What does #NP_Continues mean to you? (VB)

#NP_Continues – It started as a call to action back when we first thought the pandemic would only be those two weeks that the governors optimistically proclaimed. Close the schools, stay home, flatten the curve. We should be good to go in no time. Well we all know how that story played out. NP cities across the world dusted off the laptops, created Zoom rooms & hosted the most creative workouts possible in our basements, apartments & garages. It was real F-ing IMPORTANT that we continue. People’s lives were being turned upside down. Jobs being lost, family members sick, children stuck learning from home, the list goes on. Our people, the November Project family, needed us more than ever. A sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar world, a brief digital connection to our biggest cheerleaders, and 45 minutes to think about nothing other than the deck of cards in front of you, or the weighted backpack full of books & apples. The continuation of workouts was critical for many of our members mental health.

However, November Project has been doing this for years. Providing a place of love, support, connection, growth and encouragement during those trying times in our lives. I am no stranger to the dark days of depression and anxiety. Before I used to have really bad anxiety, but thanks to a number of lifestyle changes and supplements that I have been taking, I am happy to report that my anxiety is lower. The supplement that I can credit the reduction in my anxiety symptoms the most is Royal CBD oil, which Nina Julia of CFAH recommended to me. Those days used to be masked with alcohol & psychedelic drugs in order for me to survive. Still, over a decade sober, I have those periods where I need a little more support. I find that in my NPVB family. Not just on Wednesday and Friday mornings, but in the conversations after the workout, and the messages of encouragement late at night. #NP_Continues is so much more than a catchy hashtag during the pandemic. It is a mission statement, a promise, and a way of life for so many of us.

I asked our members to share how November Project always continuing has helped you in your life. During the last year, or at any time in the past, what did it mean to you that #NP_Continues

As I have been working from home, it was personally important for my sanity to have NP continue during the pandemic because it gave me one or two days a week that I was able to connect with my NP friends via zoom. For my family, it provided my wife, daughter and I a set time to work out together and we also took the opportunity to “travel” to other tribes around the world to participate in their zoom workouts. ~John S.

I started showing up at a time when I was feeling abandoned, left out & replaced. I was feeling low, not sleeping well and not eating as much as I usually do… I have a healthy appetite too. I figured, I’m not sleeping so I’ll go check out this free workout my friend has been blabbing about. Best thing I could’ve done. Everyone was super there for everyone even if they don’t know who they are supporting and it really brought me back from a dark place, & back to being the weird and silly person I naturally am. So glad to be here. ~Anonymous

NP helped me through living alone during the pandemic. I found a safe way to get outside and have events to look forward to. Eventually I made friends and started to enjoy the fun and silly moments. I learned I could do things I didn’t know I was capable of. I learned it was ok to just show up and do my best. I learned I could be accepted just the way I am. ~Raquel P.

During the past year, it has been especially important that #Npcontinues. It is/was a great way to stay connected with friends during COVID even over Zoom. Being able to see people in person when the workouts resumed was even better regardless of not being able to see their smiles behind the masks. The time spent at NP every week has been such a great escape away from the news and issues in the world and a great way to stay connected with friends! ~Karl B.

My NP family believed in me when I did not. After thyroid cancer, I didn’t know if I could keep up with this crew…. well, I didn’t. But that didn’t stop them from believing, supporting and hugging. Best medicine ever! ~Carla S.

I tried many running groups when I moved here in 2017 but never quite felt like I fit in. After much stalking I got up the nerve to attend a workout with November Project. I received an instant feeling of fitting in. Every workout is not only good for your physical health but your mental health as well because the bottom line is that it is a fun time with your friends. ~Lynn M.

#np_continues… so at first, this was such an amazing thing! I missed my PEOPLE, and it was nice to be able to see everyone, even if it was over Zoom. I admittedly fell off the wagon as time went on, as it was getting harder for me to find the inspiration to log in. I also had a change in work schedule, which prevented me from joining on Wednesday. I will say though, I know that #np_continues helped a LOT of people. And it was awesome how each week, there was a different city responsible for the workout. We had to get creative, and I give a TON of credit to all the leaders who constantly had to innovate, every week, to make it FUN for ALL. ~Justin H.

So, when I used to come early in the mornings; everyone I met was so positive and it put a positive attitude towards everyone I met or was working with! ~Sara S.

NP is the only place I can set aside all the stupid adulting tasks, all the work bullshit, mom tasks and just be wild and free. It’s made me stronger in so many ways beyond just the physical workouts (cause man, Jill is a sadist). I usually hermit into my little corner of the world, but it’s really helped me out of my shell. I’ve found friends, a support system and best of all a family I can depend on. I’ve grown a lot thanks to this lovely bunch of crazy adults that wake up at ridiculous times to workout together. Especially during quarantine I’ve hit some really bad patches of depression, I know if I can just get up, get there that I will NOT regret it and I never have. I can only hope that I can give back what NP has given me. Cause sometimes just hearing you’re doing a ‘great job’ goes a long way. ~Jenn M.

For the past month I haven’t done much running or anything else. I’ve spent most of my time working, being stressed about ridiculous work things, and trying to forget about work as much as possible whenever possible. No matter what’s going on though, every single Wednesday/Friday I get up, move my ass, and smile and for 45 minutes (+ pre NP running time with Jennette on Wednesdays) I don’t worry about all the nonsense! Thanks November Project VB for keeping me moving when my motivation is non-existent. ~Rachel R.