Another Reason to Stay on Track
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StarIsMoving
Posts: 437
So I posted on my profile page last night about something that happened and was told by one of my MFP friends that I should make it more public - it may help others. So - here goes, with a more elaborate version actually:
I have a friend, she is in her 50s and on the upper end of 300's for weight. She has been seeing all my progress on getting healthier and she decided to visit her doctor after hearing some of my struggles. There she found out she has sugar issues, arthritic issues, as well as a severe Vitamin D deficiency. She seldom goes anywhere, as walking is a struggle for her, and after listening to some of the things I have told her, she had begun to start losing some weight with dietary changes - not huge ones, just small ones at a time. For weeks she has been telling me how she wants to start walking with her daughter (her daughter is my age and lives with them, so super wonderful), but she keeps making excuses to not go. Well last night I had just finished my strength/circuit training and was on an adrenaline high, so called her up. After insuring she had her dinner already, told her to put on her shoes, I was coming over to take her walking. She followed that with a bunch of laughing (totally caught her off-guard) and I told her I thought it would be easier if I didn't give her a chance to say no, no excuses... I would be over as soon as my car would get me there. Sure enough, when I arrived she was ready with shoes on.... as was her daughter, her 3 grandkids, and 2 of my kids!! My friend made it all the way around the block!!!! A HUGE feat and I was so proud. As I thought more of it though, realized that so many joined us - I helped influence more health for an entire family, not just an individual. She had let me know she had been watching me and it inspired her - how awesome.
So the moral of the story (aside from a big YAY for her) is this: SOMEONE is watching you. Yes, you started out doing this for you - which is how it should be - but be aware that there is always someone quietly watching and gaining inspiration from you. The harder you go, the more inspiration you provide. The best time to remember that is when your motivation is nil. Why? Because "inspiration" trumps "frustration" EVERY single time! Keep on going everyone, own it!
I have a friend, she is in her 50s and on the upper end of 300's for weight. She has been seeing all my progress on getting healthier and she decided to visit her doctor after hearing some of my struggles. There she found out she has sugar issues, arthritic issues, as well as a severe Vitamin D deficiency. She seldom goes anywhere, as walking is a struggle for her, and after listening to some of the things I have told her, she had begun to start losing some weight with dietary changes - not huge ones, just small ones at a time. For weeks she has been telling me how she wants to start walking with her daughter (her daughter is my age and lives with them, so super wonderful), but she keeps making excuses to not go. Well last night I had just finished my strength/circuit training and was on an adrenaline high, so called her up. After insuring she had her dinner already, told her to put on her shoes, I was coming over to take her walking. She followed that with a bunch of laughing (totally caught her off-guard) and I told her I thought it would be easier if I didn't give her a chance to say no, no excuses... I would be over as soon as my car would get me there. Sure enough, when I arrived she was ready with shoes on.... as was her daughter, her 3 grandkids, and 2 of my kids!! My friend made it all the way around the block!!!! A HUGE feat and I was so proud. As I thought more of it though, realized that so many joined us - I helped influence more health for an entire family, not just an individual. She had let me know she had been watching me and it inspired her - how awesome.
So the moral of the story (aside from a big YAY for her) is this: SOMEONE is watching you. Yes, you started out doing this for you - which is how it should be - but be aware that there is always someone quietly watching and gaining inspiration from you. The harder you go, the more inspiration you provide. The best time to remember that is when your motivation is nil. Why? Because "inspiration" trumps "frustration" EVERY single time! Keep on going everyone, own it!
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Replies
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Great story, Star. You are a great motivator! (Maybe your next career?)0
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That is awesome!!! Thank you so much for sharing ... sometimes we forget that people are influenced by what we do. Even if you are doing it for you, others are benefiting from it ... I need to remember that myself.0
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You are frickin awesome!0
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It seems like too often people that know the way, don't take the time to show others. All it takes is one person to get the whole community involved. Share what you've learned with others and you'll learn more yourself.0
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Today, I needed to hear that story....THANK YOU!!!0
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What a wonderful night for all of you! Great job!0
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Betsi, I would love to be a motivator... I get a thrill off seeing people improve. But alas, I am going into school for law (gotta support the family, lol) while continuing at my present position. You know I am totally in your corner though!!!!
Amie, I think it takes one to know one... you are awesome too girl!
Heather, Thank you... it was an eye-opener to me. I had been doing this on my own (other than online support) and it really hit home. Even though you may be "doing" it alone, you are so not alone - eyes are on you as you improve, start to gain confidence, etc. Amazing0 -
Thank you for posting this...It is a very touching story!!!0
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Bump for sheer awesomeness.0
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Excellent post, thanks for sharing!0
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Joy - sometimes it's not even about showing them how either, just taking their hand and giving them the push. I have found there are many who know HOW to do this, or at least how to do better than they are... just need a push
Hab - I am glad it helped. Joy was the one that suggested I post it actually, so I am glad she is right and it was able to help someone else0 -
This was beautiful, gave me goosebumps and made me teary. Thanks so much for sharing. And for caring and risking enough to just go over and get her moving. What a gift.0
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Thanks for the other perspective. Great story.0
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This was beautiful, gave me goosebumps and made me teary.
Ok, glad I'm not the only one a little teary over here.0 -
what a great story! thanks for sharing. I will remember this the next time i have low motivation!0
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Great inspiration for friday!!0
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You all are awesome! Although accountability/motivation sure does go up when you realize others are keeping an eye on you. Sort of like we tend to work harder when we know the boss is looming over us, LOL0
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Joy - sometimes it's not even about showing them how either, just taking their hand and giving them the push. I have found there are many who know HOW to do this, or at least how to do better than they are... just need a push
Agreed, I was kinda referring to the kids and the rest of the people that joined in on the walk. I suppose I should have used "role model" instead. Basically, you've just opened up the whole family to getting involved with each other and involved in health with each other. Community and the "push" we give each other is what inspires us to be better people to each other.
I'm really bad with words lol. I'll have to practice0 -
Wow, Amazing! Totally just boosted my motivation level. Thank you for that!0
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Joy.... just so you know, you totally rock!!!
stacenee - I am glad it could help0
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