No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. — Aesop As a single mother of an 8-year-old boy, I am constantly second-guessing myself. Am I teaching him the right way to succeed and be happy in life? Is he doing alright in school and treating people well? It's such a crazy world these days. People can come together in times of hardship and stress. We do amazing acts to help others through challenging times. We are also capable of being terrible to each other. Whether it's bullying, discrimination based on where someone is from, religious views, lifestyle choices, or wanting someone else to feel bad because you are miserable, your actions profoundly affect others. We are all alike in so many ways. A smile or a kind word can change your perspective so much when you are having a rough time. It's an amazing feeling. However, it’s also equally important to remember how a harsh word or negative comment can adversely affect someone and their feelings. It can be like a game of dominoes, setting off a positive or negative chain reaction. When you do or say something nice to someone, they, in turn, may do or say something nice to someone else. It's contagious how a little kindness spreads. The same can be said for negative reactions. This is why I have decided the most important thing I can teach my child is to show respect and empathy towards others. You never know what someone is going through, but you can always share a smile with others!