The WRONG Thing to Say
I was out running today. I have been running consistently for a few weeks now, and we have been going for walks as a family almost every day too. I am starting to feel better again. I have a lot of work to do to take care of my body, but I will always have to work hard, and I will always have to workout, so I do!
It takes a daily consistent effort to be healthy. Every. Single. Day. I fell off the health-wagon for awhile during illness, and lack of motivation -- but I am full-steam ahead again. (The warm spring weather sure helps!)
As I was out running today, I had to make it up a pretty steep hill. I was huffing and puffing, and really working it. As I reached the middle of the hill I saw a lady who was casually strolling down the hill towards me. She was slowly, and peacefully, walking her dog when she looked at me, started laughing, and said, "I am glad I am not you!" Now I know what she meant by her words, but they did not come out quite right. Somehow it felt more like an insult. What I really could have used in that uphill battle moment was a, "You go girl!" or maybe, "You are AWESOME!" or something motivational and energizing.
When someone is climbing an uphill battle remember NOT to say, "I am glad I am not you!" Though it may be meant in kindness, it does weird things to the brain. Don't say it.
Just another thought to put in my pocket and learn from.
It takes a daily consistent effort to be healthy. Every. Single. Day. I fell off the health-wagon for awhile during illness, and lack of motivation -- but I am full-steam ahead again. (The warm spring weather sure helps!)
As I was out running today, I had to make it up a pretty steep hill. I was huffing and puffing, and really working it. As I reached the middle of the hill I saw a lady who was casually strolling down the hill towards me. She was slowly, and peacefully, walking her dog when she looked at me, started laughing, and said, "I am glad I am not you!" Now I know what she meant by her words, but they did not come out quite right. Somehow it felt more like an insult. What I really could have used in that uphill battle moment was a, "You go girl!" or maybe, "You are AWESOME!" or something motivational and energizing.
When someone is climbing an uphill battle remember NOT to say, "I am glad I am not you!" Though it may be meant in kindness, it does weird things to the brain. Don't say it.
Just another thought to put in my pocket and learn from.
I wish I was you and had that kind of "do it" attitude. You know who you are.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mom
Awesome job Mari! If I saw you on that hill, I would have said "Go Girl, you can do it!!"
ReplyDeleteI couldn't run in Utah because of the pollution, I have bad asthma. I want to start running here, you'll have to help motivate me :)
Awwwwww Mari that sucks. Keep up the good work and ignore the 'haters' whether they mean it or not.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I'm not you. How do you stand being that awesome all the time! It must be exhausting. I'm just glad you're you.
ReplyDeleteCharles