A love letter.

Dear November Project,

I love you. I did not fall fast or hard, but as any good relationship it came in time. Over the years, through our ever evolving relationship you grew on me, and at some point I was hooked. And like anything that you love, it’s hard to let it go. So this is not good bye, it will just be a new chapter.

Who: I love each and every one of you. Even the ones I have never seen nor spoken to, and don’t even know if you exist. It is collectively all of you that create what I love, the dynamic personalities, backgrounds, and beliefs. The people who come and go and keep the energy bright.

What: I love the vibes. And the strength you can find in a community. I love the competition. And helping others achieve their goals. I love creating. Then fucking up. And then laughing my ass off. I love having a really, really good time before most people even wake up.

Where: I love the places it has taken me. Exploring my home. The heart of NPSD at Balboa Park. I know this park like I know every mark of my one eyed cat’s face. I love all the miles my feet have carried me through trails, across beaches, into parks, and down the streets in our neighborhoods. This love has brought me far and wide; Boston, Toronto, Austin, Iceland, Madison, Utah and Iceland! Every place I have been I fall more and more in love.

When: I do not know the exact second when I completely fell but I do know it was when there was no longer a solid line between the difference in November Project and family. It became interchangeable when I realized strangers were picking me up when I hit bottom. NP had a way of melting away the bull shit life dished out and allowed me to smile again. And I will be forever grateful.

How: I was able to love for so long and forever more because of the support of loved ones. If Lauren and Jessie were not such amazing friends I never would have jumped on board. If my Mother and Father weren’t proud and understanding of what I was doing I couldn’t have kept it up. If this wasn’t a place that accepted my brother, father, Lucy, husband, sister in law, and nephew in attending it would not have hooked me for so long. If I didn’t learn from and grow from all the other co-leaders I would have lost inspiration years ago. If Eugene, Angelo and Brogan weren’t my best friends it would not have had the same impact. And most importantly if my husband didn’t have unlimited patience and love for me and all the crazy ideas, songs, outfits and early morning alarms it never would have happened.

But it did. I fell in love. And I am glad I did.

Thank you, San Diego. It’s been really fucking good.

All the LOVE,
Ashleigh (Your fearless tribe member)

Share via socials: