Just when I start getting cynical about the world, something snaps me back to my idealistic self.

This weekend, I went to get a haircut from the guy who has done my hair since I was eight.

Right before me, the woman who babysat me from infancy until I was about 10 years old was sitting in the chair for her haircut.

I purposely came early when I discovered that my former babysitter was the appointment right before mine. I hadn't talked to her in a while, and I never skip an opportunity to speak to her.

She helped me learn how to read, how to dress myself and how to act politely.

She made a chart that listed proper manners.

And if I said 'thank you' or 'you're welcome' or 'please,' I got a star for the day.

She was essentially another grandmother.

She greeted me with a hug and a kiss, and we chatted with a few interjections from our hair stylist.

She told me how she was having her knee replacement operation this week. She was nervous, but thankful that she finally could have the operation.

She filled me in on her rehabilitation schedule to follow the surgery. And she smiled and laughed the whole way through this conversation.

As she walked up to the desk to pay her bill, she mentioned to the hairstylist, who also owns the business, that she wasn't sure when she could come in next.

She didn't know what her physical capabilities would be.

In response, he said if she needed him, he would come to her house and cut her hair. Or if she needed a ride, he'd drive over himself to pick her up for her appointment.

She called him a "dear heart" and left with her husband.

Hearts, commence melting.

Now, it could be because this babysitter was and is one of my absolute favorite people that I had such a strong reaction to this, but in general, it restores my faith in people.

While I'm self-admittedly naïve and idealistic, I try to believe that all people have some good in them.

Take the Amish for example.

Members of their community who were victims of the recent West Nickel Mines Amish School shooting are actually trying to help the family of the man who murdered young schoolgirls.

While nobody would expect anyone to be quite that forgiving, it is a big example of how simple actions can go a long way.

It's the small things that get noticed. A smile here, a 'thank you' there and a lift somewhere are all acts of kindness.

Or you could go for the bigger feats.

There is walking in 5Ks for breast cancer research.

There is going to visit a senior citizen residence in your down time.

There are so many ways to help others that many people don't even realize.

But a small act of kindness goes a very long way.

You never know whose day you just made better.