Another Reason to Stay on Track

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!