There But For The Grace Of God Go You and I……
Everyone of us who is fit should get down on our knees every day and thank the Good Lord that we have been blessed with the knowledge, physical abilities and motivition to make the best of the gift that is our bodies and our health. It is unfortunate that we are among the minority in western society, where lack of physical activity and poor diet are making an increasing number of people obese and causing numerous health problems. Tragically, an increasing number of young people are in this category.
I am disturbed by the number of times I have read blogs where fit people are putting down unfit people. This attitude that somehow fit people are better or smarter, and that unfit people are lazy and stupid, is an attitude that has no place in a community like bb.com where people from all backgrounds come for knowledge, motivation and support. I feel that all of us who have some basic knowledge of exercise and good diet have a responsibilty to show some kindness and compassion to anyone we encounter in our daily lives who is struggling with weight and fitness. If someone asks a question, answer it truthfully. If someone has a misconception, give them the facts if you know them. Don’t be pushy about it, just be willing to share your knowledge if the opportunity presents itself and someone wants to know. Sometimes a very small act of kindness can make a huge difference in a person’s life.
Most unfit people don’t get that way because they want to be. I know I sure didn’t. It has a lot to do with the knowledge we are given, the habits we learn, and the circumstances we face early in life, just to name a few things. If you’ve had a healthy lifestyle since birth, great for you. You’re among a select few, since most people have to learn how to do it and it can be a struggle. Some people never learn how to do it, and honestly don’t realize the high quality of life they are missing out on. I feel very lucky to have discovered the fit person that was hidden behind years of misconceptions and bad lifestyle habits. I will never criticize the character of someone who hasn’t been fortunate enough yet to discover the fit person inside of them.
If your life circumstances were different, that unfit person could be you……
April 16, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I don’t think I’ve put unfit people down, heck, I ARE one! However, I do get more upset with my vastly overweight coworker who complains about his weight and blood pressure, but won’t change his eating or start exercising. He knows what he needs to do, I’ve told him that I’ll support him and help him. He just won’t.
I guess if I harken back just a few years I was there where he was, but always knew that I could do something about it. I guess we all have to wait for our moment where the light shines down and we say "AHA!"
April 17, 2008 at 5:57 am
Hey Jeff, no problem with what you’ve been saying, I also get frustrated with people I encounter who complain about their health but won’t start to make any positive changes. Nothing we can do but remain supportive. I was blogging about posts I’ve read where the writer attacks an unfit person’s intelligence and character.
We’re both thankful we had that "AHA!" moment, and I think it’s possible for everyone, it’s just a longer road for some that others, it’s no reflection on the kind of person they are. Thanks for the comment!
April 18, 2008 at 11:37 am
Thanks for this blog!! We all need to hear it!