonderful new definition.


How the Dog Nobody Wanted for 17 Months Became a School’s Unofficial Mascot

When Higgins was found, he had been dumped on the side of the road and appeared aggressive—but with some TLC...


Meet the Pitbull Who Became Her Family’s Caretaker

"At that moment, Emmy Lou came up to me and put my whole wrist in her mouth. She was hugging...


After This Man Rescued a Cow from a Dairy Farm, the Two Developed the Most Unbelievable Friendship

Meet Ryan and his 1,000-pound bestie: Jenna the cow. She's brought joy to his life—and also brought him together...


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

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...

Magazine Cover

Subscribe & SAVE

Save Up To 84%!


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...