The Best Thing (NOLA)

“I feel like November Project is the best thing that has ever happened to you.”

The words echoed through my head as my best friend, Meagan, went on to congratulate me on my success with NP and the unbelievable opportunities it has brought me recently. And while being showered with love and support from this community and my tribe has made me feel more loved than ever in this past week, I’ve honestly spent more time reflecting on how right Meagan was.

November Project is the best thing that has ever happened to me.   

Exactly one year ago, I officially became a co-leader. And as I sit here writing, deleting, rewriting, and editing this post, I’ve found myself at a genuine loss of words as I try to express my gratitude and love for this movement. So in typical Mia fashion, I’m going to stay scatterbrained and just give you a list of why NP is the best thing that ever happened to me.

• November Project taught me what it means to love being fit, for myself. Growing up as an athlete, I was expected to run fast, work hard and compete… for my teammates and my coach. And while there was always personal benefit to playing sports, the end goal was sometimes blurred. But with NP, the goal of fitness is as clear cut as it can get. We show up to run fast, work hard and compete for ourselves. And then we support each other along our journey towards becoming fit.

• November Project allowed me to support and be supported. Everyone who shows up to NP has a goal. It may be to Boston Qualify… Or maybe it is to simply run a mile without stopping. But whatever it is, no matter how big or small, this tribe will support each other through it all. But the support does not stop at helping others accomplish their goals. It extends to a deeper level. One where we realize that even when things aren’t going our way, we can turn to NP for the support we need to pick us up.

• November Project provided me with a WORLDWIDE family. A family where I know I have a couch to crash on and a shoulder to lean on wherever I go. Whether it was my first traverbal to Chicago or my never-want-this-trip-to-end visit to LA, I’ve created friendships that I will carry with me throughout life. Ones where you can be upset at the world and drunk off red wine, but you know that you’ve got an NP friend thousands of miles away who you can call or text and he or she will drop everything to make sure you know it’s going to be okay and that you are amazing.

• November Project taught me authenticity. When I moved to NOLA, I promised myself that no matter what, I would be unapologetically myself from that point forward. And when I started showing up to NP, I somehow was able to be that person and still be loved. SO loved that they even asked me to co-lead. I was able to love my authentic self and let others love it too.

• November Project pushed me to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. This one needs no explanation. But I watched a really good TED talk recently that I think pairs well with this so here: Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

• And lastly, November Project taught me the importance of just showing up. To workouts and in life. This tribe is here to accomplish its goals, but more than that, to show up to each and every workout for each other. For that one hour, nothing else matters. You’ve shown up to sweat, support, and show love. And that, my friends, is fucking special.

 

Everyone has a different experience. Your first workout, newbie meeting, bounce, hug, or hoistee is going to be different than that for anyone else.  But what I can promise you is this:

November Project is something special and quirky and unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Some days may be awesome and some days may be terrible.

But this movement, this family, this tribe has the potential to be the best thing that ever happens to you.

I’m living proof.

Thank you for letting me lead you for this past year. Here’s to many more bounces and all of the hugs, sweat and tears that may come with them. I am glad you are here. Go win your day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Discount code for Dashing through the Dome is “November”. Sign up HERE.
• Clothing/Coat drive all of December! Bring your donations to workouts.
• SHOUT OUT TO THOSE WHO JUST SHOWED UP THIS MORNING IN THE FREEZING COLD AND RAIN.

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