While working out tonight, I noticed a heavier set lady struggling to use one of the machines. As I approached her to assist, she mumbled, "Today is my first day back in the gym. I don't know how this equipment works, and I just can't do it. I'm not ready!" At that very moment, I began to explain to her how the machine worked. I also told her, "You can do it. Do as many as you can, and each time you come in - just do more. Before you know it, you'll be fitted in no time."
This lady had no idea that as I was encouraging her, she was ultimately speaking into my life. See -- frustration often shows its face at the most inopportune times in my life. At the moment when I have made that firm commitment to pursue a goal that I have longed to reach, doubt appears out of nowhere and leads to an embraced rejection. The very thought of failing creeps in and often replaces the thirst of believing that I can conquer the vision that I once held so dear to me.
"Do as many as you can."
Those were the words that I uttered to the lady once she became familiar with properly maneuvering the equipment. Although she did only 3 reps, her radiant smile was admirable. It was clear that she was excited and content with her minor success.
How many times do I pause and reflect on the small things that I accomplish in life? Or do weep and complain about what I have not obtained?
In my #GymLesson, I took away two thoughts -- become more appreciative of those minuscule successes and to not give up on the end at the beginning!
24 October 2011
15 October 2011
Gaining wisdom
That awkward moment when maturation sets in and I recognize that turning the other cheek reaches far greater than revenge.
On last week, I encountered a situation that was quite upsetting. My initial reaction was to get to the bottom of the misunderstanding and immediately rectify the wrong. Being filled with emotions, I could not stop thinking of how someone could take something so simple and multiply it to create unneeded chaos.
Although I wanted to ensure that everyone was on the same page about the incident, something inside of me would not allow me to address the situation. I am telling you -- it was extremely hard to remain quiet and not confront the happening. My mind kept replaying the incident, and the small voice inside of me continued echoing that if I stood idle and kept silent then what was broadcast must have some validity to it. It is a terrible thing when my mind goes into constant thought!
Nonetheless, the lesson I learned by keeping still is that the truth will always prevail. In times past, I would have definitely tried seeking retaliation. But it is a sure thing to smile and accept the fact that life often creates teaching opportunities. Whether being willfully or forced into those moments, the greater part is the trial by fires that allow me to put into action the things that I have been taught to see if there is any authenticity to it!
On last week, I encountered a situation that was quite upsetting. My initial reaction was to get to the bottom of the misunderstanding and immediately rectify the wrong. Being filled with emotions, I could not stop thinking of how someone could take something so simple and multiply it to create unneeded chaos.
Although I wanted to ensure that everyone was on the same page about the incident, something inside of me would not allow me to address the situation. I am telling you -- it was extremely hard to remain quiet and not confront the happening. My mind kept replaying the incident, and the small voice inside of me continued echoing that if I stood idle and kept silent then what was broadcast must have some validity to it. It is a terrible thing when my mind goes into constant thought!
Nonetheless, the lesson I learned by keeping still is that the truth will always prevail. In times past, I would have definitely tried seeking retaliation. But it is a sure thing to smile and accept the fact that life often creates teaching opportunities. Whether being willfully or forced into those moments, the greater part is the trial by fires that allow me to put into action the things that I have been taught to see if there is any authenticity to it!
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