This weekend I coached at my CrossFit box (yes BOX not gym.. go ahead rip me apart). I decided to make it a “festive” workout and we did a Thankgiving themed “Turkey Murph”. This workout consists of a 1 mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 pushups and 300 air squats, and then ends with a 1 mile run. This type of workout is called a Hero WOD, in memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan. It isn’t for the faint at heart and is usually done with a 20 lb weighted vest.

I made it “easy” for the members and told them they could do the workout in partners or teams of 2 or 4. I put a spin on it and members had to guess how long it would take them to do it and try to get as close as their estimated time. So the “winners” where not the fastest, they were the ones who could guess their times best.

Stay with me I have a point.

During the 10:30 class there was a flurry of activity as people were trying to find partners, good team names. “Team Asian Sandwich” was my personal favorite as was “Just Carl” which I made up myself when a member decided to do the workout on his own. ANYWAYS, during the flurry I asked one of the members what her team name was and she was contemplating doing it on her own as she didn’t want to slow anyone down. Just then another member turned around and said (and I wish I remembered her exact words) but it was something like “Come on our team, I’m going through chemo, we aren’t going to win it here” (she said it better but that’s how I remember it). And just like that they made a team. And yes your team gets an honourable mention for having the best “turkey gobble”.

Why did I feel the need to tell this story? 

Because it reminds me that no matter what your situation is, you have to keep living. This is the time you have. Surround yourself with the people you love, do the things you love, and enjoy every minute of it. No one knows how much time we have on this planet. Every day is precious.

Thank you to my friend who reminds me every day to live my life to the fullest. I would mention you by name but I don’t want you to sue me.

Pay it forward. Live life to the fullest. Don’t let little things get you down. Be grateful for what you have and stop worrying about what you don’t have.

“Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.”

– Viktor E. Frankl

Happy Thanksgiving!