It was “World Kindness Day” a few days ago and I have recently had much to be grateful from acts of kindness to me.
Kindness is both mentally and physically beneficial both for the giver and receiver.
Kindness is a positive action whatever the circumstances and always leaves someone in a better situation than before.
So, why am I writing this blog?
I went on a tennis holiday to Turkey with some friends in September. On the last day of the course I fell badly on the tennis court and as a result was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. X rays showed proximal feminal fracture on the femur bone. Major surgery followed with 4 days in the Turkish clinic from an excellent surgeon and kind interpreters.
I experienced so much kindness from the stay at the hospital, extended time at the hotel and holiday friends. However, I am so very proud of my children who in turn chose in turn to fly out to Turkey to care for me in the hotel until I was able to receive my ‘fit to fly’ certificate from the Surgeon two weeks after surgery. My daughter and I then travelled home with a ‘medical escort’ which was invaluable. The repatriation covered transport in an ambulance from the hotel to the airport, whisked through security as I “lit up like a beacon” passing through the X-ray machines showing the metal rod in my femur, screws and nails repairing the fractures!
My recovery so far has been slow, but I have been overwhelmed by care, kindness and the empathy of others.
Finally, the lesson that I teach others of not forgetting to be kind to yourself is vital. Self kindness is not judging yourself too harshly or being too impatient regarding your ability to heal, either mentally or physically, quicker than the body can cope…… My resilience is being tested!
Be kind. Support your team, your friends or family without expecting praise, reward or any agenda in return. Inevitably, this will provide your own peace of mind.