This morning we hugged a little harder and a little longer. Our bounce was a little closer and our cheers were a little louder. This morning we rallied as the community that we are and rained positivity on everyone. It was a morning to remember. And so when our dear Jill Green, filled with fire and passion, shared why she needed to be at NP this morning, we knew it was important…and important stuff goes in the blog for all to see. If you don’t know Jill, she is all-over-the-world-traveled, extremely well-versed in Baltimore history, culture, and love, and she also happens to be the Assistant Dean at the Law School, where she gives her students extra credit for coming to NP. She has a fun, relaxation committee (it must be that) at school; she’s just that cool. So with that intro, we give you: D. Jill Green:
On this gloomy rainy morning in Baltimore, I dragged myself out of bed and drove into the heart of Charm City to exercise and hug the most positive people I know. The perfect anecdote to post election blues, the smiling bouncing faces of November Project. Running through the rain, giving hugs and doing the “Bobby” dance was exactly what I needed after receiving the disheartening election results and underscored how special NP is to me personally and how important it is for our country.
Last fall, I was out for a morning run when I saw this crazy group of people bouncing, yelling, running stairs, and doing burpees. I immediately turned to my running partner and said, “I want to do that!” The first time I showed up, I almost ran away when the bouncing, high-fiving, and hugging started. But a little more than a year later, I have come to embrace this incredible collection of people as my tribe. A community of hope—comprised of all walks of life in a variety of colors and sizes: young and old, in-shape, out of shape, getting into shape, doctors, nurses, students, lawyers, community activists, statisticians, humanitarians, brewers, yoginis, unicorn lovers, Ironmen, and Ironwomen. Led by three incredible people who give all their time, energy, and what seems like an endless amount of love so generously. Sydney, Pat and Nick—you are an inspiration and what you have helped create, nurture, and grow gives me hope. Hope for a future filled with love and understanding rather than fear and hate.
We ran in the rain this morning. We ran hard and fast from hate, misogyny, and racism. We burpeed, lunged, and star jumped with love, humor, and healing. Thank you Syd, Pat, Nick, and our entire fabulous, funny, silly amazing tribe for making Baltimore and the world a better place.
Jill
Thank you Jill. I feel so much the same feelings. I got teary reading this!!!