It’s about 9am on a Monday and I’m close to finishing my first workout for the week. It’s been a good one. Just 2 more sets to go. I’m tired but my job is almost done so there’s enough motivation there to finish it off…
As I’m about to gear up for my second last set I hear these little footsteps coming quick and fast followed by the cutest little voices saying ‘’uncle Benny, uncle Benny’’
Quickly my attention switches from the workout to where the voices are coming from. It’s my nephews. All three of them. They must have the day off school and my sister has brought them in to work to play with all the other kids that are about to come in.
Before I can barely turn around I get swamped by cuddles and jumped on. It’s really sweet. It’s a show of affection from them that I know won’t be there forever so I lap it up while I can and take in the moment.
Then they begin their 20 questions…
What are you doing? Can we do it too? Show me your muscles. Look at mine! What does this do? Do you have a six pack? I have a six pack!
When they come running in all they want to do is workout. They jump on all the equipment, put the boxing gloves on and start getting into the bag, grab a pair of dumbbells and start doing some curls, then proceed to flex and point out the fact they think their muscles are growing.
They love their sport too (footy and basketball) and the enjoyment it brings them. And I love that they love it.
In my opinion exercise has such an important role to play in the make up of children growing up and teaches them so many things.
It teaches them hard work, dedication, sacrifice and teamwork but I’m also really proud of the fact that when they come storming in looking for where I’m at they immediately want to join in.
There’s a respect there and an admiration for what their uncle does and it’s clear to see. I take that to heart and the responsibility seriously of being a positive role model for these boys growing up.
I get so much joy out of spending time with my 3 nephews. The experience of watching them grow and develop their own personalities is really something quite special.
The bond we have is something I cherish and the amount of love I have for them is hard to describe.
The things that come out of their mouths from time to time is hilarious and just pure. So unfiltered. There’s no pre conversation inside their head about what to say. They just say it without a care in the world. It’s so refreshing.
I remember FaceTiming them a little while ago and the convo went from talking about school to them totally losing control and dancing nude in the lounge room once again without a care in the world. Once one starts the next one follows and then the other follows straight after.
Like little sheep. Very cute though.
The other day Levi said to my sister – I wish I was uncle Benny and uncle Benny was me so I can be cool.
Haha!
Little kids are like sponges. They will talk the way you talk, they’ll mimic everything you do and observe habits from anyone in their life with authority.
The environment they get brought up in dictates all of this so it’s so important you are being the role model you need to be as they will sponge off everything you do.
I’m gonna always make sure that being active and health conscious is a big priority in their lives. I feel it’s my responsibility to ensure this and I’m keen on taking it on.
That’s the message in all of this. You’re a role model to your children, nephews and nieces. Hopefully there’s enough of us setting a good example to them so we can have a happy and healthy generation growing up.
Ps. Just in case you were wondering I did end up finishing those last two sets…. it was just 20 minutes later.
‘’If you have a body, we can help you’’
Ben
Infinite Fitness Peninsula
