Free Fitness Movement. All you need to do is show up!
#recruiteveryone …Even at a job interview
I have been a consistent member of the NPDC tribe since the beginning of September 2016. I have hugged a lot of sweaty strangers, accidentally jumped on a lot of toes during bounces, and developed what I would consider to be an adequate buff collection. I usually #justshowup with my friend/accountabili-buddy Amanda, who, despite what Jeremy has told people, is not my actual wife. Amanda and I are, however, work wives. But that is about to change.
Every Tribe has them- those members that are just EXTRA. EXTRA loud, EXTRA enthusiastic, EXTRA happy. Well, in NPDC, we don’t just have a few- we have got a FLOCK. More specifically, a flock of flamingos. One only needs to get to the fringe of a workout before hearing the flamingos natural call- infectious laughter.
Today we’re very fortunate to have a guest blog from our very own Rachel Storey. Her tale is one many of us are familiar with- the sort of “come to Jesus” moment that accompanies November Project. That crystallization that yes, you belong, not just at workouts but in this Tribe and in this community. We’re here, and we want everyone, regardless of who they are, to know that. Without further ado, here’s Rachel’s story (I COULD’T RESIST!!)
Full disclosure, I don’t love the word empowerment; I think it’s a cheap buzzword that corporate America has made trendy. That being said, I believe in the premise of people feeling fulfilled, and strong, and confident- in work, in health, in life. So when tasked with describing how November Project has empowered me, there’s only one way to tell y’all how it feels:
This week has been incredible. We’ve heard from Tribe members far and wide about their take on NP LOVE. Friendships, relationships, and marriages are constantly evolving- and there’s no question November Project plays a role in that evolution.
I have been honored, humbled, and amazed by the posts this week. To everyone who has written- thank you. I asked you to be personal and bear your souls for all the world to see and you did not let me down. This Tribe fucking rules. To everyone who has read and kept up with the NP Love series, thank you. I sincerely hope you have felt loved and appreciated and empowered by November Project.
If yesterday was NP LOVE: Bromance edition, this entry truly defines what it means to be a gal pal. I have to admit, I am jealous of this relationship- probably more than any other that’s been written about this week (JK, Ron & Deb-you know we all want what you have). For real, these ladies are each other’s biggest cheerleaders, in NP and in life. It is with great pride, and only a tiny bit of envy, that I present to you the NP LOVE saga of Zoë and Kerry Rose.
“There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships- and may they always be!” – Irish Proverb.
This latest installment of our NP love series is about friendship, and how November Project strengthens, deepens and progresses relationships. We’ll hear from a tremendous trio- James, Packy, and Jason. They are lovable, loud, and overall exceptional people. These rambunctious rugby bros have been spreading the love since day 1- love for NP, love for the DC Tribe, and love for each other. It is awesome to see. But don’t just take my word for it- here’s Jason, James and Packy’s version of NP LOVE:
OKAY. If this is your first foray into reading the blog, welcome. If you’re a long-time reader, welcome back. I cannot stress enough how fucking GOOD these guest blogs are for this week. They will make you laugh, cry, probably want to call your mom; but overall, they will make you believe in the power of NP Love. Today, we are going to hear from Ron and Deb Buch- two of the REALLY REALLY GOOD ONES.
This all started as a way for me to get out of writing a blog post.
Just kidding (kind of), but y’all are in for a real treat this week. We have some very special Tribe members taking over the blog to talk to us about one thing: NP love. Centered around a holiday coming up on Tuesday (you can go make a dinner reservation now, I’ll wait). I wanted people to explain how November Project has defined or changed their relationships. Whether you met your partner at NP, made a best friend, or deepened a relationship by just showing up- I think we all see that love is present at each and every workout.
Wednesdays are special at #NP_DC. Sure, Meridian (and Capitol Hill) Mondays give us a chance to nom on some #hillsforbreakfast, and Fridays let us explore the nooks and crannies of our incredible city, but Wednesdays, Wednesdays are something else. Wednesday we get to go back to where it all began, two dudes at Lincoln- which became 5 people, which became 25, which became 500. We get to stand in awe of the most beautiful sunrises, illuminating our nation’s capital. We get to look Abe in the eyes as we charge up the stairs, gasping for air, trying to get one more set in. We are lucky for Wednesdays- and for Lincoln.