Last weekend, I joined about 40 other men and women at a local fitness club, to participate in their annual tri-challenge.
And, yes, I would agree with you that it does sound a bit insane to wake up at the crack of dawn to (willingly) participate in a three-hour fitness marathon, consisting of a one-hour spinning class, a one-hour cardio kickboxing class and a one-hour rebounce class. But this challenge was not a competition with glittery awards (except for the sweat dripping down everyone’s faces); it was a challenge for charity.
Every year, Donna Groothede from Donna’s Health and Fitness selects a charity organisation to support, and, for a small fee, club and community members can sweat it out as a show of support. At the end of the marathon, the proceeds are then handed over to the chosen organisation.
I was quite nervous, as I did not know exactly what to expect of this challenge, but of one thing I was certain, I was going to make a difference. My youngest daughter joined me in this challenge, and together we took it on.
I will not lie and say it was easy – it was tough, and there were quite a few times that I felt I would not be able to go on, but the fact that I was making a difference (although small), kept me going, and carried me through to the end.
It is true that people do not always want to help or donate to a good cause, as they believe their contribution is too small and won’t make a difference, but that is where they are wrong.
Just imagine the big difference we will see in our community, city, province and, ultimately our world, if, instead of trying to change the big things all at once, we start with the small things. Pick up that paper on the pavement, help the old woman or man cross the road safely, offer to carry that heavy grocery bag for someone, hold the door open for the next person or offer an understanding smile for the tired mom in the mall, battling to keep it all together.
No contribution is ever too small, and even the tiniest kind gesture can make a difference, ultimately bringing about big changes.
Until next week …
