This past weekend, I was at the airport on my way to see family for thanksgiving.

I was surrounded by people who were exhausted, cranky, and anxious to get home. I was cranky, too— it was 4:30 in the morning!

Guy with headphones beside me asks “Hey, what boarding group did they just call?” Group 2, I tell him. Lady across from me says “Would you mind saving my seat while I go buy breakfast?” Sure, I say. An elderly gentleman traveling with his wife in a wheelchair walks by looking for a seat next to space for her chair. I move over a seat so he can sit by the aisle.

All of this took such minimal effort on my part— talking, looking, scooting over. Being helpful isn't always that much work. But it made the journey slightly more pleasant for all of us.

When I got off the plane, the person sitting next to me let me exit first in order to go find my little brother who got seated elsewhere. 10 seconds for him, but a huge difference for me.

I like living in a world full of kind people. If I want it to stay that way, I’d better join with them.