"God brings certain people in our lives for a reason and a season."
It's 3am on a Sunday morning. I can't sleep. As I lay awake in bed my mind reflected back through my life and the many people I have met and worked with. As a trainer I get to see people for who they are, not their titles, professions, or public persona. Personal Training is exactly that... personal. I get to experience people for who they are.
I reflected on an amazing man I used to train at his home. Herb Swain. He was 91 years old when his lovely wife "Lolly" hired me to work with him. Herb was hands down one of the nicest, smartest, and coolest men I had the privilege to know and call friend. As his mind started to fail him, he would ask me several times during our session, "So how's business?" "Fine Herb." I'd reply. As we sat in his living room, either watching Bloomberg News on TV or listening to Frank Sinatra (Every time I hear "Frankie" I automatically think about Herb and smile) I would think to myself, I am in the presence of a good man. During and after his training session, Herb and I would sometimes sit outside in his yard on summer days overlooking the water, two swans floating close by and Lolly could be heard humming or whistling songs as she went about her day.
Herb was a fighter pilot in WW II. I would sit and listen to his stories about flying his plane, how he and Lolly met and get solid advice on everything from investing to business. When Herb passed away, a huge hole was left in my life and heart. But, ohhhh the memories and legacy he left. I will always remember him as an intelligent, kind, loving man who impacted my life in a great way.
My mind then moved on to current people I train. People who have come and gone and who are still training with me. I think about people like Pat who since she came into my life, has lost over 100lbs, battled through cancer, chemotherapy, radiation and a host of personal struggles. Yet, everyday she comes to the gym fired up, encourages others around her, and even on her weakest days, still lifts others up.
Merieve and David Werbel, a couple I used to train who jokingly referred to themselves as the second fittest couple in Barrington also came to mind. They trained out of their home. Every time I went into their home, I was greeted with one of the best cups of coffee or cold beverage. I used to love the Jewish holidays because I was always offered some tasty treats! I've taken more knowledge away from our relationship than I've imparted I'm certain.
So where am I headed with all this? I was talking with another client and friend, John White a while ago. He is a generous and intelligent man! I have to come to love him and his family dearly! He has impacted the business and political world and is often asked to speak at conferences and events to share his wisdom. We were talking and the conversation came up... "What will your legacy be?"
As I lay awake this morning, 3am, those words actually started to haunt me! As I reflected on all the amazing people who have come into my life for reason and a season, I started reflecting on many of you. Many Personal Trainers focus on the physical body, which our job. However, I look at people I train as friends... perhaps it's my Canadian upbringing. I started to think, what is my legacy? How have I impacted people's lives? I am embarrassed to admit, I'm certain not everyone I've interacted with, I have left with positive legacy. That I deeply regret. When clients leave, many trainers take it personally. We look inward and ask, "What did I do wrong?" When it's all said and done, I am reminded of Herb and his passing away. The words echo in my mind... People come into our lives for a season and a reason.
I’m not sure why I’m writing this, maybe sleep deprivation? I could write a paragraph about everyone who has come in my life as a “client” who I have considered a friend and how you have contributed to my life in some way. It is my sincerest desire to have a legacy not only as a great personal trainer, but someone who impacted people's lives for the better. May I be a blessing and not a burden.