Show "Care"

I am a supporter of people.  Whether it be helping encourage them to be there best, supporting them in dark times and everything in between.   I am also a watcher of people and behaviors.   I believe we have the ability to pick up on other people’s patterns and potentially help nudge them when they need it.   Sometimes when you see someone acting out of their norm, asking three little words, “How are you” or “Are you OK” can change their day.  Or perhaps their week. 

Let me back up…

For most of my life, I’ve worked out from my home gym.  I have the makes of a full gym in my house.  I appreciate the ability of being able to throw on my workout gear, walk downstairs and get to work.  About six months ago, I made the decision to get a gym membership.  My hope was that it would give me the equipment to take my workouts to the next level with increased weight and other equipment.  It just doesn’t make sense to invest in certain equipment for my home gym, at least to me.   Since joining, I’ve appreciated the additional equipment but also the comradery of the gym and every single person that I have had the pleasure of meeting.  Now to get a full idea of my gym commitment, you should know I am in the gym 6 days a week, without miss. 

But, for almost three weeks now, I have not set foot in the gym where my membership is located.  Now, don’t get me wrong, my workout commitments have not slowed down.  Here’s the scoop, I keep dumbbells in my living room, yes, I am that person.  About three weeks ago, foot met dumbbell, you see where I’m going with this.  You guys it hurt truly hurt to put shoes on.  I’m pretty sure I broke it but ah, you deal with it.  Yet, I was in “my” gym every morning, barefoot most days, over the last three weeks to get my workout in.  

Jen, what’s the point you ask?

See, for nearly six months, I was at the “gym” at least five to six days a week.   And, when I’m traveling, you bet I am finding somewhere to work out.  I see my regular “fellow gym members” every morning, yes, every weekday morning by 3:30a.m., I’m there.  And, of course like most gyms this one has your regular trainers. 

Here is the interesting thing, as a gym, you would think someone noticed I was no longer following my routine.  Image if the ownership or even trainer would have sent a quick message.  You guys, this is our chance, this is our opportunity to catch people who are not showing their normal behavior and ask those three little words, “Are you OK” “we haven’t seen you in a while.  If we could catch people when they get into a funk or worse fall into anxiety or depression, we could help them out just by showing someone cares.  It could also lead us to knowing if they need some suggestions or a nudge.   See, I may be naïve in saying this but, I image a world where we do this more, consistently, we show people we care!   Aside from the fact that this is just good human behavior, as a business wouldn’t you want to show your members you care? Image the dedication I would have to this particular location if someone would have reached out or maybe a quick text.

Please do not get me wrong I am not trying to disrespect my gym or anyone in it which is why I have left out key names.  This is simply an example of an experience I had and what others may feel when they are at a low.    Life can be intimidating, we have absolutely no idea how much strength it is taking anyone to do what they are doing.  Whether it be in the gym, salon, grocery, restaurant, work, or wherever.   

If you see someone and they seem to be out of their normal behavior give them an ask, you never know when someone needs it.

Stay well friends,

Jen