Graduation Day

Today was graduation day...number 6 for me. I was up at 4:00 to be ready and get there on time. I arrived, awake and ready to receive my graduation dog tags! Yippee...graduating again. I stood with my team...the Warriors...as we got our tags and were encouraged about the last six weeks of working together. I laughed, I was nearly in tears, and I was full of joy as I sat watching friends and new-found-fit camp-family receive their awards for the losing the most weight, having perfect attendance, winning the strong man/woman competitions, being voted the most improved...it was beautiful. There was a huge surprise for me this morning, though. I was nominated for and was voted "Most Inspirational" by fellow fit campers. Can you believe it...most inspirational...me?! I could have cried, but instead chose to smile. I am quite sure my face said it all.

I've always thought that there was so much more to fit camp than the physical benefits. This journey is SO MUCH MORE than that for me. It is physical, it is mental, it is emotional. It is not about being the best, but about being the best me. It is about reaching out to others on this journey and encouraging them right where they are. It is about reminding my fellow teammates (and myself) that it isn't about the destination, but about the journey, and that we must claim each victory, big and small, along the way.

I never thought I was doing much to inspire others...I mean really, there are days when I can barely drag myself out of bed. Certainly not inspirational! I'm never the fastest, or best, or even the most graceful. In fact, I am usually the slowest, last, and most awkward...not inspirational! But apparently, someone was touched by my efforts. Something I did or said touched another. I'll never know exactly how or what, but it did.

I think this award has done a few things for me. First, I feel good about myself. I am happy that I have been able to inspire someone else. Second, I want to continue to inspire those around me. Whether it be through words, or actions, or both, I want to keep encouraging and inspiring people. And last but certainly not least, I want to find those who encourage and inspire me and tell them so! It meant the world this morning for me to hear that I had done that for someone else, and I would love to pass that feeling on. I want to say thank you! I want others to know the difference they are making in my life.

I challenge you to do the same. Inspire, and be inspired!