Let us all take a moment to think about inspiration. Have you ever been inspired so intensely that your life was recognizably affected? Or perhaps you have inspired an individual that brought his or her life to a level of intrigue. Maybe you have touched numerous lives through your lifestyle or teachings or simply by just being you. Have you ever noticed that words, whether written or verbally expressed, may have inspired you if not just for the moment, possibly eternally? It would be unfortunate to allow an act of inspiration pass us by.
Inspiration is a gift, whether you are the creator or the recipient. I am sure there are many of you who have at least once in your life inspired someone or have been inspired. Recognizing you have inspired or accepting inspiration can be rewarding all around.
I find that inspiration comes in different forms: the silent, the intentional, the contagious, and the exceptional. How many of you can relate to any of the foregoing? I can, and to all of them I would like to share my experiences and hope they will inspire you.
Silent inspiration typically goes unnoticed whether given or received. Why not communicate acceptance of such inspiration? I can remember when my grandmother passed away when I was 16. Her death was the first significant loss in my life. Years later that I realized her elegance, femininity and ladylike qualities were exuded upon my mother and passed along to myself, hence creating inspiration.
To my late grandmother and my mother, I thank you; I wish I could have verbalized it earlier.
In the world of fitness, I confess, I use intentional inspiration, forcing my inspiring words upon all of you: Get fit now.
Excuses are simply unacceptable. Twelve years ago, when I was intentionally inspired to compete in a bodybuilding competition, I was elated. I welcomed the encouragement from my friends and co-workers who supported me from inception of training to their cheers at the event as I accepted my trophy for first place.
I admit I even came up with an excuse or two why I should not compete but those excuses became short-lived. So come on, just do it!
Thank you, Dad, for those athletic genes you bestowed upon me. Without those I may have only come in second.
The contagious inspiration can be so much fun because some of us do not realize that we are the receiver or the giver, and when we do notice, yes, you guessed it, there goes the ego, up, up and away.
Contagious inspiration comes in the form of imitation. It could be with the clothes you wear, the car you drive, your ladylike gestures, gentlemanly behavior, or being followed around in the gym because people wish to acquire your physique. Get it everybody?
Contagious inspiration becomes an epidemic – I love it. Let's keep the energy positive.
The exceptional inspiration is special, for it is the culmination of all types of inspiration. As a professional in the fitness industry, I have experienced all of these aspects – guiding people toward a healthier lifestyle and educating them on the components of not only attaining good health, but maintaining it as well. It is why I feel truly blessed to have shared this type of inspiration and to actually be able to observe its enormously contagious effect.
To my mom, late father and grandmother, friends and family, co-workers past and present and especially my children, I thank all of you for your support and continued inspiration.
Until we meet again, keep it fit.
Maria Strong. My fitness background has me training for 30 years, as a career….17 years. I am certified in personal training, yoga and corrective exercise. I own and run my own business including personal training, corporate consulting, yoga, nutritional counseling, gym design. My clients range from teen through geriatric, male and female, pre and post rehab, bodybuilders, athletes, the overweight, etc. I am a proud single mother of two young men ages 23 and 18 who also live a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Nicholas is a personal trainer and on my website, Joseph wishes to pursue a sport related career. Visit my website Maria Strong.com
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