- We have come a long ways, from nodders to shakers to hi5’ers…and now we hug!
Being a first time father about 2 years ago, I really wasn’t sure what the full responsibilities entailed. I had equal parts of excitement as well as fear but the only way I knew how to deal with things was head on (Not like there were any other options here). And in this 24 months, I have seen and experienced change beyond my 40 (fine 41) years of existence.THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME EVER AGAIN!!!
My Madison’s growth and change from an infant to now a toddler as we face the terrible two’s has brought me some “WTH” moments as well as “OMG I am so blessed” moments (latter wins by miles). Some of her accomplishments and antics (as mischievous as they are) really does make me proud. I have had to choose my battles when it comes to her and mostly just embrace the change in my life.
Though not as drastic as having a child in my life, the change in our tribe, the culture, the people; their fitness and mentality has also been astonishing. We have gone from an evening workout tribe to the earliest November Project tribe in the world. (Although I noticed NP Nola getting in a 5:15AM recently as well; threat acknowledged) Getting our people to change their routine and #justshowup before the sun is out was not an easy feat and they have passed with flying colors. High fives were far and few between when we first started but gradually, especially since we officially became November Project Malaysia; (pride has taken over) the hugs, even the sweaty ones are happening before my eyes. We are no longer as reserved as we used to be and our bounce are getting better and louder, participation is increasing despite slight hesitation by the newbies. We are slowing going from no contact to half huggers half shakers tribe.
All the changes we have gone through, the biggest I have noticed in the tribe, are the people. They have gotten fitter, stronger, braver and more confident to take up challenges. Some have not stepped out of their comfort zones, they just leaped and the tribe have been there to catch them. Most of these men and women have done things that they would not have attempted without the support of the group. I am certain some have gone from cursing me under their breathes during workouts to taking on 5km, 10km runs, obstacle courses, half marathons, full marathons and even consider venturing into the Ultra and trail races(The cursing probably continues while racing). They are no longer intimidated by their limits where before 10km may seem to be a challenge, they have now ran several HMs. Where pushups started with knees on the ground, now they are firing off 15 straight unassisted pushups. They are inspirational in overcoming their limits but that only happened because their mentality changed.
“It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the new” – Alan Cohen
Watching the transformation and accomplishment by the group tells us that we are on the right path and #thistribeisstrong. They have embraced all the change I have thrown at them to make us the November Project Malaysia tribe that we are. The NP culture of hugging, encouraging each other, throwing out random hi5s, caring, spreading positivity, improving the community, etc is slowly starting to show in this tribe and there is no one prouder of them than me. Ask me a year ago if we would be doing runs in a park in DIY superhero costumes, my answer would have been a confident no. Ask me 6 months ago how many tribe members would show up at a charity run to cheer not just for the tribe but strangers and I would probably say less than 5, yet weeks ago a dozen of them showed up to bring some #NPvibes and noise to the Dynasty Charity run.
Word is spreading about this bunch of yahoos who does #free workout on a hill at ungodly hours .Miri is starting to hear about November Project Malaysia, they are starting to see the #grassrootsgear and the tribe is growing. All this because the tribe is embracing the change along with the weird, the newbies that #justshowup is experiencing something they have never been exposed to. Talk to strangers, hugging not shaking, bringing positivity and make our community better is on its way!
Important stuff:
- This Sunday, we will be having our first ever social event at Ming’s Café. We spend so much time sweating, pushing and hugging each other, here is a chance to get to know each other minus the workout…maybe. It will be weird, it will be awkward, it may be a little bit uncomfortable but it is guaranteed 100% fun! #Chuckchicken #Crateescape
- We are still trying to give away some November Project Key tags this month and there are two ways to win.
- Be the first person to come up to me on Wednesday Morning and tell me the answer to this question: November Project has been in partnership with this clothing company for over 3 years, and they are also a huge supporter of the November Project Summit. Hint: I just posted about them on my instagram.
- 3 key tags available for the 1st – 3 person that brings 2 newbies/ recruit to Wednesday’s workout.
- PR Day is approaching again! August 2nd, be ready to be fierce, fast and crush your PR. When you do, it will be acknowledged! Crush it to find out how.
Other Important stuff:
- Many of the tribe members know that I have been supporting the Palliative Care Association of Miri over the last few years. With the help of many of you, we have raised over RM6,000.00 the last two years. This year, I will be supporting them by signing up for their 10KM run and I hope you will join me. The link to the run is here:Palliative Care Association of Miri Charity Run -Run for Love 2017
That is all from me…
Keep spreading the love cause this shit is good!
Ridley
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