Thoughts from a garage sale item

Friday, while out shopping the garage sales with my MIL, I purchased a couple of workout videos. Now, this is absolutely the price range to pay for them - I mean, if you don't like them, you're out all of $1 total. Besides, I knew these were some that I could actually do (do NOT ask about the Paula Abdul video. Oh my. I've tried that one several times, and I end up stopping and laughing halfway through. I am just NOT coordinated enough) - they're both Richard Simmons videos.

So in conversation with the women running this particular garage sale, we agreed that, while his choice of sequined tops and shortish shorts may be a bit over the top, he's good at what he does.

And in thinking more about it since coming home, I've thought more about that.

First, almost *anyone* can do his videos. He has real people, trying to lose real weight, in the videos with him, following along. Not aerobics experts, and not just people with very little weight to lose (and whom you suspect have no problems with energy level and such).

Secondly, he cheers them on from their very first workout. Just for taking that first step. The introduction of the people in the video done at the end of most that I've seen includes everyone from someone who has lost 80 pounds (or more) with him, and those who are on day one. All of them are cheered where they are right now.

And that leads to what is probably the biggest point - you can actually tell that he really, sincerely, cares about every single person he talks to. He doesn't find them gross or shun them, nor does he want to help them lose weight to make them acceptable or a size (whatever). He wants to help them for the sake of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and tries to show them love and acceptance and their self-worth where they are RIGHT NOW.

I have no doubt that there are people out there alive today only because of him - probably quite a number of people.

So, despite the times I have cringed to see the sequins, I'm very glad he's around.