Everyone in this world is somehow connected. So why not just be nice to everybody?
-Richard Simmons
Today, I mourn for the loss of Richard Simmons. While I have yet to find any sources or quotes of him advocating for forgiveness specifically, especially for self-forgiveness, I think he epitomized the idea, at least indirectly. A recent fact I learned about his advocacy that I love is that he pushed for noncompetitive physical education in schools. Without that added layer in conflict from competition, consider how many fewer situations arise for forgiveness to even be necessary due to bragging or boasting over victories (or worse, degrading or shaming over defeats). Sure, there are still bullies out there in many places, but that is why we need more people like Richard to offset and balance those disgraces.
I do not want any child in America to have my childhood because it was taken away from me because I just wasn’t good enough; well, I am good enough now.
-Richard Simmons
I absolutely love this idea of paying it forward. I have often been frustrated by stagnant people who think that this is the way the world is or how it has always worked. They dealt with this, so others should, too, right? Wrong (in my opinion). Let us change and do better instead please. Forgive your past to fortify your future. Plant metaphorical trees of improvement for the next generations so they do not have to repeat the same struggles that we endured and navigated. There is nothing wrong with letting the people who come after us enjoy an easier life because of us. Else, will we ask them to forgive us?
No one is perfect… absolutely no one. Like precious stones, we have a few flaws, but why focus on that?
Focus on what you like about yourself, and that will bring you happiness and peace.
-Richard Simmons
Richard used his voice confidently to remind us to love ourselves. I was previously unfamiliar with his personal backstory. Evidently, he was overweight throughout his childhood and adolescence. He lost over a hundred pounds and kept it off for decades. Between aerobics, mindset, and nutrition, he focused on easy, effective, and essential tangibles that feel realistic for any of us. No magic pill or budget-breaking expense needed; only a willingness to do the work. How forgiving and inclusive is that?
Take a moment every day to find peace. Pull over to the side of the road, turn off the radio, and find peace.
-Richard Simmons
Peace is easier with forgiveness. It is hard to have peace when holding onto unforgiven parts of life. I know how poorly I have eaten in the past. Who knows how many nights I opened a big bag of Sun Chips and finished it off fully in only one sitting. When I open the large pack of Sour Patch Kids, I can eat until my teeth are sensitive for days after. Mindless eating can be a quick and simple trap. Mindful eating can take a lot of work, yet I know which option I prefer these days; I know which one makes me feel better, too.
If you watch your portions and you have a good attitude and you work out every day, you’ll live longer, feel better, and look terrific.
-Richard Simmons
I am proud of my ability to be more mindful when I eat nowadays. I enjoy the experience to a greater extent as I engage my senses more, and I do not deal with those negative consequences for days. My health and happiness are bonus benefits, too. By forgiving my past, poor habits, I can choose to turn over a new leaf and add more leafy greens into my daily routines. On occasion, I will still indulge, but rarely now to the point that my tummy will bulge. I truly hope you, too, will work it out; life can be better, of that I have no doubt.
I consider myself a court jester – motivator.
When the king gets depressed, he doesn’t call for his wife or the cook. He turns to the little man with the pointed hat and says to the court jester ‘make me laugh.’ And I am that court jester.
-Richard Simmons
From a sugjester to a court jester, rest well, friend.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.