Time sure does fly by when you are having fun with a solid group of folks.
Few months into starting Co-Leadership, I had already shared with Bojan / NP HQ that I will give the Community my relentless commitment and energy for the next two years and then I will more than likely high-five out. I retired today as the Co-Leader of November Project DC (NPDC).
NPDC – Thank you for keeping me grounded and jet-fueling my early mornings via a combination of spice, logs, hills, and an epic bounce during my tenure as your Co-Leader for the past two years, two months, and 26 days. I truly believe that we are all placed on this earth for a purpose and that we are given more to do more.
Taking on the helm of Co-Leadership in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic via Zoom-based world to a full restoration of IRL outdoor workouts has been a one helluva journey. I could not have asked for a better group of Co-Leads and the community to start my mornings together. I should highlight that my favorite day of the week throughout my tenure has been Wednesdays. On every Wednesday, not only do we get to hit the Lincoln steps with an epic sunrise in the background, but we have the privilege of being able to recognize the community volunteer who man the Coat Check from the Stairs at the Lincoln Memorial with a hearty “thank you insert name!!!” The natural surround sound that roars back to the Community from the Lincoln Chamber is pretty darn sick. Most importantly, we can express our gratitude for their time and their commitment to give back to our community.
Since the day one of Co-Leadership, I was zeroed in on building community belongingness. As a native of the D.C. metropolitan area, my focus was to change the signature greeting of Washington D.C. from “What’s your name and what do you do?” to “Hello, what’s your name and where is home for you?” We all have roots that we come from, and the transient nature of our city attract folks from all over the world. By asking this question, I have been able to connect folks from the same city/states at the workout to immediately break the newbie ice and start having some fun. Most importantly, I was able to meet the wonderful humans of NPDC just as they are, no titles, and no other worldly definitions that likely has an expiration date. After all, NPDC is about the genuine human connection and it also served as a kind reminder that we are all tackling life together (LifeProTip: Remembering the names of others, their face, and one unique take away from the conversation shared while crushing spice together enabled me to follow-up with them the next time that I saw them at the workout).
Many thanks to Co-Leaders who have gone before us to pave the way ahead for us to thrive. As the old dude on the team, the co-leaders (Jolly, Foley, Russell, and Joe) that I had a pleasure of serving together with brought plenty of fun, silly moments, times of butting heads (like siblings), and getting “zoned-in” to tackle taskers to ensure we gave our community our 100% and then some more. Most importantly, I was able to witness the vulnerable, honest, and unfiltered version of my teammates. I honestly appreciate the safe space that we were able to operate in, which enabled us to be the best version of ourselves.
I truly hope that I was able to give back to my beloved NPDC community my 100% and then some more. I was always taught to leave things better than how I had found it. I am happy to say that I believe NPDC has evolved over time and is in a better place. I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight that this is not based on my own actions, but it is rather due to the relentless commitment and collaboration of every member of our community who cared and leaned in to make our community better.
For those who have asked, I am not going anywhere far. However, I do look forward to sleeping in a bit more and being able to spend time with the family. As I head into retirement from Co-Leadership, may you all continue to be the force that positively impacts our world with limitless energy, kindness, and lifelong friendships.
Live Life, Love Life.
Young
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