“Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.”

Mark Twain

Well, let’s face it. We all have that friend. The one who’s suddenly turned into a beacon of health and wellness. They used to be just like us, happily navigating the complexities of the nearest fast-food menu. Now, they’re all about avocado toast and yoga at dawn. It’s impressive, really. And just a tiny bit annoying.

It’s like they’ve been kissed by a kale fairy. They glow with good health and talk about their fitness routine with the zeal of a convert. Meanwhile, I’m over here viewing the stairs as my personal Everest and the elevator as a sweet, sweet rescue chopper.

We all smile and nod, secretly wondering if they’ve joined some kind of vegetable cult. I mean, who knew someone could get that excited about cauliflower? I tried getting excited about cauliflower once. It was a confusing time.

But, as much as their transformation is inadvertently shaming, it’s also incredibly inspiring. They’re doing something I’ve only daydreamed about while lounging on the couch. They’ve turned those “I’ll start on Monday” promises into a reality. And here I am, still struggling to define what ‘Monday’ actually means.

Mark Twain once said, “Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” And he was right. It’s annoying to be inspired to be a better person. Every time they talk about their new healthy lifestyle, it’s a reminder of my own abandoned gym membership and the unopened yoga mat in my closet.

But, let’s raise our metaphorical glasses (filled with something green and probably good for us) to our health-conscious friend. They remind us that change is possible, that we can be better versions of ourselves. Sure, we might not be ready to join them in their early morning jogs or say goodbye to our beloved carbs, but we’re genuinely proud of them.

So, here’s to you, my health-savvy friend. You’re living proof that miracles happen—and sometimes, those miracles involve turning down a slice of cake for a fruit salad. You inspire us, even if it’s slightly irritating. Keep on shining, and maybe, just maybe, one day we’ll catch up. But for now, we’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines, slightly envious, and always in awe.

Stephen Boudreau serves as VP of Brand & Community at Virtuous Software. For over two decades, he has helped nonprofits leverage the digital space to grow their impact. To that end, Stephen co-founded RaiseDonors, a platform that provides nonprofits with technology and experiences that remove barriers to successful online fundraising. He is an avid (but aging) soccer player, audiobook enthusiast, and the heavily-disputed UNO champion of his household.

Copyright ©2024 Stephen Boudreau.