Not long ago I was taking my favorite dirt road run from my house, near Real Ale Brewery, down toward the square. From somewhere, I detected the sweet, very distinct fragrance of honeysuckle carried on the warm breeze blowing from the south, up the lane toward me. About 10 minutes later, rounding the corner at Live Oak and 6th, I saw the honeysuckle, blooming, growing along the fence to my left; beautiful, the scent heavy in the air.
Such it is with our approach to genetic potential. We begin to work; sense the coming of beautiful blossoms just down the road; around the corner…we feel it happening, but don’t SEE, yet. Like fragrance carried on the wind; we know it’s a matter of time until the honeysuckle becomes evident. We must continue on the path toward that corner where the flowers of our efforts become truly evident. If we stop running before we reach the blossoms, we’ll never know the beauty there; ahead. If we stop, we may never know what might’ve been…had we the onward path pursued.
I’ve run that route countless times in the almost three years since I came to Blanco. Most often I run alone. From time to time, I run with one friend or more. When we run together, we share energy and encouragement. We’ve noted that friends run faster and longer when running together. (I don’t keep track of how long or fast I run when I’m alone. I’m just happy to be out there moving my feet!) I know, however, that I love to work out with friends. I love knowing I’m part of motivating people to be strong and healthy; to be happy. There truly is strength in numbers. If you have a friend who’ll help keep you motivated, help encourage you to keep moving forward; that’s a wonderful way to go! Just keep pursuing that path.
Even now, as you’re reading this column, and thinking about what you might be doing, or what you CAN do to pursue the path, you may begin to detect the sweet fragrance of the honeysuckle… When you simply begin to THINK about making positive changes, the warm breeze begins to blow your way…and it carries upon it the scent of something beautiful. I’m not talking about what your body will look like when you’re healthy and strong. I’m talking about the way you will feel when you know you’re doing what you can to care for yourself the way only you are able! No one can do it for you. No one can smell the flowers for you. No one can pursue the path for you; however a good friend can encourage you. Find one! Find more than one, if you can! If you don’t know where to find one; find me! I’ll help you! But get your feet on the path! Inhale deeply, and fill yourself with the sweetness in the world outside yourself. It’s a beautiful world! Enjoy it as it is meant to be enjoyed.
I promise you this: it’s much easier to enjoy the honeysuckle growing on the fence when you get on your feet and get out there in the lane.
Sally Windham is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor in Blanco, TX. Please send questions and comments to sally.windham@yahoo.com.
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