We've seen many random acts of kindness, each one unique and heartwarming in its own way. This is one of my all-time favorites, simply because of the mystery and powerful message behind it.
Sitting at the San Francisco Airport one day, Reddit user IMAMenlo found a note on an empty chair. Handwritten on the letter? "Read me." When the man opened it, he was so touched and surprised that he took a picture and posted it online. The letter went viral.
Here's what it said:
I recently left an emotionally abusive relationship.
After months of insults I won't repeat, false accusations, lies, delusions, broken mirrors, nightly battles…. I left. I know that I was being poisoned by each day that I stayed. So with a heavy heart, I left my lover of three years, knowing that I had already put it off too long. At first he begged, then he cursed, but eventually he packed his bags and faded out of my life like a bad dream.
For the first few weeks, my body seemed to reject this. For three years I had seen the world through him-colored glasses. I didn’t know who I was without him. Despite the kindness of friends and even strangers. I could not help feeling utterly alone.
But it was this sense of aloneness that set me free. Somewhere along the way, I let go. I released all of the painful memories, the names he had called me, the shards of him buried deep in my brain. I stopped believing the things he had made me think about myself. I began to see how extraordinary, breathtakingly beautiful life is. I meditated, drank too much coffee, talked to strangers, laughed at nothing. I wrote poetry and stopped to smell and photograph every flower. Once I discovered that my happiness depends only on myself, nothing could hurt me anymore.
I have found and continue to find peace. Each day I am closer to it than I was yesterday. I am a work in progress but I am full to the brim with gratitude and joy.
And so, since I have opened a new chapter in my life, I want to peacefully part with the contents of the last chapter. The end of my relationship was the catalyst for a wealth of positive changes in my life. It was a symbol, most importantly, it was an act of self-love. It was a realization that I deserved to be happy and I could choose to be. And so, in an effort to leave behind the things that do not help me grow, I am letting go of a relic from the painful past.
I wore this necklace — a gift from him — every day for over two years. To me, letting it go is a joyous declaration that I am moving forward with strength and grace and deep, lasting peace.
Please accept this gift as a reminder that we all deserve happiness. Whoever you are, and whatever pain you have faced, I hope you find peace.
Namaste,
Jamie
What a powerful message, and inspiring gift to give to a complete, random stranger.
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A man found a mysterious letter at the airport. On the outside, it said "Read me"... and that's exactly what he did.

The letter was so surprising that he took a picture and posted it online. It's a powerful, personal message about abuse, and the courage to walk away. Millions of people have been inspired by this random act of kindness.

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