After a long day of working, my stomach was weak in pain because of how hungry I was, so I went to Publix. After grabbing all the food I craved, I patiently waited in line to checkout. However, when it was finally my turn to pay, my card got declined.(Awkward? Yes, but it happens..)

Seeing it get declined, I did what I usually do when my card doesn't go through: I called my dad to ask him to transfer. My dad answered after my third call, only to tell me that he wouldn't be able to transfer until tomorrow.

Feeling defeated, I told the cashier that I would only purchase the bag of chips because I couldn't afford to get anything else at the moment. Immediately after conveying the news to the cashier, the woman behind me blurted out "No, let me get it for you." I stood there shocked for what seemed a few seconds. It's hard to believe someone I didn't know at all would offer to help me. "Are you sure?" I asked. "Yes," she said. "I've been in your situation before and wish that someone could have helped me when I needed it."

I was so appreciative of her act that, without warning, tears came through my eyes. I could not believe the kindness a total stranger showed me.

Daily we are given so many opportunities to help others and so often we stand still and ignore the opportunity because we have to leave our comfort zone to take it. However, if we started taking more opportunities to help others, the result could be amazing and spiral.

With so many problems in the world both on a large scale and on personal level, it is imperative that we try to be better versions of ourselves by helping those around us more. Little actions such as holding the door open for others, being considerate, and reaching out to people could impact the lives of others in a huge way.

I wish there were more people in the world similar to the women behind me in line. Because of her, I know I am going to be the woman that brightens the day for someone else like she did for me. We should all pass the kindness so that others do too.