Kindness

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Recently I was asked who inspires me. I immediately thought of a good friend of ours who passed away suddenly doing what he loved and another friend who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. After the usual period of shock and the questions of why? why? why? I was overwhelmed with a reminder to Live! Leap2it! Love and Laugh. The four words that sum up my life philosophy of living, exercise, alone time and positivity. Both friends ticking off things they wants to do before they left our planet empowered me not to wait until I was given a time limit. My life mission list has been sitting gathering dust (and a little liquefaction excuse) since the beginning of the year. Now thanks to my inspiring friends my notebook has been pulled out and I am picking 40 missions to do before I am 40…. Just 364 days to do my first of many yearly mission lists! So excited :). Thank you Donkey and Greg for my inspiration and timely reminders for me to Leap2it! Much love and hugs to you and your whanau xxx

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kind·ness 1.the state or quality of being kind of a good or benevolent nature or disposition: a kind and loving person. considerate, or helpful; humane behavior:
January 2012 is a month that I will never forget for the most wonderful reasons.   I discovered my Knights of Kindness.  As the clock ticked over to Midnight to January 2012, I shared a lovely moment with my family and decided that this year would be my best ever, just like my favourite movie it would be a year of Hakuna Matata – means no worries for the rest of our days.  But sadly in just a few days I could feel my body shutting down, severe pain was creeping back, like toothache through my entire body.   Those dark memories of sleepless nights, hot sweats, lack of strength and extreme fatigue, lack of appetite were back, those signs I wish I could ignore, so I pushed through denying the inevitable until the pain became more difficult to hide.    The rollercoaster had begun, the crutches were be dusted off, my frequent flyers memebership to the Outpatients waiting room renewed and my good old orange disability pass was ready in the car window once more!  Bugger!  RA Flare up – and just when this year was looking so good.
I have met over 25 health professionals this month.   As we medically get this disease under control it has become more important for me to learn about my self and build on my positive attitude I have developed through my wellness.    When we are given news we so often forget we are in control of our own Kingdom.  We can choose how we act.   Aesops fable is that no act of kindess no matter how big or small is ever wasted.   Aristotle’s philosophy on kindness was helpfulness towards some one in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himself, but for that of the person helped.   Kindess is also one of the Knightly Virtues.    So I have armed myself with smiles, manners and hugs.    In order to rule My Kingdom of Me including my mind, body and spirit I need to lead the charge and show humility, friendliness and kindness to all I come into contact with.  As I take out my finest horse (well shiny red crutches) and lead the charge I have discovered the world is full of modern day Knights who just as in the High Middle Ages display a set of virtues to get me through.  I found a calvary of Kindness and amongst them one in Shining Armour – a perfect way to start Valentines Month and my knights birthday.    Thank you Mr Grace and all my modern knights secretly disguised as as LeapStars, family, medical professionals, strangers and supporters who will help me save my Kingdom and fight my latest battle with Kindness 🙂