This is a story about a lady(L) who is a member of the local bowling club. (If you are expecting something with romantic connotations; stop reading now).

I became acquainted with L in the summer of 2021 when we both joined the bowling club, she with her husband H. About 12 beginners joined together and it took a few weeks to get to know each other. The initial impressions I gained were of someone who knew where they were going, was quite forthright and liked to be heard. Not the type of person I would normally be attracted to. Another colleague took an almost instant dislike to her saying she was brusque and domineering. Strangely H had a good SOH but L seemed lacking in that area.

During the remainder of 2021 our paths seldom crossed but I do remember one occasion when we were both on the green playing with different partners. She said she wished she was playing with me because I was friendly and cheerful. We did become part of a small team of players but never played together or had much dialogue.

Following my speech to members last August (Post 9 Sept 2023) she was one of several members who showed their appreciation with a hug/kiss.

Now skip forward to February 2024. I decided to send an email to half a dozen of my bowling buddies explaining why I would not be bowling for the first few months of this season. Lady L was the first one to respond; within an hour she had sent a cheerful friendly message. It included an invitation to provide transport to the green as soon as I felt fit enough.

My perception of L had changed quite dramatically. Her kindness was almost overwhelming. 

I feel I have learnt some valuable lessons:

*   About the power of kindness. It can have a very profound effect on your mental health.

*   Kindness benefits provider and recipient.

*   Making my own opinion about people.

*   Not making a judgement about someone until I have  got to know them quite well.

*  To actively seek ways of  showing expressions of kindness.   

There is a mountain of research and millions of books written on the subject of Kindness. Many well known people have quoted about it. For example: 

1 “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain.

2 “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy practice compassion.” Dalai Lama

3 “Kind hearts are the gardens. Kind thoughts are the roots. Kind words are the blossoms. Kind deed are the fruits.” Kirpal Singh

4 “We rise by lifting others.” Robert Ingersoll

5 “Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness or despair but manifestations of strength and resolution.” Kahlil Gibran

6 “Kindness has a beautiful way of reaching down into a weary heart and making it shine like the rising sun.” Unknown

Please be aware of and seek of acts Kindness and remember to give and receive. I think you will feel the results.

Teg

A Moodscope member