This past weekend I was part of a group that participated in a local fitness club’s annual tri-challenge, something that was put on hold for the past two years in light of the global pandemic.
And, yes, I would agree with you that it does sound a bit insane to wake up at the crack of dawn to (willingly) participate in a three-hour fitness marathon, consisting of a one-hour spinning class, a one-hour tae-cross (cardio kickboxing) class and a one-hour bounce fit (rebounce) class. But this challenge was not a competition with glittery awards (except for the sweat dripping down everyone’s faces); it was a challenge for charity.
This year, Donna Groothedde from Donna’s Health and Fitness selected the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the beneficiary of the challenge and, for a small fee, club and community members could sweat it out as a show of support. At the end of the marathon, the proceeds were handed over to the chosen organization.
I was quite excited for this challenge and very motivated, because CANSA is an organisation very close to my heart and I did not only sweat for all the cancer survivors and warriors out there, but also for my sister-in-law who lost her fight against pancreatic cancer and a very special, brave fighter who has been fighting her battle with courage and determination for the past year. My youngest daughter and her friend joined in, and together we were determined to not only show we care, but to also make a difference.
I will not lie and say it was easy – it was tough, but I continued to remind myself why I was doing this, and that kept me going, and carried me through to the end.
It is true that people do not always want to help or donate to a good cause, as they believe their contribution is too small and won’t make a difference, but that is where they are wrong.
Just imagine the big difference we will see in our community, city, province and, ultimately our world, if, instead of trying to change the big things all at once, we start with the small things. Pick up that paper on the pavement, help the old woman or man cross the road safely, offer to carry that heavy grocery bag for someone, hold the door open for the next person or offer an understanding smile for the tired mom in the mall, battling to keep it all together.
No contribution is ever too small, and even the tiniest kind gesture can make a difference, ultimately bringing about big changes.
Until next week, stay safe, look out for each other and keep on doing good …
