I like to think that I'm a runner. I gained a love for running when I started at BYU, and kept it up through my mission. I'm planning on running a half marathon in June and thus have been starting to get into the swing of training for that. However, the longest I have ever run at one time in my life is 5 miles. On average, I usually only do 2 or 3 miles at a time. Today I was feeling ambitious and did 4 1/2. And it felt really good. Sure, my legs were tired and some moments I just wanted to stop and lie down on the pavement. But overall I felt great. Especially when I was done and could look back and have the sense of accomplishment that a good run brings.
The 'so what' of this post though? A little out of form. While I was running, I met the nicest lady. To be fair, I was walking at the time. She called me over because she had a question for me, and I expected an inquiry on directions or something along those lines. But she proceeded to ask where I had gotten my sweet running tights. And told me how good they looked, and how my countenance was really bright. Maybe that sounds a little creepy, but she definitely had one of the most beautiful countenances I had ever seen. She radiated charity and it felt good just to have a simple conversation with her. Talking to her made my day, and just overall made me feel good about myself. She was just a kind soul.
And that inspired me. Not only did I walk away feeling happier than before, but I also felt motivated. Motivated to finish my run (this was about halfway through the 4 1/2 miles) and motivated to be a better person. I had this desire to share the light that she had given me so other people could also feel this happiness. And, looking back, it really did effect the rest of my day. I smiled at more people as I walked by them. I smiled more in general. Isn't it awesome that there are people in this world that take the time to reach out and brighten the moods of others? I found a new role model for my life, and I plan on continuing to try to be more like the nice lady I met on my run.
Lexy, I am really glad that you met the lady and are inspired to bring happiness to many souls. Isn't it awesome that you met a complete stranger and she gave you tons of compliments and encouragements? I think Provo, especially BYU campus, is the nicest place on the earth. It's the place where people smile at you, say hello and genuinely care for you. One person inspires another to be a better person. And everyone eventually will become better.
ReplyDeleteThat's a cool story. It's amazing how God places these people in our path to help us get through things. Even with little things like brightening your day. Also, some people may have said to themselves, "what a weird lady. Why is she talking to me?" Sometimes we don't realize the good things that are placed in front of us.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I would have experiences like this with randomly nice people all the time on my mission and it made a difference. I realized my goal in life was to be a good person and do for other people what these people did for me. I have learned the most in life from moments of goodness from others.
ReplyDeleteRunning is definitely a popular activity to do in Provo, I've noticed. I think it's so cool that you're trying to make yourself into a runner! It's a LOT of hard work. I know that I generally prefer any and all other forms of exercise to running, so props to you for that. I like that you had that experience with that woman. It makes me happy that you took a small moment of good feelings and decided to make it have an even bigger effect on you and others :)
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