Last week, an important light was shone on the NP Culture. While very serious and somewhat difficult to discuss, we all recognize the fact that this story needed to be heard. And as I began to reflect and take steps towards helping implement this culture shift, my first thought was to reach out to one of our most consistent members in NOLA – someone who not only shows up to work outs but also shows up in life. Rosette Elghossain is one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, honest people I have ever met, and I am so honored that she is a part of our tribe (and my life). Her role as a clinical psychologist in NOLA allows her to connect with others in ways I can’t ever imagine. But I knew it provided her with an even-more honest view of the story we heard last week. I’m glad Rosette kindly agreed to share her thoughts on this family. Enjoy:
For nearly two years now, I have been a regular November Project-er down here in The Big Easy. Barring lightning, the bubonic plague, and traveling, I am doing burpees at Champions Square and struggling running up levees twice a week with my wonderful and sweaty NOLA family. These workouts have become an absolute staple in my routine and added a richness to my life I would never have expected.
As a clinical psychologist, I also can’t help but marvel at the powerful dynamic of connectedness that I’ve been able to witness and experience firsthand through NP. I’ve spent the last several years in the privileged position of allowing my clients to share their deepest fear, shame, pride, sorrow, and joy with me in the hopes of making changes for the better. One lesson I impart to each of these people is how, in the right environment and when met with safety and warmth, sharing their authentic selves and nurturing their primal need for relationships can lead to growth, balance, and feeling fulfilled.
It likely goes without saying that the link between physical and mental well-being is unequivocal. Staying active has been proven to help with symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, stress, loneliness, and other concerns we experience throughout life and transition. Physical fitness also provides opportunities for goal-setting and pushing beyond self-doubt to achieve things we can be proud of, whether it’s running for a minute straight for the first time or qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
November Project obviously facilitates all of these things by holding us accountable and pushing us, while also giving us a permission slip to walk and do lunges if our bodies are asking us to go easy on them one morning (listening to yourself is so important). But what is more powerful and moving to see is an ever-growing space in which everyone who wants to join in is welcome. A space where individuals from all walks of life, bearing all types of scars, and carrying the most beautiful souls are accepted and embraced. A space where one of our own, quite recently, was able to courageously offer helpful feedback so that NP could continue to move in a direction of respect for others’ vulnerability and journeys (#ConsentAndCrunches). A space in which people want to hear your story and cheer you on as you navigate both workouts and life.
I believe wholeheartedly in the universal power of relational connectedness. I cannot recall a single client with whom I have worked who did not on some level have a need for connection and a need to be truly seen. Whether it’s addiction or sadness or dissatisfaction someone is going through, true healing often comes when, among other things, feeling connected becomes primary. We are hard-wired for connectedness, and finding ways to fulfill this need can be a challenge. November Project is a beautiful place where, even only in tiny ways, people experience a sense of purpose, belonging, and drive. And at November Project, all of these things come from other people. Other people being vulnerable and sweaty and gross and panting and feeling so proud when they receive the positivity award and feeling worried about their pacing buddy who didn’t show up and feeling excited for an NP social event that night. Showing up at 6:00 am on a weekday and working your butt off is one way to be connected with your authentic self (and your chafing thighs). And when that happens, others connect with you, too. And that’s when the magic happens. A kind of magic we need, especially in the world of today.
I have met some of the most important people in my life through November Project. It took my being brave in a new city, showing up at workouts and NP social events feeling a little awkward, and pushing myself to do the small-talk thing, but I’ve reached a point where I feel like I can help now-newbies in feeling witnessed. I’ve moved from small-talk to real-talk. (That being said, no one is ever obligated to say or do anything they’re not comfortable with. But know that you matter and your simple presence adds to the magic immeasurably.) I encourage us all to take a step back and feel proud of what we have created. My hope is that we continue to show up in all the ways that matter and help each other feel valued, appreciated, and respected. My other hope is that someone hand-delivers me a margarita donut from District, but maybe that’s a blog post for another day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Baby Cakes Game Tomorrow
- 7pm start, contact Mia if you haven’t paid or received your ticket.
- Ticket pickup and entrance are on first-base side of the stadium – there’s a separate entrance for the Pool Attendees.
- If you are a vegetarian, let Mia know ASAP.
- Parking is $5. Carpool to be discussed via message today!
- AUGUST CALENDAR (Excel Form): goo.gl/gcfSSQ
- NP CALENDAR (Calendar Form): goo.gl/EkcSHL
- 31 BURPEE CHALLENGE – hold yourself accountable and do 31 burpees each day in August.
- Friday at Shelter 1, Lakeshore Drive.
