Free Fitness Movement. All you need to do is show up!
This morning was a PR day, race day, be your best you have today and boy did this community shine. Oh so bright. PR day is a day you may wake up with a few more butterflies floating around, anticipating the challenge the stairs brings, and the added challenge that you know what you are capable of, and want to be just that little bit better today.
A morning where we shared the sunrise, met a new person or two, hit a tough workout on the stairs, and headed off to take on the day. Almost immediately following the workout, it down-poured with rain. I mean, we are weather-proof, but it’s almost like we captured the sun before it went away for a while, like a gift for setting those alarms nice and early.
Meeting of the Minds or commonly known as M.O.M. took place in Seattle, Washington just last week. From Wednesday to Saturday eve 110 leaders from across the 51 November Project communities were brought together.
I have hummed and haahed about how to wrap up this experience for all to understand as clearly as possible, so here goes. This is my fourth attempt…
How does movement make you feel?
How does it feel when you haven’t had movement in a while?
What does it take to keep you moving the way you want?
What for you is the movement you like most?
What time of day? What kind of workout? Who is around you? Who are you talking to? Or are you by yourself? What are you doing before or after the workout? When do you feel your best?
This past week I was in Edmonton. We’ve talked a lot about this global worldwide movement we are a part of. When I had a chance to connect with members of the Edmonton community, that’s when I truly understand that and feel that. It’s a privilege to be able to #traverbal to a new city, do a new bounce, new people, but same positive and welcoming community, no matter where you go. When visiting, I get to hear about what brought them out, what keeps them showing up, I learn what another city does to create the space that people want to come back to. The feeling, the buzz, the connections, the experience leaving that morning after 30 minutes of movement with others, is what excites me to share with others. I want to share it because I truly want others to experience the same thing. When I went to the grocery store after the workout, I met a nice gentleman working there and learned he had recently moved to the Edmonton area. Knowing how challenging it can be to make the big move and go through an adjustment to a new city, I shared with him about November Project, a place to check out to make new connections and explore the city. I’m not sure if he’ll show up, or if he’ll tell his wife and bring his kids, but if he shows up on Friday when I’m still there, I’ll sure be one of the first one to welcome him to the community.
Children learn through play. They learn to engage, develop fine motor skills, gross motor skills through peek-a-boo, building blocks, learning to sit with friends, crawl to get toys, pulling to stand to get to food or reach our parents, clapping, singing, jumping, then getting strong enough to slide down a slide and climb a ladder, kick a ball, play a sport. Children benefit strongly in their development from exposure to various textures, shapes, positions and people.
What a morning it was today- beautiful sun, movement and smiles to wake us up. It’s always hard to wake up, but once you’re up and head on to the stadium, you are glad you did. I really haven’t heard otherwise. Maybe people just don’t tell us they regret waking up that morning, so I’m going to assume that nobody feels that way.
This morning’s bounce was a little bit like a dance. One that required all hands on deck to remember the moves, as the speed increased. This is one reason we rely on each other and hold each other accountable. Thank you to those graceful dancers with a keen sense of choreography to keep us on track.
Last Wednesday, we celebrated two years of pure, uber-not the driving kind, bliss. When you think back to last Wednesday there weren’t too many things that were different from any other Wednesday. You had a bounce, some time to introduce yourself to someone new, an explanation of a workout, a wicked sweat, birthday booms and the positivity award. There were a lot of party hats and bagels but whether this was your first workout or your second birthday anniversary the expectation remains the same . You show up and your desire to be present and partake is always appreciated and encouraged. Your willingness to invite and include others is never frowned upon or neglected. Your growth whether it be physical, mental or emotional does not go unnoticed. Your love for this community is not only local but international.
Danyka is a ball of laughing, bubbly enthusiasm, who lights of a conversation with her big smile and big beautiful hair. She laughs at all your jokes, which is a confidence booster. She rallies the people around her for a good cause. Danyka builds community because she has a strong sense of curiosity – she wants to learn about other people and she isn’t afraid to share her heart, thoughts, struggles and lessons learned. We learned this on the 14-hour drive to Milwaukee for Summit last year (when she wasn’t snoozing or sniffling her allergies away). She brings love and connectedness to this community and we are grateful for her. Meet Danyka.