This week’s blog is brought to you by Monica. Reading this, Monica’s enthusiasm for all things November Project are clear, and it’s not hard to see why she took home the Positivity Award this morning.
“As I rush to NP, I see a friend along the way and we make it to the top of the Casa Loma steps at 06:28 – one minute early. The sun’s already up and it’s a cool, crisp spring morning. The best part? I get to hug, high five, and laugh with so many of my absolute favourite humans – all before most people are awake. The pre bounce catch-up always feels too short. There are too many people to congratulate on their amazing weekend races, BQ’s, and general awesomeness.
I’m always so inspired when new people #justshowup. I was there once, and it took one month of procrastinating before I finally did.
I first showed up on a dark November morning in 2015. I was newer to Toronto so I wasn’t even completely sure where Casa Loma was or how to get there, and I was attempting it half asleep in what felt like the middle of the night.
When I was new, I ran to and from NP workouts alone. I also dreaded the pre-bounce chatter because it likely meant a lot of awkwardly standing around while a group of people who all knew each other reunited and talked about their weeks, fitness goals, and made plans. My friends and family would never describe me as shy and yet, trying to join conversations strangers are having beside you can feel more than a little uncomfortable. Then the bounce would start, everyone would get close together and scream and yell and laugh. We would no longer be a random collection of people standing around in the cold and dark. We were a community that I got to be a part of just by showing up.
Once a week there is an open invitation to be accepted for exactly who you are regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or occupation. Our diversity is one of our many strengths. While embracing you just as you are, this same community will be your biggest fans, cheerleaders and encourage you to reach all of your life and fitness goals. In this morning’s bounce, we celebrated an engagement and a birthday. But NPers are not just there for the good times; they are also by your side through challenges, struggles, grief, and loss. Through rain, wind, heartbreak, sunshine, rainbows, and PRs, NP proves time and time again just how #weatherproof it really is.
As I hold the positivity award in my hand, I see the names of some of the most incredible humans I know. People I would have never met had I not just shown up. Thank you for accepting me on that cold November day with open arms, for encouraging me to show up the next week, for learning my name, and for inviting me into your world. Thank-you for believing in me then, now and always.
To my NP family – in Toronto and in cities across the globe: thank-you for being brave with your life. You’ve made me more daring with mine. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
IMPORTANT SHIT:
- Don’t sleep in next week – it’s Yearbook Photos time.
- If you have a blog post that you would like to share, please let us know!
