06 Jan Kindness Helps The Mind.
Kindness Helps The Mind.
I never cease to be inspired by the unbounded kindness and generosity of near strangers.
This is one such story of kindness, reciprocity and community.
A couple of years ago, I lost my Wedding Ring. It was the signet ring Angela had bought me when we first started dating.
It has so much sentimental value that I wanted it as my Wedding Ring. After 50 years, it had either got larger or I had shrunk. One of the two.
Much to my relief, it turned up a week later on the bathroom floor and I resolved to have it re-sized asap.
A local jeweller, Adrian, in Knowle, West Midlands did a great job and time passed.
Last December, again I needed his services. This time to make two rings just slightly larger and to turn another into a pendant.
I collected them today and chose a silver chain for the pendant.
I'm happy. Until.
Until Adrian refuses to accept my money!!
Despite protestations, he won't budge.
"Pay it forward" he says.
We never discussed the reason for my needing the rings re-sized.
But one of the rings is engraved with the words, Chris & Angela.
My wife's Wedding Ring. There is another Gold ring that makes it into a set.
Found at the very last minute in Charleston, South Carolina, the day before our Wedding.
The third ring, hopefully you're keeping up, was a White Gold with sapphire engagement ring that I bought Angela when we first started dating back in the early 70's. If we hadn't found a wedding ring in time, that was to be it.
Talk about the Eleventh Hour!
Today, I'm wearing those three rings. The Wedding rings set on my finger.
The engagement ring on a silver chain around my neck.
"On a chain, close to your heart" as Adrian's lovely colleague pointed out - when I said that I wasn't sure whether to have that ring on a chain or on a bracelet.
They didn't need words. It wasn't an act of charity. It was an act of kindness.
Not just the labour of love but the silver chain that they gave freely.
So pay it forward I did.
The local high-street in Knowle has a Mind Charity Shop. They were the beneficiaries of Adrian's kindness.
Mind Organisation's store in Knowle is a registered charity shop whose aim is to raise awareness for mental health conditions. All proceeds from the store go towards the charity, allowing it to make a substantial difference to the lives of people suffering from mental health disorders and illnesses.
There would have been a link to the charity and to the shop but it is notifying as "broken". So here's their number.
Tel: 01564 898731
The Rule of Reciprocity refers to the universal tendency in human beings to feel compelled to reciprocate when given a gift, either as a kind deed or an object. It is so deeply ingrained in our psyche that the failure to reciprocate makes us unworthy. Simply put, giving back makes us feel good, so why not turn up the feel-good dial with every chance?
There is no such thing as giving too much when relationships are at stake. It doesn't have to be money; it can be something as simple as a smile at the right moment.
We begin to build a circle of trust - in both private and business situations.
What goes round comes round is a well-known proverb.
is where you will find Adrian.
Tel: 01564 777775 sales@glasstowerjewellery.co.uk
All work is done on the premises, so same-day service will always be available where possible. Check out their incredible Facebook page - they have done some amazing original designs. They can help with your wedding. They specialize in handmade jewellery and repairs of all kinds.
They also specialize in kindness.
Thank you Adrian. You will never know how much it has meant.
Chris.
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