Elderly father brought to tears when compassionate stranger covers his groceries after he's struggling to pay at checkout, inspiring his daughter to pass that kindness on: 'You can pay me back by doing the same for someone else'

We're part of a society that craves love and kindness, but does not always know how to ask for it. 

Kindness is a domino effect that starts from one act and leads to many more. Often in life, we are distracted by the BIG things: family, careers, that we often forget how important the little things can be. Making someone smile, helping an elderly woman cross the street. Such simple acts that can change a person's hour, day, or even make their week. And will probably inspire them to smile at the person they're seated next to on the train that day. And sometimes your kindness will be rejected, not because someone doesn't want it, but because they're not quite sure how to accept it. Maybe if the elderly lady allows you to help walk her down the street, she'll feel a resentful loss of independence. But that doesn't mean we stop trying, it means that we let her walk alone, but stand beside her, not in caution but in company. 

However, there are cases where kindness and help are more desperately needed. Often in the form of charity. If you can spare a dime, donate a meal or volunteer to those less fortunate, it is so important that you do so! I often think part of the test that comes with privilege is seeing how much of it you are willing to share. Because that is what makes you a "good" person, not how many designer logos sit upon your clothing or your shiny car. Who knows, perhaps that one fairytale book you read to a desperate child may inspire them to take on the world. And if they successfully manage to do so, they'll read it to another child in return.