Little Encouragement Goes a Long Way
My friend Tex shared the following as her post on Facebook.  It was sooooooo GOOD, I asked her permission to share this with you on the blog.  Because I am regularly fighting my own #fatdemon, I completely relate to this story and believe it underscores how important it is for us to have a friend encouraging us on our journey – not just in the gym but in our lives.

Have you ever faced a moment when you felt like just giving up? Recently I did.

I’ve been trying to make exercise a part of my lifestyle and trying to consistently go to the gym at least 4 days a week. I’m not yet confident with my workouts nor is it a pretty sight. I go around 5 am to avoid a lot of people and definitely avoid the early morning weekend crowd and the after 5pm crowd because these are the pros– the ones who make working out look like a scene from the “The Six Million Dollar Man”. They are lean, focused and disciplined.

Enter me– who wanders from machine to machine, dissecting the instructions and fumbling with the settings on each machine–it’s very intimidating.

This particular morning, I was halfway through my target goal of six miles on the bike, Alpine Mode. I was tired, frustrated and just wanted to give up. After I had pushed my way up a mountain with a resistance of 15, I stopped. I stopped peddling and I just sat there in pause mode, exhausted. A flood of thoughts went through my mind in those seconds–

~ Just give up ~

~ It’s not working ~

~ Go home ~

~You can do it another day ~

~ It’s no use, you’re not losing weight ~

I resolved within to slowly get up and walk out. No one would notice and it would be another secret failure. Just as I was putting my foot on the floor to leave, I heard a frail male voice with a German accent from behind me say, “Don’t stop, you’re doing a good job!”

When I turned around I noticed an elderly gentleman, probably in his late 70’s on the treadmill going at a smooth and controlled pace. I thought to myself, “Great! Even an elder is making me look like a wimp”. Again, he said, “You’re doing fine. Don’t give up. Everyday you’re getting stronger. The first day you did a 1/2 mile, now you’re doing 6 with resistance in about 20 minutes.”

I was totally shocked. I couldn’t say a word. He never broke his stride and motioned his head toward my pedals. He told me to get back on my bike and finish the course. I was overwhelmed with compassion and a little shame at the same time. I smiled at him and turned around to finish. Just as I was getting back into my stride, Walter (Mr. Walter to me) got on the bike next to me and told me that he would finish my course with me.

I honestly don’t remember the struggle or the pain of finishing that course. All I remember is that Mr. Walter was there beside me, cheering me on. I go there now faithfully anticipating seeing my friend. We don’t talk much, but I know that he’s watching me and watching out for me. I’m more confident everyday with the gym and my routine. Mr. Walter smiles at me and I know that he’s proud. There have been mornings when I decided to get up and go soley because I didn’t want him to worry about me.  I’m amazed at how the Lord keeps placing people in my life at the right time.

 I’m grateful for a friend who saw me defeated and not able to mentally or physically make it. He came alongside of me and helped me in my ‘make it or break it moment’. My friends tell me that I’m a magnet for senior citizens and that I have an “Old Soul”.  I’m not sure of either but I do know that I continually glean from their richness of wisdom and experience. This time, I owe wisdom, experience, and a little bit of  encouragement to Mr. Walter, my friend.

Tex

My friend Tex is a great wife and mom who can masterfully share a story or  her own wisdom with anyone who is willing to listen.  She is a caregiver by nature and by trade and a uncover writer in my humble opinion as well.  Tex regularly shares her wonderful quips and snips on Facebook with family and friends.  I’m trying to talk her in to starting her own blog…