Choices

My 13 year old son often starts a statement with, "Not to sound rude but...", to which I usually reply with, "If you have to provide a disclaimer for everyone not to take offense before you say something... perhaps you shouldn't say it."  He usually says it anyway.

However...there are always exceptions to the rule.  And with that:

I hope nobody takes offense at what I'm going to say here.   I don't think anybody will, but you never know.

Today as I drove home from work, I saw a very heavy set gentleman walking down the street.  He was wearing work out clothing and had his headphones on, and his walk was brisk.  Obviously he was walking for his health. 

I'm not exactly sure what it is but, every time I see a heavy set person walking or even running.... I have the strongest urge to pull over, get out of my car, and start cheering for them. "Good job!!  You are awesome!  Keep going!"  I just want to tell them how happy it makes me to see them choosing a better and healthier lifestyle for themselves.   Just thinking about it makes me a little bit emotional. 



Of course I don't actually pull over, or even honk, or yell, for that matter.  Mostly because I'm worried they might think I'm taunting or harassing them.  Which is the exact opposite of what my intentions would be.   But also because; How terribly insane would I look if I pulled over next to a perfect stranger and started cheering for them.  Yeah, right.  Psycho lady escaped from the mental hospital. 

But back to the gentleman.  I don't know his story.  Maybe today was the first, and last day he will ever walk for his health.  Maybe he's been walking every day for the last 6 months and has already lost 100 lbs and he's trying to continue the weight loss.  Maybe he's only a week into his walking regiment and is feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.  Does he  have family and friends that are uplifting and encouraging?  Or is he constantly faced with temptation from the very people who should be supporting him?  The possibilities surrounding his story are endless.  But one thing is certain:  His choice to do something good for himself was probably very difficult.  I can only imagine the uphill battle it must be. The heavier a person becomes, the more difficult it is to make good choices.  It becomes a cycle.  I've been on that cycle to a small degree.  I've never been obese, but I have been up and down in my weight over the years and I know how difficult it is to constantly make good decisions on the kinds of food I eat.  Making and sticking to an exercise program, and keeping a positive attitude.  Those are difficult for everybody.  It has got to be so much more difficult when your weight gets to that point.

Seeing the man who was walking with a purpose, was the best part of my day today.  If he can do it, so can I.    One choice at a time.