An Unexpected Gift
Recently there has been so much going on with my business, writing, personal life that at times it’s hard to take a break. Well… I’m sort of doing that today. The past few weeks I’ve had a few extra things that have fallen into my lap and being the type of person I am wanting to help others of course I’ve been going out of my way to assist a close friend who needed support. I’ve been over there house a lot the past few weeks and I’m glad things are starting to get back to normal. Naturally, I was concerned now I can relax.
What was my unexpected gift?
I had an excellent workout yesterday. Yes, even when I’m busy I work out. It’s a requirement. I don’t make excuses on why I cannot get it done. I just do it. If I don’t get to the gym, I work out at home. Total wellness is extremely important and goes a long way into making me the person I am. Nutrition, health, fitness, emotional health, etc. they are all connected. We need to take time for every single one of them. The rewards are amazing trust me on that one.
Anyway I was lifting weights with my workout partner D, and he told me he had something for me. I was curious, but I didn’t ask any more questions. We finished our workout in the usual fashion switching between serious conversations, random topics, and teasing each other. he usually follows me in the sauna where we chat about life, work usually makes its way into the conversation, and we chat with others in the sauna. It’s an enjoyable experience.
He never went in before, but he goes because I do now he actually looks forward to the sauna. I always shower at the gym. Our workouts are intense so I’m perspiring heavily by the time we get finished after the sauna I’m drenched. While I took my shower, he waited. It’s something he’s gotten into the habit of doing. When I finally surfaced he joked about how long it took me to get ready. He then walked me outside, grabbing my gym bag in the process.
He teases me that my bag weighs as much as myself. It’s the same thing he tells me each time we walk out together. I always laugh and make a joke about it. I’m fully capable of carrying it but knowing how he likes doing this I let him. He likes doing things for others. I think one of the reasons he’s so protective of me is because he has four sisters. They are very close. We take our time walking, chatting, and learning more about each other. It’s my chance to have an adult conversation with someone that has some of the same aspirations as myself. I like that. I feel comfortable with him.
D gets a lot of attention. He’s about 5′11.” He wears his hair in locs they cascade halfway down his back. He usually keeps them pulled back in a ponytail although yesterday they were pulled back with some intricate braiding. I thought it was beautiful. He’s practical, attractive, extremely muscular, and he’s always smiling. That’s a powerful combination. Yes, a lot of women check him out in the gym.
D’s a great man and he’s rapidly moving into that good buddy category . We are always joking with each other and eventually I imagine as we learn more about each other he will upgrade to a close friend. There aren’t too many people in that circle. I have numerous acquaintance, buddies, but close friends well that’s a step below a relationship. I’d do anything in my power for my friends and they would do the same for me. There aren’t too many people in that sacred hoop.
In some ways, he reminds me of an old friend M. I used to hang out with. In fact I know we would still be hanging out if he hadn’t done the unthinkable and moved. He’s an actor and now lives in California. We were inseparable. We didn’t date. We each were involved with someone else. We just liked being around each other. I think D will fall into this role. D often checks up on me just like M. D usually emails me or calls to make sure I’m ok, and he seems to sense when I need that. Although I cannot always talk or email him back immediately he understands. I really appreciate the fact that he gets how busy I am not everyone does.
Yesterday instead of walking me straight to my car, he took a detour, and stopped at his black SUV. We didn’t walk far since it was parked right outside of Bally’s. Guess what? He had bought me a gift for Christmas. It was unexpected and for some reason that simple act made sparkling day a little brighter. I’m always doing things for others so it was nice to have someone do something for me. I thanked him repeatedly because I wasn’t expecting it. It was so sweet.
He walked me to my car, he put my gym bag in my car trunk and we chatted some more making sure we got our customary jabs in (we joke a lot) and then we went our separate ways. When I arrived home, I opened the gift, and saw it was a beautiful sweater. It’s definitely something I would wear.
Of course, I called him and thanked him again for the lovely gift. Yes, yesterday was a great day and his thoughtfulness made it even better.
Of course, the unexpected gift wasn’t the sweater. The unexpected gift was he just being there when I didn’t even know I needed support even when I pushed him away. It didn’t stop him he still came back. Thinking back to the past few weeks and how challenging they’ve been emotionally I realized I needed his thoughtful words and overall positive spirit more than I realized. I won’t forget that. Thanks D!
Question: Has someone did something completely unexpected for you if so what did they do? Have you done it for someone else?
[tags]workout, pals[/tags]