Smiling and saying "hi"

 Today at the gym, I saw an older woman walking the track.  She used one hand to hold on to the rail as she slowly walked around.  Altho' she could not walk very fast, she sure stayed with it and I wanted to tell her that she is inspiring to me...but of course that would be out of my comfort zone - I've never before seen this woman, and to say that to her, out of the blue would be weird.  then I remembered, i think it was Day 35 or so, when we are to remember to SMILE and be nice, say an encouraging word, etc. to whomever.  So, I got up a bit of nerve (took me 3 walks around the track) and on the next time I saw her, I asked her how many times does she walk arouond the track?  She answered 13 or 15 or so (13 x = 1 mile) and that she was 97!! and she just felt better when she walks :)  I told her she was an INSPIRATION to me, and that I hope to be walking just like she does, when I am 97!  I felt glad(proud) that I made it a point to chat w/ her.  AND - side note - in the locker room afterward, I mentioned to another woman about the 97 y.o. walker - she shared w/ me that she personally was full of cancer, just ad chemo yesterday, and she is just trying to get out there and walk a little every day. WOW - ANOTHER INSPIRING WOMAN!  I feel blessed to have had these women touch my life today - and to think it is b/c I took a minute to overcome my petty fear of starting off a conversation with the 97 year old.  I want to KEEP SMILING and keep being friendly/ inclusive to ppl.  It reaps so many benefits - for me and probably for them as well (they get to tell their story).  :)

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