My employer started a wellness program at work 5 weeks ago so I decided that after trying Weight Watchers two previous times, the third time would be for life. At times it is easy, especially if I'm around other losers, but it gets rough when you're around those who would love to see you fail. Yes, there are "those" people. With the strength that only God could give me (and lots of sweat and hard work) I hope to make a life change. My wife joined first so the support we give each other helps a lot. Even my daughter has exercised with me making it even easier. Having the support of your family makes a difference. But it's not easy to ignore negativity.
As I faced the scale this week I was handed a choice. Should I walk away with negative thoughts of what I just read or think about how good it is that I've come so far in such a short time? Or should I walk away with negative thoughts of others that shared their weight loss this week or be encouraged that the program is helping me and my co-workers whether we lose or not? I tried to take the high road, but my car had a flat tire. Our leader shared a story about a man who lost 80 lbs. and what a success he had become. I truly heard my name in that story, but couldn't help think, "Whatever..."
In this world it is very easy to become self-centered and negative, but when we move our focus to serving others by offering encouraging words or just a smile, then we realize where I reward lies. It is not in ourselves. It is giving of ourselves. When you pass someone in the hallway or in the grocery store and say, "Hey, how are you doing?" Do you really want to know how they are doing? Probably not and they probably don't either, but you may have just made a difference in their life because you smiled and showed interest. When is the last time you actually encouraged someone by saying a kind word directly to them? I would guess it would be easier to think of something you said about someone while they were not around.
Lord, please help me to remember that it's not about me. Help me to keep going forward and only let me listen and absorb the encouraging words. And help me to give it back to others.
"Therefore encourage one another, and let each one help to strengthen his friend, as in fact you do." I Thessalonians 5:11
4 comments:
Hey Barrett, I believe in you! You got this! I wish I would have joined weight wathchers too now. I am glad you came to work at LSSH, we need more positive people like you!! Glad you are my friend!
Thank you Sheila! I am glad to be at LSSH and enjoy your friendship too! Thanks for the encouragement.
We can and will do this, Barrett, and we will be stronger and better people for our strugles that we overcome...i am proud of you!! I agree with shiela we need way more Barretts in this world!!! i have never seen you not smiling or being kind to others...that makes me smile, so you are kind of contageous! love it !!!!
Thank you Barrett for that excellent blog. We all need encouragement in our daily lives.
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