There are little things that can be done to help with these feelings. I have felt that way since I was a small child. I know that I have felt it to an excessive degree by feeling bad for bugs, stuffed animals, bad people finally getting what they "deserve", etc. I know that I am a little bit off my rocker, but I can offer a few suggestions and maybe one will work for you or at least spark your imagination and help you find your own answer. The easiest is just trying to always smile and be polite. Brighten up a cashiers day by treating her/him with the respect they don't usually get. You seem like you probably do this already.
Another thing that helped me personally was becoming a vegetarian. Yes, I do feel bad for fish and chicken, too. I have been a vegetarian since I was in 8th grade (1998). Also, I've adopted animals that were either strays or about to be put to sleep at animal control. I have a dog and 3 cats that used to fend for themselves on the street as babies, and now they are spoiled rotten. I know that they have a sense of appreciation for that. If you can't have animals because of time or because you rent an apartment, I have also sponsored a child before. I'm going to sign up again, I just had financial problems for a while. You have to research the companies.
There are websites that will tell you what percentage of your donation goes to the child and also how much the president and CEO make. (This is great information to have. You want to help the poor, not the rich.) People make fun of me for doing this, but it was great to get letters and drawings from a child. I can't think of any other ideas right now. Hopefully you will think of some while reading this. Compassion is the first step, and you have that already.
