You are right, one of the things we should do at least once in a while, is an act of kindness, of solidarity. Even though we may have a lot of stress or a lot of problems, I think there is always someone who is worse off or is having a hard time.
I for my part, whenever I have the opportunity, I help someone else to cross the street, with some direction or maybe with something heavy, the important thing is to have that positive mentality to improve the world.
Thanks for the kindness that you show! What you describe, helping someone with directions or a heavy load, is all we have to do. This can create a chain reaction as the person you help is more willing to help others.