I love to be inspired by other people. Inspiring stories are all around you. I love the raw humanity that exposes itself as people dig deep and triumph over whatever has beset them for so long.
This past weekend I was reading stories of people who have joined the "Joy Fit Club" and was really touched. I took a moment not to just relish in the joy that comes from seeing other people succeed, but I was also touched as they shared their suffering before their success was realized.
Weight loss is such a personal yet public struggle. People may see you overweight but they have no idea of the pain and struggles you deal with on the inside. Judgments from others, though they may be unspoken, cut deep and your unhappiness is all you feel.
As I was reading some of these touching stories, I came across a quote that someone choose to live by as they were making their lifestyle change of, well, a lifetime :o) “When you know better, you do better." This is a quote from Maya Angelou and one that speaks of seeking knowledge, personal accountability, power, change and harmony.
The old adage, "knowledge is power" is seriously lacking. It's the consistent application of true and correct knowledge [read: principles] that thereby creates power and opportunity. That is what people who make big lifestyle changes understand. To know is not enough. I mean, I knew this morning that when I ate that handful of Skittles it was not a wise choice. However, I didn't let that knowledge stop me from doing it ;-) But when I correctly and consistently apply true principles to my life, I see and become the change I seek. This is true in any area, addictions to food or otherwise.
I see and meet people everyday who are in various stages of their journey to fitness whether it be a fit body, mind, soul, habits....they all kind of go hand in hand though, don't they? I love that I get to play some small part in their life. I love learning of people and what make them tick. I love learning of their weaknesses, not to judge or poke fun at them but to help them find and see ways to take control and become the change they do desperately seek. I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing and hearing of their small and big triumphs.
I love it when I see people develop and take personal responsibility for their life and choices. I believe that our ability to choose is one of the most precious gifts we have. It may seem like a big or daunting responsibility but through this challenging life where we honor that stewardship and push through obstacles and pain is where we find true growth and eternal expansion of self; because when you know more, you truly do more.
My wish is that we can all experience this eternal growth as we reach for and do more. I am here for you every step of the way, but it's up to you to begin.
