We had a whirlwind of a workout this morning on the Parliament Hill that created many bonding opportunities for us as a tribe. We asked Fauve to share her own experience as a new comer to Ottawa and the recipient of the Positivity Award.
I recently moved from Vancouver to Ottawa. The interesting part about a move like that is its ability to conjure up a whirlwind of emotions, from the optimism and excitement of the unknown to the fear and doubt. I definitely experienced all of that…and then some. After struggling through the roller-coaster of emotions for months on my own, I finally got the courage to join a local run club (Ottawa City Run Club).
It was through OCRC that I first met Liz and Lauren, two girls with seemingly endless amounts of energy. To be honest, they were impossible to avoid. They were highly social and wanted everyone to know about their new #freefitness group (then: Work it YOW). I was no stranger to the November Project, having attended a few times back in Vancouver. But to be honest, I just didn’t think that it was for me at the time so I just brushed it off. Finally, though, after weeks of discussing the growing tribe here in Ottawa with Liz and Lauren at run club (and a change in the weather), I finally decided to give it a shot. Fast-forward months later, and I haven’t missed a Wednesday morning since. At first I thought that I was doing it for the workout, but, to be honest, I’ve realized that it isn’t about the workout at all anymore. It’s the stellar #community vibes that keeps me coming back week after week: the new faces, endless smiles, cheers, hugs, high-fives, friendship and love that each and every one of my tribe-people brings with them each morning.
I have also learned many important life lessons from November Project that I know apply to other areas of my life. I’ve decided to embrace the idea of being #weatherproof (after all, we do live in CANADA) and making #noexcuses. My love for the community has also resulted in serious #FOMO, ALL THE TIME. Because of this, I now have a tendency to #justshowup to anything and everything. Also, I have a new-found appreciation for the #verbal commitment – something that I now realize is not to be taken lightly.
The fitness community in Ottawa has changed my life. I have found my people and I am a better me because of it. At a time when I needed it most, my #fitfam was there for me. It has since become one of the most important things in my day-to-day life. Whenever I contemplate skipping out on a workout, I just remind myself that I’m not just showing up for me, but also for all of my fellow tribe-people, because they’re showing up for me too. A simple hello, a hug, a conversation, or even just a smile can make a world of difference in somebody’s day.
Much love to my tribe (especially to our fearless co-leaders), and all of the November Project tribes out there.
XXX Fauve
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Recruiting Challenge: Wednesday, June 28th we are ringing in Canada’s 150 Birthday. AKA be there with your mom, sister, twice removed cousin and a co-worker.
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