Meet the Woman Turning Trauma Into Hope—One Nugget at a Time
“You have a 100% success rate at getting through the tough stuff—because you’re still here.”
— Kim Lengling
In a world that often feels loud, divided, and rushed, it’s easy to forget this simple truth:
Kindness still costs nothing—and still changes everything.
Today, we’re shining a light on Kim Lengling—veteran, author, podcast host, and fierce mental wellness advocate. Through her story of healing, faith, and human connection, she’s helping people rediscover the transformative power of kindness and hope.
When Trauma Finds a Voice
Kim’s journey began with pain.
As a veteran living with PTSD, she wrestled with invisible wounds and dark days. But one word kept showing up—on TV, in books, in conversations: hope.
“It kept appearing everywhere. Eventually, I realized—I wasn’t supposed to keep it to myself.”
That realization launched a quiet movement. Not with fanfare, but with six simple cards she’d picked up at a networking event—cards that read “You’re awesome” or “You’re a rock star.” She began leaving them behind for strangers. Small, silent acts of connection.
She called them nuggets of hope.
A Stone That Saved a Stranger
One moment changed everything.
“She stood frozen in the grocery aisle. I could feel the heaviness on her.”
Kim handed the woman a smooth, polished stone inscribed with the word hope—no long speech, just a smile and a blessing.
“Oh my goodness… thank you. You have no idea,” the woman said, tears in her eyes.
It was then Kim understood: this wasn’t a one-time act. It was a calling.
Since then, she’s handed out hundreds of these stones—no names, no conversations, just quiet, powerful gestures. And each one carries a ripple effect.
Cultivating Kindness in a Divided World
Her book, Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness, is more than a collection of stories—it’s a call to action.
“The world didn’t just lose its mind—it lost its heart. I wanted to remind people it’s still there. You just have to look.”
Written with humility, heart, and humor, the book invites readers to pause, reflect, and rediscover compassion—not through politics or pressure, but through simple human kindness.
Why Kindness Gets Overlooked
“Most people are stuck in their own bubble. And life does that—it wears us down. But we’re not meant to stay isolated.”
Kim believes people don’t ignore kindness out of cruelty—but out of exhaustion. The everyday grind blinds us. But kindness can be simple: a smile, a compliment, a door held open.
“Everyone wants to be seen. Sometimes, the smallest gesture does that.”
What Kim Wants You to Remember
- You are worth more than you realize.
- You have a 100% success rate of surviving your hardest days—because you’re still standing.
- Don’t underestimate small acts. They can change lives.
- You don’t have to change the world. Just your corner of it.
“Even if the only thing you did today was take a shower—celebrate that. That’s a win.”
Challenge for Today
Be someone’s nugget of hope.
Write a note. Compliment a stranger. Share this story.
Let someone know they’re seen, valued, and not alone.
What’s Next for Kim?
Kim continues to grow her podcast, Let Fear Bounce, and is currently writing two new books—one nonfiction on PTSD, and her first-ever fiction novel, full of magic, heart, and woodland fantasy.
“I’ve never written fiction before. But these characters feel alive. And they’re teaching me as I go.”
Stay tuned—because this next chapter might just be the most magical yet.
If Attention Is the Currency…
Kim’s answer is clear:
“Spend less of it on the noise. Start investing it in yourself—your mental wellness, your purpose, and the people right in front of you.”
Connect with Kim Lengling
- Website: www.kimlenglingauthor.com
- Book: Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness
- Podcast: Let Fear Bounce – available on all platforms
If this story moved you, share it forward—because kindness is contagious, and so is hope.
▶️ Watch or listen to the full episode now and come home to yourself:
You’ve given enough. Now it’s time to receive.
Tap in. Let go. Reclaim your pleasure-led life.
Because your attention matters. And your intention?
That’s what rewrites the legacy.