Two nights ago I attended a storyboard unveiling for my local YMCA. My oldest daughter was on one of them and I wanted to see the new boards. What I didn't know is that my outlook and opinion on the YMCA would change dramatically. I have always respected the message that the YMCA brings to the community and it's members. From helping the financial needy get a membership to helping people in the community, and putting together programs for the young to old; the YMCA is a great place to be a part of, but I just never realized what the YMCA MEANS to people, until the other night.
Last year, the YMCA created storyboards and placed them around the lobby and hallways. These storyboards are meant to showcase the local members achievements and highlight programs within the YMCA. I always thought they were used to be an advertisement tool to show what the YMCA is all about to new members. This year, the second year, they decided to take a personal approach and highlight people who have be positively affected by having the YMCA in the community. Not only were the boards showcased, but the people whose stories were highlighted were there to talk about their experiences.
The first one was a man who in two years had lost 180 lbs! He weighed 406 lbs and now weighs an amazing 225 lbs! He stated that a friend had pulled him into a spinning class one day and before he could say no, the instructor had set up the bike for him and got it ready to go. He said ever since that day, he has not stopped or looked back. He watched his diet, kept a food journal, and made sure he "made" himself get up and get to the YMCA. He says that the instructors and staff's positiveness is what kept him always coming back. He was pre-diabetic, taking all kinds of medicine, and now he doesn't worry about his blood sugar and has gotten off most of his medications. WOW, what a story!!
The next one involved a family of three where the father was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor a few years ago. The father is getting radiation treatments and whatever else is needed to try to help, but the tumor is still inoperable. Well, his brother-in-law convinced him to go the YMCA to go swimming to maybe get his spirits up. Since that day he went to YMCA, his family has continued to exercise and regularly go to the YMCA. Since then, his tumor has actually decreased in size. Pretty amazing stuff huh!
There were other stories that were just as powerful and moving, but I really wanted to share at least a couple. I enjoy being a part of the YMCA and now know that everyone has some type of story, whether bad or good. I am not advocating that everyone should become a member of the YMCA or some gym, but I am advocating exercise, and the positive effects that maintaining a regular exercise routine can have on a person. Sure, exercise is not the cure-all, but it is a start in the right direction to a possible healthier life.
I hope everyone is starting their New Year in the right direction.
Motivated and moved, and of course, still running...
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