Have you ever had one of those moments when you meet someone you know you will most likely never see again in your life but they made such an impact on you that you will never forget them? I have had this happen many times throughout my life and I had one of those moments today. I went to the gym early this Saturday morning instead of sleeping late because I had skipped a couple of days of working out and I was really feeling the need. I thought I would try and conquer the machine which I call “the beast”. Shortly after starting my workout a very nice older lady started walking on the treadmill that was right beside me. We were the only people in the entire building besides a man who was riding a bike behind us. But she chose to walk right next to me and we struck up a conversation. I learned a lot about Barbara during that 30 minute work out. Where she had worked and retired from. About her 2 failed marriages. About her current husbands health issues. About her enthusiasm about the environment and the work she had done to help pass some local toxic waste disposal regulations. But the main thing I learned was that in a way, we are all angels sent here by God to make a difference. It is up to us to make change in the world. It is up to us to inspire others. She told me she had a friend who had committed suicide and she wished she had known about his depression because she felt like she could have saved his life. She explained how a simple smile to a stranger could make that persons day brighter and lift their spirits. I did not explain to her about my positive posts and attempts to be an inspiration on Twitter or my blog. I just listened to what she had to say and I agreed with her. It was as if she was sent to tell me what I am doing is making a difference and to keep it up. She is retired and happily married to a very sweet kind hearted man who she said would do anything for her. She is a lucky lady and she gives me hope as far as finding love again. And she reminded me that it is my responsibility to try and make a difference…even if I just reach one person I am doing a good job.
Sometimes I do wonder if I am making a difference and if I should continue on. Is anyone listening? Am I reaching anyone at all? And other times more recently I have been so overwhelmed with emotion that I just start crying joyful tears because I know I am on a good path. I am following my heart and my faith in God inspires me to continue on. I see so much sadness in the world that I can barely watch the news anymore without breaking down. But then I see all the good things that are happening as well. And especially in my own life. I have been blessed with a good job when I desperately needed one. I have some amazing friends I can count on for being there always. I see babies being born and parents so in love with their new little blessings. And I have been receiving the most amazing comments and messages on Twitter from people who tell me they truly enjoy the messages I am posting and that I am inspiring them. I have down days and I question everything at times. But overall I know that I am on a path that is taking me nowhere but up. I am alive. I have a purpose. Thank you Barbara for reassuring me of that today…xoxo