Traveling is hectic. People are rude, germs are everywhere and half the time no one has any idea where they are going. Let's just say, it's not my favorite thing to do.

Traveling solo in the SeaTac airport, I was stressed and nervous about catching my flight. I had been immersed in a mess of grumpy people who were just as stressed as myself, and on top of this, I happened to run into familiar faces I didn't ever want to see again. The woman checking my bag informed me that I needed to pay an extra $50 because my bag was a touch too heavy, I apologized and tried to fix the problem but was only acknowledged with a blank stare. After this I continued my journey through security where I was greeted by abrupt demeanors and rude stares. My day was not going well, it was quite discouraging and disheartening to see people so self absorbed.

I was starting to feel down and grumpy myself. Traveling is not my cup of tea.

After making it through security, I made my way to the first coffee cart I could find, hoping a little caffeine kick would turn my day around. Waiting for my drink, still in a flustered mood, I looked up and made eye contact with the woman across the room. It was the type of eye contact that has potential to be overwhelmingly awkward but instead the woman smiled and the awkward moment vanished.

It was that rare warm, glowing smile that radiates happiness and touches you deeply. You don't see that kind of smile much these days. It was the perfect reminder that everything is going to be ok.

And after that moment, things were better.

To the woman who smiled at me when I was at my worst, thank you. You showed me that there are still people in the world who careand it does not take much to help make someone's day better. You embodied the good that I try to have on a daily basis but can't always find. You reminded me that we don't have to be so selfish all of the time. It does not hurt anyone to smile once in a while, and you showed me that sharing that warmth can make a world of difference to so many, not just yourself.

Thank you,

A stressed out girl who is still trying to figure out the world.