Walking toward the back of the gym, the question came out of nowhere:
“What’s your motivation?”
A newish member of the class. I’d only really exchanged hellos, good jobs, and smiles with him and his daughter. So the question caught me off guard.
“What’s your motivation?”
I must have looked puzzled. So he went on…
“You work harder than anyone in here. I talk about it with my daughter. I want to know what motivates you.”
My heart kind of swelled in that moment. what to say? I told him I used to weigh 313 pounds. Both my parents died too young from choices they made. I’m trying to live longer to be there for my family. To change that history. I told him I also work out to bust stress.
He smiled and said congratulations and keep at it.
I often feel like I blend in. Hide in plain sight. I don’t lift the most weight by a long show. I can’t do the advanced gymnastics movements. I figure most people notice me when I’m dancing or singing or tripping over something (often!)
I may never get those fancy coordinated movements. I may never lift as much as most do. But to be noticed and seen as someone who works. Who tries. Who puts in the effort. There are few greater compliments I could receive.
It was also a great reminder of my “why.” These dragging-on days can make it easy to forget my purpose.
This was also a reminder to give someone that compliment. Pay attention when others strive and just say it. You never know who might need to hear that verbal applause. I walked a little taller the rest of the day and remembered that I never know who is watching.
Keep doing the work. Someone notices. someone sees. Someone is inspired.
What’s your motivation?
2 Chicks and a blog 