Dear NP Ottawa,
This is a letter to express my gratitude. To all of you who I have met and those who I may not have had the pleasure of hugging bright and early in the morning by the centennial flame, I thank you for being part of this community.
What is neat about this community is that while you are all just showing up for the variety of reasons you show up, you are building a community where the by-product is improved health and fitness. Wonderful humans in the city of Ottawa are coming together and making it a better place. Even though it may be a challenge climbing out of bed and resisting pushing that snooze button, you are there to greet people who may need you that one morning while the rest of the city sleeps.
I think many of you likely downplay your presence in the group. You downplay that you decided to just show up. I think each and every one of you has so much to offer. It can be intimidating walking up to some loud, extraverted and outgoing people. Maybe that’s you and that is great- keep it up. But maybe that’s not you and that’s great too. You may be just what that other softer-spoken individual beside you needs to feel comfortable in a new environment. Loud or quiet, you cannot underestimate the power of a high five, a simple hello, eye contact, a hug, a word of encouragement that you can get through the tough workout. Those small actions can be all the difference someone needs to brighten their day, or the difference between coming back a second time to give NP another try, or that extra push they need to just keep on moving. You are making a difference. And you may never even know. Also know that when you are having a tough time, a tough week or you are looking for some motivation for the goals you have set for yourself, this group is here for you too. And they will show up for you.
So know this: you are appreciated, noticed and your presence matters. As we welcome some amazing leaders in our community step up to babysit the tribe, try to remember what it was like your first time. What made you come back? What made you feel like you showing up was a big deal? If today was your first day, we are so glad you came. Next week, you won’t be a newbie anymore and you now know how things work. Look for those newbies and make them feel welcome. If they are not quite comfortable with a hug yet, that’s okay- they may just need to know they you are “glad they are here”. Every little thing counts.
I have so much love for this community in Ottawa and so grateful for all of you who make it happen every week. The truth is that you don’t know what you don’t know. There are so many more people in Ottawa who could be positively impacted by this free fitness, and they don’t even know it yet. Help them be a part of it. You never know whose life you can change just by letting them know what’s available.
Keep doing wonderful things NP Ottawa. Thank you for sharing your time, your morning and your workout with us. Here’s the bringing “soles” together.
Love,
LC
P.S. Shout out to Shannon- you are such a wonderful person for stepping up this morning to tag with crispness and amazingness that represents November Project around the city proudly across members’ chests.
P.P.S. Pat, to you who has been around since day 1 in hip deep-snow, happy adventures around the world. We will miss you!
P.P.P.S. Who loves tuck jumps?
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- #STORMTHESTADIUM- still looking for connections to Landsdowne Stadium. We need to get in there and use this amazing space we have in Ottawa. Get in touch with Liz and Lauren and let’s make it happen for NP Ottawa.
- MADISON, WISCONSIN: This is going to be awesome and you’re going to want to be a part of it. 15 hours in a van with 15 people. North Face Endurance Challenge, September 16-17. Reach out to us on FB, Twitter, Instagram or Liz or Lauren.
