Thank you Peggy

Below is a letter written by one of our members at the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y. She describes her journey in our program with one of our beloved instructors Peggy Levine. Peggy teaches our Balance & Strength class effecting the lives of so many in our center, and this member wanted to share her story. Thank you for all that you do Peggy!

January 20, 2014

"You've probably heard the joke, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall” and the answer is “practice, practice, practice.”  Well, I’m here to tell you that’s not a joke, it’s a fact and it applies to everything.  Whatever you want, whatever you hope to accomplish, you have to work to get it.  It doesn't matter if it’s big or small.  If it’s important to you, it’s important to you.

Sometimes we do nothing making the assumption that, given time, things will fall into our lap and all will be well.  Other times we strike out and go in many directions only to discover we’re getting nowhere except in making ourselves nuts.  It’s usually at this point when we realize that moving steadily in the direction of our goal is what is going to reap the benefits we desire.  And that’s what happened to me.

Almost two years ago, I injured my lower back and legs.  Over time and with the help of a very good chiropractor, I was able to get around.  But just getting around was not my goal.  Walking the way I wanted to walk was my goal. 

So in 2013, after hearing the name Peggy Levine enough times to realize it might be in my best interest to check out her class, I did.  It didn't take past the first class for me to realize Peggy knew her stuff and she knew it well.  Over time, I noticed things were happening.  Naturally, when one sees positive results, what do they do?  They keep doing what’s bringing those positive results.  So twice a week, I walked into Peggy’s class knowing somehow that I was in the right place.  Sometimes an exercise was challenging for me but I knew doing it would prove beneficial and Peggy, in her compassion, would say “I know this is hard for you.”  I always appreciated that although I probably didn't say it.

Usually when one struggles to arrive at a certain point, there are quantum leaps and/or breakthroughs.  On January 17, 2014, I experienced one of these.  With Peggy’s help in doing a particular exercise correctly, I realized something big had occurred.  There was an immediate shift in my condition.  I could bend my right knee again further than for many months and with no pain and – drum roll please – my right leg felt stronger and I was able to walk like a person who didn't have to rely on poles as much.

Now this might not sound like a lot to some people but it was a lot to me as I have been struggling with this conditions for way too long as far as I was concerned and having this happen was a remarkable experience for me.  I was struggling between bouts of frustration and depression. 

I want you to know that I am firm believer that we are all led to our good by a benevolent Spirit when are open to receiving it and, in that regard, I truly believe I was led to this Center.  I mean, I moved directly across the street.  Really?  How could one question such things? 

So I want to thank the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y for their incredible programs and to the person who had the wisdom and foresight to bring Peggy into its operation. 

And to Peggy, “Thank you my friend.  You are the best.”

In gratitude, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  This means more to me that you will ever know or could ever imagine."  

- Marian