Simple acts of kindness

I'm intentionally not watching as much news or going to news websites, not because I don't want to be informed but because of constant negativity. Bombs, shootings, political battles...on and on. I'm not so naive to think that this will make these events stop happening but by focusing my energy on positive events maybe...just maybe I can impact the life of someone else in a positive way. 
While on my bike ride across America, I hardly ever heard the "headlines of the day".  What I discovered was that despite the bad news that may be happening the real hearts of Americans were everywhere! People offering to let me stay in their homes, conversations with strangers in small town cafes all across the country intrigued about my journey. Often purchasing my meal, taking photos with me, providing me with their phone numbers in case of an emergency and encouraging me every mile along the way. So many times motorists pulled up along side me asking if I needed water or food. On a long, steep mountain road I even had an SUV pull up to me with 3 small children with their heads out the windows cheering me on with a sign they drew on a piece of paper that said "keep pedaling dude" with a smily face.
Simple gestures of kindness can impact people in real ways that we don't even realize. It doesn't have to be anything big, a kind comment to the clerk at the grocery store, letting that person in line go ahead of you, a word of encouragement with a smile to that teenager behind the counter their first day at the fast food restaurant. Opening and holding doors for people, buying a police officer coffee or lunch, paying for the person behind you in the drive up or even something as simple as letting a motorist in during the busy commute. Just think about the impact on the world if we all start practicing simple acts of kindness every day!
What good will you do today?