LEO SPIRIT

VOLUME 04- ISSUE 06 - DECEMBER 2022

LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

CLUB VICE PRESIDENTS NOTES - P2

BY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT,
LION BRIAN E. SHEEHAN
WASH FOR A CAUSE 8- CARWASH - P3
50TH ISAME FORUM - P04
5TH LEO ISAME FORUM- P05
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS - P06
10 WAYS TO WEAVE MORE KINDNESS
INTO THE NEW YEAR - P8
SMART MEALS -P13
EDITOR'S NOTE - P16
LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE

I VICE PRESIDENT'S NOTE

It is with great pleasure that I convey my message to the official

newsletter “LEO SPIRIT”.I want to express my gratitude to Leo
Praveen Aponso and his editorial team for their fantastic work on
the newsletter.

I am honored to serve as the vice president of such a wonderful

and dedicated group of individuals. I am so proud of all that we
have accomplished this year, and I am grateful for each and
every one of you who has contributed your time, energy, and
talent to make our club such a special place.

I believe that “LEO SPIRIT” will be a significant milestone in Leo

Club of Thalangama Malabe’s journey and I thank the entire
team for making “LEO SPIRIT” a reality.

LEO ACHIRA SENANAYAKE

CLUB I VICE PRESIDENT – 2022/2023

II VICE PRESIDENT'S NOTE

I am very much delighted as I get the opportunity to pen

this message to “LEO SPIRIT”, the fourth volume of the
newsletter of Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe.

I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished

as a club over the past 8 years, and I am grateful to
each and every one of you for your hard work,
dedication, and commitment to our shared goals.

Your tireless efforts have helped to make our club a

thriving and vibrant community, and I am confident that
together, we will continue to achieve great things in the
future.

Once again, congratulations to all of you, and here's to

many more successful years to come!

LEO PRAVEEN APONSO

CLUB II VICE PRESIDENT – 2022/2023

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 02

 WASH FOR A CAUSE 8
8 years journey of "Wash For a Cause - Car Wash" - The annual fundraising
event organized by Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe

Many Leos are motivated to make a positive impact in their community and may choose to
participate in fundraising projects as a way to give back and make a difference. Fundraising projects
can be a great way for young people to develop important skills such as leadership, communication,
and teamwork. They may also provide an opportunity to gain practical experience and build a
resume.
Actually, Leos people may choose to participate in fundraising
projects for a variety of reasons, including the desire to make a
positive impact, support a cause, develop skills and experience, and
have fun with their peers.

"Wash for a Cause 8 - Car Wash" was organized for the 8th
consecutive year in support of our Community Projects and was
successfully held on Sunday, 4th of December 2022 from 7.00 AM
onwards at the Open Gym Car Park of Chandrika Kumaratunge
Mawatha, Malabe with the presence of many Leo and Lion leaders. All
the proceeds of this event will be used in various social service
projects throughout the year. We take this opportunity to thank all our
valued sponsors, members and other parties who helped us to make
this event a success.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 03

 ISAME FORUM 2022

It all began in 1917..

...when our Founder Melvin

Jones invited business clubs
from around USA to a
Learn about the ISAME Forum logo meeting where the
Did you notice that the logo for Association of Lions Clubs
the ISAME Forum 2022 was formed.
comprises several different
elements? Let us tell you a little
about the symbolic logo created
for this once-in-
a-fifty-year event.

This being the 50th Forum, the focus is on the number TODAY
50 which has been designed to form an open-ended
infinity loop. This ties in seamlessly with the theme of 1,402,352
the Forum which is "Infinite Opportunities." As 2,000+
delegates gather from different parts of the world, as
the best and brightest minds of the Lions family share MEMBERS
their valuable insights and as new ideas are explored
what opens up are Infinite Opportunities to Serve, 49,934
Grow, Learn and Lead. The blue waves below the
number are symbolic of the host city: Visakhapatnam,
CLUBS
which has a truly enviable coastline.
An integral part of the logo is the mascot - the famed
eponymous toy, made in the Kondapalli village of 8
Andhra Pradesh. We have named him Vizag garu and
here presents the rich culture of the state and its
unmatched hospitality. Constitutional Areas

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 04

 LEO ISAME FORUM 2022
Countries of ISAME

India

India, 1956

SOUTH ASIA

Pakistan, 1956 Bangladesh, 1956

Leos in ISAME - A Young Growing Force For Good Sri Lanka, 1958 Nepal, 1971

ISAME is an acronym for India, South Asia and Middle East.

ISAME Constitutional Area VI comprises 14 countries: India,
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and
Maldives, 2006 Bhutan, 2010
the Middle East countries of Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq,
State of Palestine and the United Arab Emirates.

This year, the 5th Leo ISAME Forum was held successfully from
17th December 2022 to 19th December 2022 at GITAM Afghanistan, 2018

University, Visakhapatnam, India, which was hosted by the Leo MIDDLE EAST

Multiple District 316, India. The 5th Leo ISAME Forum

witnessed the greatest participation from Leo Multiple
District 306, Sri Lanka, at this time. Leos who participated for
the ISAME Forum got the chance to meet many Leo and Lion
Lebanon, 1952 Jordan, 1958
leaders, including Lion Brian E. Sheehan, the International
President of Lions Clubs International, Lion Douglas X.
Alexander, the Immediate Past International President and
many more leaders. Bahrain, 1978 Iraq, 2006

State of United Arab

Palestine, 2006 Emirates, 2015

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 05

What is Random Acts of Kindness?

The purpose of including this segment into the Leo Spirit Newsletter is to inspire people to join the
Kindness Revolution which is a spontaneous gesture of goodwill towards someone or something -
Our fellow humans, the animal kingdom, and the kingdom of nature. This will give us a deeper feeling
of meaning and purpose in our life as a whole.

Did you know?

Kindness can be acting out all of those lovely, 'soft' words that are in our vocabulary, words such as
caring, thoughtful, loving, sympathetic, gentle, considerate, warm, compassionate, understanding,
forgiving, friendly, tender, amiable, genial, unselfish, generous, helpful, supporting, and nurturing.
These are words that acknowledge, respect, join, and unite, words that build bridges between us.
And oh, how the world needs such words! Wouldn't it be wonderful to sprinkle more of these words
and actions in our home, our work, our community? Humankind is capable of such beautiful things,
and how sad it is that we lose sight of this all too easily. Will you help to warm your home, your work,
your community, by using a greater number of such soft words and actions?

Kindness is the
language which the
deaf can hear and
the blind can see.
-Mark Twain

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 06

SMALL GESTURE OF KINDNESS

MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE

One day, a woman named Maria was having a terrible day. She had been stuck in traffic for hours, her phone
had run out of battery, and she had a headache. When she finally arrived at the grocery store, she was in a rush
to get her shopping done before her headache got any worse.

As she was frantically trying to find everything on her list, she accidentally knocked over a display of canned
goods, causing them to fall and roll all over the floor. She was mortified and started to apologize to the store
employees who were rushing over to help her.

Just as she was bending down to help pick up the cans, a man offered to help her. He saw that she was
struggling and wanted to lend a hand. Together, they quickly cleaned up the mess and Maria was able to finish
her shopping in peace.

As she was leaving the store, the man introduced himself as Bob and told her that he hoped her day got better.
Maria was so touched by Bob's kindness and willingness to help her that she couldn't stop smiling the rest of the
day. She even told all of her friends about the random act of kindness that Bob had shown her.

This small gesture of kindness made a huge difference in Maria's day and brightened her mood. It just goes to
show that a little bit of kindness can go a long way!

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 07

 Kindness

10 WAYS TO WEAVE
MORE KINDNESS INTO
THE NEW YEAR

1. Start Each Day with a Kind Intention

Starting each day with a kind intention can have a transformative impact on
both ourselves and those around us. By setting a positive and
compassionate mindset at the beginning of the day, we can create a ripple
effect of kindness and positivity that can last all day long. One way to start
each day with a kind intention is to set a specific goal or intention for the
day. This could be something as simple as "I will try to be patient with
everyone I encounter today" or "I will actively listen to others and show them
compassion." By setting a specific intention, we can focus our thoughts and
actions on being kind and compassionate throughout the day.

2. Make Connecting a Priority

Feeling connected to others is an important aspect of living a healthy and

happy life. It takes effort to stay connected to the people in your life, and you
can take advantage of modern technology to help you do so. Write down the
names of your friends and loved ones, and indicate next to the names
whether or not you should reach out weekly, every other week, or monthly.
Set alerts in your calendar to meet, call, or send text messages to those
people, and notice what happens to your overall well-being when your
relationships become stronger.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 08

 Kindness

10 WAYS TO WEAVE
MORE KINDNESS INTO
THE NEW YEAR
3. Smile

A smile is a simple yet powerful gesture that can have a profound impact on
both the person smiling and the person being smiled at. It can brighten
someone's day, make them feel appreciated and loved, and even improve
their physical and mental health.

Thanks to mirror neurons, your smile may make someone else more joyful.
Try smiling at a stranger or acquaintance, and see if you notice a lift in your
own mood and their mood. When we smile at someone, it can make them
feel welcome and valued, which can encourage them to open up and connect
with us. Smiling can also make us more approachable and likable, which can
help us build meaningful relationships with others.

4. Perform Random Acts of Kindness

Have you ever been lucky enough to receive someone’s random act of
kindness? It’s amazing how a stranger buying me coffee can make my day.
Research indicates that the recipient of kindness isn’t the only person who
benefits. The person offering kindness also gets a boost, and a person who
witnesses the act of kindness also feels good. Imagine the ripple effects
from small acts of kindness, and see if there’s a way you can sprinkle them
into your daily life.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 09

 Kindness

10 WAYS TO WEAVE
MORE KINDNESS INTO
THE NEW YEAR

5. Express Compassion on Social Media

Have you noticed the amount of anger spewing throughout social media this
past year? People can be unbelievably harsh when they can hide behind a
computer screen. It’s as if they don’t recognize that actual living, breathing
humans will read the comment.
Your social media interactions can counteract cyber-bullying. See if you can
offer words of kindness and appreciation as opposed to stoking an
argument. Even if someone’s views are not in line with yours, try to use
compassion as your anchor. Recognize that this person, just like you, wants
to be happy and free from suffering.

6. Volunteer

Volunteering is a selfless act of giving one's time and energy to help others,
often without any expectation of financial compensation. It is a way for
individuals to make a positive impact on their community and contribute to
the greater good.

When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to
make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing—and an incredible feeling
for everyone involved. Lions Clubs International is dedicated to serving
across multiple global volunteer causes while helping members grow their
leadership potential.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 10

 Kindness

10 WAYS TO WEAVE
MORE KINDNESS INTO
THE NEW YEAR

7. Coordinate Dinners for a Friend in Need

Coordinating dinners for a friend in need can be a powerful way to show

support and offer practical assistance during a difficult time. Whether a
friend is going through a medical crisis, a recent loss, or any other difficult
circumstance, providing meals can help alleviate some of the stress and
burden they may be facing.

The first step is simply reaching out to your friend and offering your
assistance. Let them know that you are there for them and that you are
willing to help in any way you can.

8. Ask, “How Are You?” and Mean It

When you greet someone with, “How are you?”, he/she will most likely
respond with, “I’m good.”

But is he/she truly good?

What if you follow up by saying, “No really. How are you?” Then listen with
open ears and an open heart. This small gesture could prompt a genuine
conversation and meaningful connection.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 11

 Kindness

10 WAYS TO WEAVE
MORE KINDNESS INTO
THE NEW YEAR

9. Compliment a Coworker or Neighbor

It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day. What if you take a little bit
of time to express extra appreciation to a colleague for a job well done? Or
perhaps let your neighbor know that his/her garden looks especially
beautiful.

Complimenting a coworker or neighbor can be a simple yet powerful way to

brighten someone's day and build positive relationships. A genuine
compliment can make someone feel appreciated, valued, and supported, and
can even improve their mood and overall well-being.

10. Self-Compassion It

Last but not least, don’t forget to include yourself in your kindness practice.
Notice your inner voice and see if you can change it from being more caring
and less critical. Practicing kindness on a daily basis can have a
transformative impact on our own well-being and the well-being of those
around us. Kindness is a simple yet powerful way to build positive
relationships, improve our mood and mental health, and make the world a
better place.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 12

 SMART MEALS
The importance of a balanced diet for
overall health and wellness

Eating a balanced diet is essential for overall health and wellness. A balanced diet includes a variety of different
types of food from all the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein sources, and dairy. By including a
variety of foods within each group, you can ensure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs to function
properly.

There are many benefits to eating a balanced diet. First and foremost, it can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Consuming a balanced diet can also reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. In
addition, a healthy diet can provide energy and nutrients that are essential for physical and mental well-being.
But what does a balanced diet look like? The specifics can vary depending on your age, sex, and physical activity
level, but generally, it is recommended to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains,
and low-fat dairy products. It is also important to choose foods that are nutrient-dense, rather than those that are
high in calories and low in nutrients.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 13

 EXPERT SUGGESTS 3 BEST
PLANT-BASED PROTEIN
SOURCES FOR VEGANS

Over the past few years, as the world has been witnessing a tremendous
change in eating practices, some people are also choosing to adapt to a plant-
based lifestyle. For many in the world, veganism is now a way of life. It is one of
the dietary practices in which people avoid eating meat, seafood, or animal-
based products, including dairy. Veganism has proved to be beneficial for
humans and the natural environment.

Lentils (Dal)
Lentils, popularly known as ‘Dals’ come in red,
yellow, and white variants (moong, tur, channa,
masoor, urad). They all belong to the legume
family and contain high levels of protein and
fibre. Lentils are a staple in most Indian
households, although the way they are
consumed varies across states. They are easy to
prepare and can be paired with rice, roti, idli,
dosa etc. They provide many of the essential
amino acids to the human body. However, they
need to be consumed in combination with
cereals to obtain all the essential amino acids.
Lentils can be consumed in a variety of ways: dal
tadka, sambhar, dosa, idli, khichdi, and so on.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 14

 Almonds
Almonds, which are high in protein, are known to
provide a variety of health benefits. Scientific
studies suggest that the high content of protein in
almonds is also great for keeping you full due to its
satiating properties, and it is important for helping
your muscles repair after a workout. It is
recommended to have a handful of almonds as it
might help improve appetite control and lead to
reduced caloric intake. Besides this, almonds also
make for a nutrient-rich and convenient snack.
They contain 15 key essential nutrients such as
vitamin E, magnesium, riboflavin, zinc etc. Almonds
are also easy and quick to flavour and season and
they pair well with just about any Indian
masala/spices. As a vegan, you could also choose
to add almond milk to your diet. The best part is
that almonds are also free of trans fat and rich in
healthy monounsaturated fats.

Tofu
Tofu is a good option for vegans and
vegetarians alike. Giving up paneer/
cottage cheese is difficult for new
vegans, so tofu is a suitable
substitute. It is made from curdled
soy milk and is a good source of
protein. Additionally, it also contains
essential amino acids as well as
phosphorus, iron, calcium, and
manganese. This is a good starter
for those who want to permanently
or temporarily switch to plant-based
protein. Tofu is also known for its
versatility. Like many soy products,
it can be effortlessly substituted in
recipes in a number of ways. Tofu
can be sliced, diced, shredded, pan-
fried or grilled.

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE | PAGE 15

LEO SPIRIT
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER
LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA MALABE
VOLUME 04• ISSUE 06 •DECEMBER 2022

EDITOR'S NOTE
Welcome to the Fourth Volume of LEO SPIRIT, the official newsletter
of Leo Club of Thalangama Malabe. It is with immense pleasure and
honour I take over the responsibilty of being the Editor-In-Chief of the LEO PRAVEEN APONSO
official Newsletter published by our club. I would make this a great EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
opportunity to thank our Club President Leo Anusha Maduranga for
giving me the opportunity to lead the editorial team of The LEO
SPIRIT newsletter.

I am glad to be surrounded by an energetic team in making "LEO

SPIRIT" a reality. Cheers to a long journey.

THE TEAM GET IN TOUCH

https://www.leosoftm.com/

lcthalangamamalabe@gmail.com

LEO VINURI SETTINAYAKE https://www.facebook.com/leosofthalangamamalabe/

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

thalangama_malabe_leos

@LCofMalabe

https://www.linkedin.com/company/leo-club-of-
thalangama-malabe-ii/
LEO DILRUKSHA PRAKASH
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
@thalangama_malabe_leos

LEO SPIRIT | LEO CLUB OF THALANGAMA

MALABE | PAGE 16