I’ll Spot You: A Message of Gratitude
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA was a reach for me. Being very overweight, in my late 60s, and having had cancer recently kick the stuffing out of me, I’m not your typical gym member. The banner over the front door says everybody belongs at the Y. That everybody includes me. Let’s do this.
Then came yoga day. On the mat, on my knees, the pain became unbearable.
“Oh my god,” I thought, “I’m going to cry!” But just before I did, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Coordinator Sally rushed to my side helping me up to my chair. She was tuned in and knew I was at my breaking point.
A couple classes later, we were given large exercise balls and told to lay back on them and walk our knees out front.
“Well, that’s not going to happen,” I said out loud knowing full well that’s exactly how old ladies end up immobile!
But again Sally was at my side. “I’ll spot you.” And sure enough, she did. I trusted her because she’d been there before for me. It worked great and it felt fantastic to do something I thought I couldn’t do.
“I’ll spot you.” Those are some mighty powerful words. I’ll spot you means I believe you can do this. I’m here for you as you leave your comfort zone; I’m next to you as you push your limits; as you grow your confidence.
Thanks for spotting me, Sally. It meant the world to me.
—Colleen, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA participant
