Nov. 18 - Determination Counts

I went to the YMCA today. I’ve been working with a trainer to get my broken ankle stronger - and to get stronger in general. I’ve been away for a couple of weeks and out of the gym. But I woke up bright and early - in the freezing cold - and met Lori in the gym. 

But instead of celebrating my resolve, I confessed that I felt badly that I didn't really exercise or eat particularly well.

She looked at me, and in her frank and funny way, she said, “Who gives a Sh!t?"

I laughed out loud. The only thing that mattered, she reminded me, was that I showed up and got back at it. That’s the kindness: the determination not to give up on yourself or your goals.

Science of Kindness: Research shows that treating yourself with kindness—especially when you feel you’ve “fallen short”—helps you bounce back more quickly from challenges. In sport and exercise contexts, self‑compassion interventions improve motivation and reduce burnout #BeKind #KindnessCounts #KindnessCounts2025 #kindnessmatters #SelfCompassion