Finding Motivation in Others

The gym that I train at is usually not busy in the morning when I'm there. It's typically just the few regulars with some people who come here and there. Then a few months ago the entire Reading High School football team and their coaches came in to train. The regulars and I were shocked at how many of them there were to train. We were worried we wouldn't be able to use equipment, they would make a mess, and just get our workouts done. The coaches put them in groups, had each group do different exercises, and then rotate to the other exercises. It was inevitable that I would need some equipment they needed. When that day came the coach came up to me and he and I immediately agreed to work together so his team and I both used the equipment. We were all there for one reason. To become better with each exercise, set, and rep we do.

One day the coach approached me and asked me if I would speak to his team and coaches about overcoming adversity. He knew nothing about my background but said I've seen you here working hard day in and day out and I feel you have a story. I love to talk so he and I agreed I would speak a couple days later.

The day came for me to speak to the team and coaches about my story; about my motorcycle accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down and the obstacles I had to overcome to get to where I'm at today.

My initial thoughts about the football team was wrong. I found motivation from each and every one of those kids on the team. They helped create an atmosphere of positive energy that pushed me to have better workouts which makes me feel good. It ironic that I spoke to them about my story but what I got from them is more than they will know.