Kindness: What surviving on the kindness of strangers taught me about perspective, connection and happiness

by Kath Koschel

A moving story of hope, resilience and the life-changing power of kindness, from the founder of the global not-for-profit, Kindness Factory.

Kath Koschel has faced almost unimaginable hurdles. In her mid-twenties, she broke her back and was told she may never walk again. Shortly afterwards, she lost her beloved partner to suicide. Then, just as she was piecing her life back together, she was hit by a car while cycling and forced to relearn to walk a second time.

In the midst of these harrowing experiences, Kath created the Kindness Factory on social media to share her small acts of kindness, hoping to inspire a groundswell of people to join her. Her idea went millions of acts have since been logged, giving birth to the 'Kindness Curriculum'—a blueprint for happiness, resilience and connection that has now launched in schools across three countries.

In 2016 Kath put her beliefs to the ultimate test, leaving home with nothing but a change of clothes, her phone and a toothbrush—no food, money or water. Her goal? To see how long she could survive on the kindness of strangers. Her journey took her to every state in Australia, where she met with people from all walks of life to share her kindness manifesto.

Part stirring memoir and part empowering call to action, Kindness is a timely reminder that there is always light to be found, if only we look hard enough.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Memoir, Psychology

Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2023

About the author

Kath Koschel knows how to take on a challenge and win, having learnt to walk again several times, physically and mentally. She also knows how to deliver acts of kindness. As the founder of the Kindness Factory, the acts of kindness she contributes to the world each day are dramatically changing the way we engage in schools, business, the community and within ourselves.

An elite sports person, survivor, founder, and powerful keynote speaker, Kath draws on her experiences to inspire audiences to challenge the way they see the world. By taking them on an emotional roller coaster, she leaves them in awe of her incredible courage and determination. And she encourages them to do the same for themselves and others – through small acts of Kindness.

Reviews

[Isabel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this read! Kath came to speak at a corporate event I attended in December 2022, and I was so incredibly inspired by her story and invested in the Kindness project ever since. I was completely stunned and in awe of her strength to not only keep going, but to start an entire empire surrounding the idea of kindness, especially after the world had been so unkind to her.
I highlighted almost half of the text in this book, completely in admiration of the way Kath was able to articulate her life lessons and meanings. I found comfort in hearing of the methods Kath used to “keep moving forward” and was utterly inspired.
Some quotes from the final chapter of the book that particularly stuck with me included:
“Human beings crave connection. We were born to connect. Those who are the happiest and healthiest among us have strong social connections.”
“ ‘If she can, I can’ - that’s the belief I hoped anyone hearing me would carry away with them” - particularly loved this one because after hearing Kath’s story, and the small way it related to my own, I definitely used her strength and grit to get me through times of my own.
“The truth is, life will never be easy - but a broken heart can still beat. When we make a choice to carry on with a heavier heart than most, we pay tribute to the momentum of the loss that we have endured.”
Thank you Kath!!

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully uplifting book, which shares the story of Kath Koschel, the adversity she has been working through and the people she met on her journey to prove that kindness is really everywhere.

[Kira Salomons · Rating 4 out of 5]

litt treg og gjentakende, men veldig veldig fin og lærerik

[Nell Keeping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kath Koschel is genuinely such an inspiring woman.
The structure of this book was a little confusing at times but I couldn’t in good conscience give a 4 ⭐️ for a book that made me feel sooo many things!!
I wish Kath could speak about her experiences to EVERY one. This was such a powerful and life changing read - I aspire to be more like Kath!

[Katie Heffernan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gift from my bestie Lisa!
A really lovly book, loved the message Kath sets out to give the world on how an incredibly hard challenges in her life were changed by the kindness of strangers and friends/family.
The reason for only giving three stars would be the style of writing was slightly basic.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hard journey led to helping others, even in the reading of the book which reminds us we have a choice to choose happiness and the power of kindness.

[Keli Calder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindness • Kath Koschel

Book 4 • A memoir about the many facets of kindness. Reading Kindness made me feel extremely humble.. Everyone has their own struggles in life, every single person, we can all try a little harder to show kindness. I made so many notes while reading the book, I thought I would share the most special to me. “So often we get caught up in our own head, and overwhelmed by the seemingly impossible struggle that we have in front of us. Finding a new perspective can be a gift - for ourselves and for others.” “Well, in any moment in life things can go one way or the other right? Sometimes we just have to trust that everything will be ok.” “No one will sail through life without any tough moments. But in those moments, one of the most important thing you can do for yourself is believe that it will get better - because more often than not, it will.” “I could choose to continue struggling alone, or I could accept the readily available support of my family and friends.” “Everything we do in life is a choice.”

Blurb • Kath Koschel has faced almost unimaginable hurdles. In her mid-twenties, she broke her back and was told she may never walk again. Shortly afterwards, she lost her beloved partner to suicide. Then, just as she was living her life back together, she was hit by a car while cycling and forced to relearn to walk a second time.
In the midst of these harrowing experiences, Kath created the Kindness Factory on social media to share her small acts of kindness. Her idea went viral, prompting millions of kind deeds around the world. In 2016, Kath put her belief in kindness to the ultimate test, leaving home with nothing but a change of clothes, her phone and a toothbrush - no food, money or water. Her goal? To see how long she could survive on the kindness of strangers. Her journey took her to every state in Australia, where she met with people from all walks of life to share her kindness manifesto.
@kindnessfactory

[jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi guys,
This is my first ever time writing a book review so forgive me if I don't do this right! My Dad actually recommended this to me (I don't usually read other people's recommendations as one of my major character flaws is that I'll ask for book recommendations, but I'll never read them- so sorry!) but I'm so glad i said yes to this one. This was such an inspiring read. I read this everywhere. In the toilet, on the train, at my brother's graduation. A beautiful story; it taught me that you will never regret choosing to be kind; so be kind. So many laughs, so many tears and so much self-reflection. I felt like I was on this journey with the author herself and I resonated so deeply with a lot of points she made. Thank you for sharing this with us Kath. You are so inspiring. I hope everyone has a good week this week & thanks to my Dad :)

[Abbey Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of meeting and listening to Kath speak and reading this book afterwards makes me more in awe of her. This book shows so much strength and passion and I would 100% recommend this book to people.

“The truth is, life will never be easy— but a broken heart will still beat”

Kath shows how to love others from the bottom of your heart and really puts a lot of topics into perspective. Show acts of kindness to everyone you can. Something as small as a thumbs up can change someone’s life.

“I see you, I hear you and I value you—and you are not alone”

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Quotes to remember ~

'The truth is, life will never be easy- but a broken heart can still beat. When we make a choice to carry on with a heavier heart than most, we pay tribute to the memory of the loss that we have endured. Whatever that may be'

'She spoke about the difference between being childlike and childish. Being childish meant acting like a child and never growing up to own life's responsibilities. Being childlike, on the other hand, meant having a child's natural curiosity about life and a love for learning and discovery.'

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the most enjoyable non-fiction read to date!
Fave quotes:
- A friend is someone who reminds you to feel alive even when living has become difficult
- A broken heart can still beat. When we make a choice to carry in with a heavier heart than most, we pay tribute to the memory of the loss that we have endured.

[Jaz Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an uplifting memoir. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially to those needing a reminder of the goodness that still exists in this world and how easy it is for all of us to keep it going through the smallest acts of kindness.

[Hannah Peachey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It will make you laugh and cry, and you really hear Kath's voice all the way through it. This book will make you want to be a better person, without making you feel bad about yourself. Highly recommend - great as a gift.

[Karen Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure you can rate a book like this. It’s an amazing story and, I suspect, a simplified, easy to read version of the impact of truly life changing events. Kath’s attitude is inspiring - ‘The world is changed by your example not by your opinion’.

[Beth Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read book!
If we could all live life with a little more kindness, compassion, empathy, honesty and self awareness how different the world would be.
Kath writes in a way that carries the reader on her painful yet enduring story.

[Margaret Hage · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most powerful yet relatable stories I’ve read. I must have highlighted at least one sentence or paragraph on every page. A story everyone should read and a way of live everyone should try to aim for, always focus on giving kindness. Thank you Kath Koschel.

[JessNeutze · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and uplifting read that showcases the importance of connection and the kindness people can show towards strangers. The author has an inspiring story of overcoming hardship.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting story, it was heartwarming to see Kath choosing kindness after a lifetime of setbacks and tough situations.

[littlemimz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very humbling read - was particularly moved by the Humility and Trust chapters

[Connie Yang · Rating 4 out of 5]

sobbed at the airport

[Anna O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening

[Andrew Bysterveldt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read about kindness and a journey of finding the kindness in people. About the author’s travels. While I appreciate the backstory of hardship leading to the journey, I felt it was the main story instead of the discovery of kindness. I felt the author leveraged an existing persona to set up a “kindness” journey, rather than relying on chance. So this book, while well written and interesting in a way, didn’t quite meet my expectations. I agree with the message, I just struggled with the way the story was told. I don’t write this to be unkind to the author. I write this because it was my feeling about the book and so others who are looking for a travel genre book come to this book without those expectations. The book will resonate with many readers looking for what it offers. It just didn’t resonate with me for where I’m at in my life or reading.

[Hannah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a humbling story. I felt taken on a journey across Australia battling mental health with social connection. Such a radical idea and yet admirable in many ways. The set of stories and perspectives shared were not only fascinating but also inspiring. I wish for everyone to read this book and share to be as inspired as I am to show compassion, care and kindness to others.

[Angela Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest account of kindness. Made me cry, made me smile.

[Georgia Deer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not super well written but a great story and lots to learn