Inspired by a few young ladies
I have recently been inspired to look at making some changes. I have been helping out at my sons 7th grade Presidential Fitness Challenge, where the kids test themselves in situps, pushups, sit and reach, shuttle run, and so on. I noticed many of the children would hide their scorecards from everyone except their closest friends as they were embarrassed. Then my heart was broken when an average looking young girl was speaking to a mother helping out as well, she was asking her why she could not do a single pushup. Looking at the young lady, you would think she would have been able to do a few. The adult gave her some pretty sound tips to building up to a full pushup, but it made me think. How many other kids out there do not know how to better themselves and are too embarrassed to ask.
A few days after that I came across a young lady on this site, she appeared to be a normal young lady, but again my heart broke as she spoke of herself as looking pregnant and referred to herself as a popular whale. After reading this my eyes began to leak. This young lady inspired me to began thinking about what I could do to change the way these young ladies felt about themselves. As a youth coach for Softball, soccer, basketball for the past 10 years I had been able to make a positive influence in many lives. But that was not enough for me. There has to be way to reach those that dont get involved in sports.
I thought about it for two days then I discussed it with my wife for assistance. I wanted to create a fitness camp that is little to no cost to the kids, that gave them the basics on how to change their bodies and gain self esteem and giving them hope to a better future. My wife has agreed to help and we will involve our three children who also assist me in coaching now. As I dig into making this dream a reality I would love to find someone else that already has done this so I can get this thing rolling. I will take any advice or tips as I get the ball in motion.
I would certainly like to thank the young ladies who touched my heart deeper than they will ever know. I would also like to thank God for the grace and love that enabled my heart to be open to these young ladies. I will forever be greatfull that these young ladies reached out as they did. God bless You.
January 20, 2008 at 6:17 pm
aww thank you so much… now i dont think of my self as shamu or pregnant i think of myself as a diamond that is a little need of assistance of being cleaned up and polished and as soon as that little diamond is sparkly clean she will be ready for the real world and nobody’s going to hold her back!! soon that diamond will be the twinkle in everyones eye and the sparkle in their smile!! thanks so much for all of the inspiration and the motivation i really hope you get your summer camp going and i wish you the best of luck for all of the young ladies that think of themselves like i did stop this second bc you are going to regret it i have learned how to love my body and accept who i am not who other ppl want me to be!! each and everyone of you are just like me diamonds in the rough waiting for some miner to dig you out of the ground and shine you up!!! god bless and may all your dreams come true!!!
-$h@y