Working the front desk at a family gym, that is relatively inexpensive gives me a window into average America. While the gym does have it's smattering of "celebrity" members, these are very few. What I have come to notice is, that it takes all kinds, to make humanity. I am on a first name basis with the most diverse collection of people I could ever imagine. I have grown to apprecaite eveything this job brings me.
Here is some of what I've learned:
I used to see the elderly as sad, lonely people. Now I see them as kind, experienced souls that are happy with a smile and a brief conversation. They have worlds of experiences to share and I am lucky enough to be the recipient of some of their life lessons.
I used to envy the young and fit and now I see, they are filling their social voids with empty gym time that continues to leave them alone and unhappy.
Many of the families that come to the gym merely see it, as their escape from the kids. A way to fill time they don't know how to fill on their own. We are there to serve them and we should know what they want and how they want it. They exude an air of entitlement that transfers down to their children. When their offspring become old enough to be on their own (and for many that is the ripe old age of ...8), they also walk the halls as though we are their servants, demanding this or that and expecting immediate service. They pay for nothing and are appalled when asked to wait.....for anything.
There are the truly physically disabled that inspire me every day. The cross they bear would be crushing to most, yet they soldier on, not knowing how else to conduct themselves. They are happy with the simplest of accomplishments and rarely discouraged with their lot in life. They work, even when they are pedaling backwards, because in their minds, at least they are pedaling.
There are those recovering... from an illness, injury, or the travesties of life. They need the gym to return, maintain or improve their health and that is how they view it. It is their tool to get them to where they want to be and they'll do whatever is necessary to get them there.
I can not forget the youth, that have no idea that 10-15-20 years down the road, what they are doing now, will no longer be what defines them, nor will it be as easy as it currently is. The skills, time and fitness they currently possess, will soon elude them to a life of aging, commitments, demands and obligations, they could never imagine would take priority.
There are the middle aged who use their age as an excuse for being inadequate while they grapple with remnants of their prior selves. They are not yet ready to concede to the realities of their stage in life, so they struggle to be what they once were, or what they once aspired to be, unable to accept that they have passed their "prime" and need to accept their "medial" stage in life.
I can not forget those that use the gym as their social life. Of these, there are two types; the first are the desperately lonely that will carry on a conversation with anyone that glances their way. Once in their snare it is a long slow process of removal from the situation. A polite escape is impossible, abrupt and quick action is the only alternative. They grasp onto anyone, with a longing sadness similar to a widowed swan aching for it's life long mate. The front desk staff are often a captive audience that has no option but to patiently listen and wait for interruption. The other type are the silently sad. One sincere look into there eyes and you can see their souls weeping for companionship yet they would never burden others with their affliction. They wait and hope to find someone to fill the void but are not particularly proactive in their efforts. These are the hardest people to watch. Few people will take on the daunting task of befriending an unfulfilled, painfully shy person.
Finally, there are the "regulars". All of whom have an addiction to their routine. Whether it is for their own benefit or not, they are the committed, dedicated constants that are the backbone of the gym. They are athletes that travel the world in search of the next race. They are the parents, proudly supporting their children in physical prowess. They are the adults and youth perfecting their sport, fitness or strength. Some are onions with incredible stories and depth, while others are average people conducting themselves in simple pleasure, enjoying the most basic moments. They are content with the present and take each day as it comes.
Perhaps this is where I come in. I have come to see how truly average I have been throughout my life and I am content with that. I have done, no more and no less than expected. I have been able to smile and laugh daily, whether it was at myself or at a situation. I am a happy soul who brings happiness to those around me. I try to enjoy every moment I can. I experience life events with all the passion I can stir within myself. I am a truly empathetic and kind person who tries to find the good in others regardless of their glaring flaws.
We are all born with intentional skills and purpose. It is each person's goal to discover their gift and share it. My gift...
A simple smile - kindness - a sympathetic ear
of ordinary stature - but a heart that's meant to share
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