Eight lessons in kindness from our sports elite
As coronavirus restrictions ease, we need kindness more than ever. Here are eight lessons in kindness from our sports elite, as told in the book Victress: Women Who Paved The Way in Australian Sport.
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Kindness has always been key, but as we tackle COVID-19 isolation together, it has never been more important.
As restrictions begin to ease, we need to carry on kindness more than ever.
Our greatest sportswomen agree on one thing – they never could have reached the top without the kindness of those around them.
Here are eight lessons in kindness from our sports elite, as told in the book Victress: Women Who Paved The Way in Australian Sport, by NewsCorp journalist Michael Randall and WBBL cricketer Corinne Hall, available at Wild Dingo Press.
1 “Kindness is very important to all families. It makes us feel loved and wanted. It makes for a beautiful world that we can share with everyone.” – Dawn Fraser, swimming legend
We’ve had to learn patience with our family members in isolation and Australia’s Golden Girl Dawn Fraser says we need to extend that to everyone when we emerge from isolation.
2 “Kindness is non-negotiable for me. I feel it’s my responsibility to show kindness to others and it is an easy way to help others and to enjoy life a little more.” – Tayla Harris, AFLW and boxing star
Ruthless on the footy field and in the boxing ring Tayla Harris believes kindness is almost a duty of care to others, as it should be for all of us.
3 “Kindness to me is the ability to put aside any self-interest and purely act in the best interest on the person in front of you, knowing it is far more fulfilling to have a positive impact on someone else than it is to act in a self-advantageous manner.” – Ellyse Perry, Australia’s best cricketer
She might be a superstar in her craft, but Ellyse Perry understands that, just like the T20 World Cup-winning Australian team, putting others before yourself is a key to success and happiness.
4 “I see you, I hear you, I believe in you. These compassionate words were my catalyst for change. Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Layne Beachley, surfing legend
It might not seem like much, but 10 words helped change the life of seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley.
Words of kindness can help change a life, or even just brighten up someone else’s day.
5 “Being friendly – a smile doesn’t take much. Treat people well, greed ruins the world.” – Michelle Payne, first and only female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup
A smile is worth a thousand words and trailblazing jockey Michelle Payne is always smiling. you never know how your smile can impact someone else.
6 “Kindness to me is treating everyone as you would like to be treated yourself. Often, we judge people too quickly, all the while having no idea what is going on behind the scenes. Ask questions and see how you can help, that’s what we need more of.” – Meg Lanning, Australian cricket captain
We’re always taught never to judge a book by its cover, but champion Aussie batter Meg Lanning lives by the old adage of treating people how you want to be treated. Food for thought as we begin to emerge from isolation.
7 “Respecting humanity, cherishing equality, empathising and empowering with every thought and action.” – Lauren Jackson, basketball legend
She’s Australia’s most decorated basketballer and has developed a world-view of kindness. We’re all equal. We all deserve respect. Let’s carry ourselves that way and raise each other up.
8 “We often look at kindness in how we interact and help others. I have learnt kindness in finding an acceptance and joy in yourself, that then transfers to how we engage and respond to others.” – Anna Meares, cycling legend
Before being kind to others, be kind to yourself!
