Acts of Kindness movement: Carrying Murphy’s Light
We started this project in honor of our beloved brother and son, Murphy J. Ryan, who passed away suddenly on June 16, 2024.
When someone you love is suddenly gone, words and gestures often feel too small. The ache of loss leaves you searching for ways to honor a life that meant everything to you. If it were up to me, I would build cities of gold in his name; monuments grand enough to reflect even a fraction of his light.
But deep down, I know that no treasure or recognition could capture who my brother truly was. He wouldn’t want accolades or praise; he was incredibly humble, a one-of-a-kind soul whose kindness spoke louder than any words ever could.
I know, beyond any doubt, that more than anything, he would have loved this movement—the ripple of kindness we are creating together. And I believe he would be proud of everything we do to keep his spirit alive.
I hope to keep making him proud, and I thank you from the depths of my heart for helping me keep my promise to him—to keep his spirit alive.
Your acts of kindness are the true golden city for Murphy, shining bright with love and light.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this.
With love,
Kaileen + Kathy
Soul Friend Retreats
How You Can Join the Movement
If you received a Kindness Card, it means someone did something thoughtful for you in Murphy’s name.
Now it’s your turn to carry it forward.
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Receive the Kindness
Let yourself take it in. Someone showed up for you today, and that matters.
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Share the Love
Do a simple, heartfelt act of kindness for someone else.
It can be small, free, and ordinary; what matters is that it’s done with love.
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Pass the Card On
After your act of kindness, leave the card behind for the next person. Let it travel; let the ripple grow.
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Tell Us About It
Post the act of kindness you received—or gave—on our Soul Friend Retreats Facebook page.
Tag @SoulFriendRetreats and tell us where in the world the card is now.
Follow us on:
Facebook @SoulFriendRetreats &
Instagram @soulfriend_retreats
To see kindness travel the world.
In loving memory of Murphy
(December 4, 1997 – June 16, 2024), whose life was a testament to kindness and service.
His life's purpose of helping others lives on through Soul Friend Retreats,
a space created to inspire healing, connection, and growth.
Your support helps us honor Murphy’s legacy by carrying on his mission of helping others.
Kindness That Says:
“I See You” and “You Matter”
Sometimes the smallest gestures can show someone just how much they’re cared for.
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Drop off a meal or flowers on someone’s doorstep with a note that simply says, “Thinking of you today.”
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Offer to help with a task they’ve been putting off — like folding laundry, running errands, or tidying up.
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Bring someone a warm blanket or cozy throw when they’re feeling under the weather.
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Deliver a handwritten note or card to remind them they’re seen.
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Offer to do yard work or simple home repairs for someone who could use the help.
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Share a favorite recipe along with a pre-measured bag of ingredients.
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Surprise someone with a small plant or succulent to brighten their space.
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Put together a small “rest kit” with tea, a book, cozy socks, and a candle; leave it somewhere for them to find, with a note: “For when you need a little pause.”
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Send a care package to someone who’s always caring for others — sometimes the biggest hearts need to receive, too.
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Bring over their favorite snack or drink unexpectedly, just to brighten their day.
Fix-It Friends
If you’re anything like my brother, you’re the ultimate fix-it friend. Knowing your way around a toolbox isn’t just handy; it’s a way to show love and kindness by helping out when it really counts.
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Help a friend hang shelves, mount a TV, or build that IKEA furniture that’s been sitting in a box for 6 months.
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Fix a leaky faucet or broken doorknob for someone who wouldn’t even know what tool to Google.
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Offer to do a walk-through with a friend like Kay (who doesn’t know a thing about home repairs) show them what’s working, what might need attention, and what they can chill about.
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Organize a “Tool Day” with friends: bring your gear and knock out each other’s long-overdue to-do lists.
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Lend out your tools with a note of encouragement (and maybe instructions if you know who you’re lending to 😅).
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Northern friends: Shovel a driveway or rake leaves for someone who could use an extra pair of hands (or a break).
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Build something thoughtful, like a birdhouse, planter box, or a shelf that actually holds stuff without falling.
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Gift a handmade craft... crochet scarves, knit hats, or painted pottery because nothing says love like something made by hand.
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Offer to teach basic home hacks like changing air filters, resetting circuit breakers, or unclogging a drain, so they can feel like a DIY boss too.
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Jumpstart a car with a dead battery or help change a flat tire.
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Offer a ride to the mechanic if someone’s car is acting up and they don’t have a way to get there.
Celebrate the Hard Work
Sometimes the best way to show love is by truly seeing someone and acknowledging their hard work, their wins, and the strength it took to get there. Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate the people in your life and remind them they are deeply seen and appreciated:
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Drop off flowers or a small gift with a note that says, “I see how hard you’ve been working and it’s inspiring.”
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Leave a Kindness Card with a quote about growth or healing, tucked inside a book or journal that reminds you of them.
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Organize a surprise dinner: gather a few friends to celebrate someone who’s had a big win or made it through a hard year.
Let them know, without a doubt: you are seen and loved.
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Bring over a treat or a bottle of something bubbly and toast them: “To the job you didn’t think you’d land. To the thing you stuck with when it got hard.”
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Frame a copy of something they created — an award, article, photo, business card and say, “You did this. I want you to remember it.”
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Write them a letter that lists five things they’ve done this year that deserve to be celebrated.
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Gift them a candle labeled with their strength: “Consistency,” “Resilience,” “Big Heart Energy” and tell them to light it when they forget.
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Surprise them with a “You Did the Damn Thing” cake or coffee, just because they reached a milestone no one else was tracking.
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Leave a Kindness Card in their workspace or car that says, “This is what it looks like when someone refuses to give up.”
Kindness That Says: “You’re Not Alone” and “I’m Here for the Long Haul”
Sometimes kindness is just about showing up and making the little things easier for someone.
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Offer to drive someone to an appointment, or just roll shotgun and keep them company because sometimes showing up is the best thing you can do.
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Give a ride to the airport, pay for the car behind you in line, or cover a friend’s meal or ticket if they’re having a rough day.
Small stuff that says, “I got you.”
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Surprise someone with a small treat and a note: “A little something to lift your day.”
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Frame a photo of a shared moment and leave a note that says, “Remembering this made me smile.”
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Pick fresh flowers and leave them with a card that says, “You’re in my thoughts.”
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Give someone a few hours of quiet time by offering to watch their kids or pets.
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Create a playlist of songs you think might bring calm or comfort and share it with them.
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Clean someone’s car or help with a chore — then leave the Kindness Card on the dashboard or counter.
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Bring over their favorite comfort food — no occasion needed — with a simple note.
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On a tough anniversary or date, leave a gentle gift like flowers or chocolate, with a card that says, “You’re not forgotten.”
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Give a journal with a note encouraging them to write or reflect when they feel ready — no pressure, just support.
Honoring Murphy’s Legacy
Murphy’s life was a testament to love, generosity, and authenticity. His friends and family remember him as someone who showed up as his true self in every circumstance, the kind of friend who helped without hesitation, without judgment. To know him was to love him, and to love him was to witness the best of humanity.
Genuine is the word that echoes in the many tributes from those who knew him. He loved gathering around campfires with friends, sharing laughter and heartfelt stories. Murphy believed his purpose in life was to help others, and he lived that purpose every day. His big heart, unwavering values, and selfless nature touched countless lives.
Murphy’s acts of kindness were countless and deeply meaningful.
Murphy’s generosity wasn’t about grand gestures; it was about the little things that showed how much he cared.
Even during his rare days off, Murphy made time for the people he loved. He once drove four hours in the early morning, sleep-deprived, just to surprise his sister and spend the day hiking and making memories.
It wasn’t just a fun day; it was a reflection of who he was—someone who prioritized love, connection, and showing up for others.
Murphy’s love and kindness align deeply with the mission of Soul Friend Retreats.
At Soul Friend Retreats, we create spaces where people can feel seen, supported, and connected, just as Murphy did for everyone in his life. His legacy inspires us to foster communities of love, compassion, and authenticity.
For Those Who Knew and Didn’t Know Murphy
Whether you had the privilege of knowing Murphy personally or are just learning about him now, his spirit continues to inspire the work we do at Soul Friend Retreats.
Murphy was the kind of person who made everyone feel valued, from close friends to strangers.
He believed in the power of showing up for others, creating meaningful connections, and spreading kindness wherever he went. It is this ethos that drives our mission—to create spaces where people can come together, feel supported, and find peace and healing.
We created Soul Friend Retreats in honor of Murphy.
Though he is no longer with us physically, he continues to lead us as our guardian angel. Every day, his spirit pushes us forward, and his love guides us through our heaviest days of grief. We are deeply honored to carry his legacy forward, ensuring that his love and generosity live on through the transformative work we do.
Your support helps us carry Murphy’s legacy forward, ensuring that his love and generosity live on through the transformative work of Soul Friend Retreats.
Together, we can build a community rooted in compassion, authenticity, and connection—values that Murphy embodied so beautifully.