I’ve tried tying up all my feelings and memories into this blog post a few dozen times. I’ve decided it’s impossible. November Project has given me enough good times for several decades’ worth of recollecting and memory swapping. And I know that those decades will be filled with friends who have come into my life because November Project brought them here. My world has collided with the most brilliant, beautiful humans, and I am forever grateful.
So, simply, thank you. On this most unusual last day. Thank you to all the people of my early NP days, who have, no surprise, become some of my best friends. Thank you to Ben and Holly for setting the stage, creating a space, and going with the flow. Your energy and your dreams live on more than you realize.
Thank you to everyone who saw me as a leader. You all saw something in me that took me a very long time to see in myself. Your support and laughter and patience and hard work and kind words have fueled me. I hope I gave as much of it back to you as you deserve.
Thank you to my current co-leaders, E Rolf & Emily. I am better for knowing you. And NPMSP is better with the two of them moving us forward. Emily barely got a chance to let her strength, energy, and let’s-get-it-done attitude shine before we all tucked ourselves away in March. And E Rolf’s steady, purposeful approach with bouts of total goofiness will surely be the reason we never get stale or never forget why we’re here.
These two might be the best examples of a culture NPMSP has long tried to foster: nothing flashy about our workouts, nothing complicated about our intentions. We are here to work hard, and to help each other work harder. We call each other by name, look each other in the eye, offer real gratitude and kudos.
Because in the end, we can strip away the workouts and the bounces and the silly prizes and the goofy hats and whatever else we came up with late on a Tuesday night. If this year has taught us anything, the smiles & encouragement, the laughs & the cry-laughs, and the love & friendships live on.
So to those like me who have drawn joy from this community, let’s give a little of it back. Spread it out. Put that joy in places where it’s missing. I believe all the good that NP generates cannot and should not be reserved for Wednesday mornings alone. The goodness that we feel, the energy we receive, the curiosity it inspires, and the connections we create must make their way into all corners of our lives.
Give each other a place to land, a solid community where you can grow & change. You all have done that for me time & again. Thank you. I love you so much.
-Nat
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