During this journey, I have had the opportunity to be inspired by many people who have already walked the road to better health---and those who are further along the road ahead. I have been inspired by many of them. I regularly browse the "success stories" pages on MFP for inspiration.
But this week, the shoe was on the other foot. People were telling me that I was inspiring them. This is hard for me to wrap my head around. I'm sitting here at 275 pounds. I need to lose almost 100 pounds before I can leave the label of "obese" behind. But the comments I've received on the blog, on MFP, on Facebook, and even in person, have reminded me that no matter where we are in the journey, we can be an inspiration to someone else.
One comment came from someone who is "finished" with the journey. (I say "finished" because we all know that this is a battle we will continue to fight for the rest of our lives!) She said I inspired her to run.
Besides the feelings of joy and satisfaction from being called an "inspiration", comes a new sense of accountability. People are watching me. And hoping that my success will last---because it gives them hope that their success will last too. Someone might be waiting to start to see if this "takes". As I was typing this, I was reminded of a Scripture passage (Hebrews 12:1-2):
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.....
Who has inspired you this week? Who are you inspiring? Are there any things you need to do differently considering those you are watching you?
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Hey I found you from the link up.
ReplyDeleteMy NSV was doing a 5K too!
Also, congrats! On getting where you are, getting where you are going to go, and being an inspiration! Not a lot of people can say that they inspire people. While you defintely have to do it for yourself, it is so nice to receive that encouragement along the way. Congratulation. Keep up the good work.
If you get a chance, I would love to know what you think of my blog
20somethingbusinesswoman.com
I think you are inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story and blogging!
ReplyDeleteBeing inspirational is not easy. You are a good role model. Great NSV this week. I hope you will continue to inspires others.
ReplyDelete-Honeybee
http://herweightlossdiary.blogspot.com
It's an interesting feeling being on the other side, isn't it? When people say I inspire them I'm always shocked, because I don't inspire myself sometimes. Does that make sense? You are doing so, so well and I am so proud of you. You ARE inspiring, because you're putting in the work and kicking butt!
ReplyDeleteGood job Julie! Great post! Yes people are watching! You are inspiring!
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