If you’ve been coming to workouts, social events or even just silently following the social media presence of any one of the 49 worldwide November Project tribes for any length of time, then you have undoubtedly heard these three little words: Just Show Up. It is one of our most ubiquitous tag lines, a hashtag slung across all media outlets and the defacto prayer for this thing that we keep insisting is NOT a cult. It’s simple and catchy and maybe bordering on corny, but I’m here to contend that there’s a depth to that simplicity more powerful than you might realize. “Power in simplicity?” you might say – ever heard of “Just Do It”?
For me, #justshowup is the bedrock behind this movement. The strength that can be derived from this simple phrase never ceases to amaze, and it’s been documented time and again what different strengths it can bring to so many. November Project was founded by two broke, recent college grads on the idea that there should be no barriers to fitness. It’s still the only thing that we ask of anyone who wants to join the workouts. No sign-ups, no money down, no long-term commitments and you don’t even have to tell a soul that you are coming: you just have to show up.
Leave your problems, your fears and whatever your backstory at the door and just show up, but what do you say we move the needle forward yet again? I believe that this whole thing, whether intended or coincidence, has moved well beyond just physical fitness and yet the tag line still fits. I believe that 6 years in, these three words still have a guiding light that we can follow. If this whole movement really means what it says, then we want to spread the message of acceptance, support and inclusion to everyone that’s willing to hear it. We want to help break down barriers and climb walls, but the hardest part of doing any of that is the simple problem of where to start. Recent reflections and conversations have led me to believe that we already have that starting point: just show up.
In our world today, there exists a small, but growing, and undeniable wave of acceptance; acceptance of individuality, of freedoms and choices. What I’ve come to believe about this movement of acceptance is that its truth doesn’t choose sides but is also certainly not for the weak and the indecisive. This truth isn’t left or right, dark or light and doesn’t land on either side of any of the other walls which we so often use to divide. It’s about accepting everyone and every difference as having its own, rightful place and purpose and realizing that as far from your normal as it might seem, each experience has something to teach and to offer. Everyone has a story.
If you think too long about the plethora of differences that surround you and what acceptance and change might really entail, no one can be blamed for being overwhelmed, even for being defensive at times. What I’m doing here is telling you not to spend too much time thinking: just show up. Don’t bring your prejudgments, unfounded fears or unerring beliefs in your own correctness. Instead, do something much more freeing. Bring nothing at all but an open mind and just show up.
Yes, the words still compel those of us who have already bought in to show up physically for every workout. They still hold us accountable to our goals, drive us to be stronger for each other, to show up for something larger than ourselves and to change each other’s lives for the better. The strength found in their simplicity, though, can also guide us in today’s most challenging situations. What do you say to the elderly man who has spent his life scrapping for every dime or to your city’s first female mayor, or to the wealthiest man in town? How do you preparefor that conversation? With what strategy are we supposed to approach it? I’m hoping to get myself and everyone still reading to step back and realize that maybe we don’t. Maybe everyone’s story doesn’t have to and can’t be understood right away. Maybe the absolute best thing to bring is a smile, an open heart and an accepting mind. Maybe all you have to do to connect is to show up.
So, for all those out there that have read this far, continue to just show up and to bring your best self to every aspect of your life and continue to spread this most complex of simple phrases wherever you go. #justshowup
Announcements:
Baby Cakes info here
NP Summit 6.0 info here
See y’all Monday morning, 6am sharp at the City Park Practice Track
#weekendearned
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