Earlier this year I learned that I was pre-diabetic. I knew something wasn’t right… I was listless, eating poorly, not sleeping well, and definitely not dedicating the time to stay fit. I had put off getting bloodwork done to confirm what I felt might have been wrong, hoping that it would get better on its own.
On April 15, the results were conclusive and it was the wake-up call that I needed. I’ve since abandoned most of my comfort foods, my daily dose (or two!) of ice-cold, 12oz carbonation, and I’ve progressively stepped up my fitness while eating much better.
Part of this pivot in my personal fitness has been adding biking to my routine. I don’t go as fast as the serious road bikers and I definitely don’t look as trim and stylish in my biking gear, but I’ve learned much about the sport over the last few months and I love it. I always remind myself that each ride and the preparation for it is an exercise in steady improvement.
I took a pretty hard fall from the bike almost two weeks ago and I’m still on the mend. My care team, friends, and family all ask will I get back on the bike and the answer is always an emphatic YES. I can rationalize injuries sustained in the pursuit of an active lifestyle versus the ailments that follow the opposite. And despite the bumps and many bruises gained from this fall, what I’ve taken most from this are the lessons for how to be better next time in the saddle.
Every Setback is a Set-up for Improvement.
In the Y, we are working to listen better to you when we fall. When we fall short of your expectations, when the class doesn’t start on time, or the equipment is down, or when the pool or gymnasium schedule simply doesn’t work for you. As we continue to see record usage of our facilities and steadily increasing enrollment in our programs, we know that we have to be better than the day and month before to continue to earn your support.
So, please, keep the feedback and ideas coming. Many of you have even connected us to resources to expedite the fixes and patches along the way. And while it may take us a little longer than desired to implement every fix and every idea, know that we have heard you and are working on being better for you in our communities.
In the meantime, you may see me in and around our Ys with the assistance of a cane, but please know that it’s just the tool I’m using to get back in the saddle; it’s a reminder of lessons learned and the improvement that is sure to come.
Until next time…
Kevin Bolding, President & CEO
YMCA of Central Florida
The Y. For a better us.®
First Friday messages offer a monthly peak behind the veil of leading through change from the Y’s President & CEO.