Many of us had long nights tracking history. Some of us woke up saying, “what the fuck?” Some of us woke up saying, “hell yes!” But let’s all remember that we all woke up.
Whether you’ve “won” or “lost,” you’re bigger than a “winner” or a “loser.” Because at the end of the day, we’re all one big community. We’re not defined by one person – our legacies are defined by the connections we make and the impact we have on others. This morning, our workout was designed to remind everyone of that. Red or Blue (or other), we hugged and high-fived, and for that hour, it wasn’t about our differences.
So today, we leave you with some poignant words from Antonette, written as the polls were closing. No results. And no bullshit. Take it in.
And today, our mantra is that much more meaningful. Because regardless of your political preferences or positions, we have so many bright days ahead of us.
Be happy. Be strong. Be BRIGHT, San Diego!
Love,
E
I’m writing this before the polls close on the East Coast, before we, as a country, have any indication of who our next president will be and how our laws will shift in the state of California. I’ll be watching poll results with a glass of wine and a notebook, as I am going to be teaching and analyzing the results with my 8th grade class after NP tomorrow. Many of my friends and coworkers are anxious, saying that this toxic election spells danger for our population and identity as a country.
I’m not. Because twice a week, and more usually often than that, I see a group of people who are defined by their smiles, their love, and their effort rather than political party.
America is growing more and more divided, that’s true. We’ve moved away from our hometowns in record numbers, we’ve stopped joining social organizations, and we have surrounded ourselves – both online and in-person – by those who agree with us. (Two of my favorite books on the subject: Bowling Alone and The Big Sort). You are not likely to be neighbors or coworkers with someone who has opposing political views. And that sucks, because we – I believe – have lost the ability to connect with people who disagree.
But not at November Project. We show up, we hug, from all over the county, from a variety of different socioeconomic backgrounds and careers – lawyers to teachers to businessmen to those in the armed forces to students – from the left and right ends of the political spectrum, and we create something bigger than ourselves. My best long run came with three gals from November Project who have voted for a different candidate than myself in every presidential election, and we were able to chat about it the same way we would tell stories about our love lives. I believe it’s because at November Project we get to know each other as individuals first, rather than as an identity or through a keyboard.
So whatever happens this evening, there is still November Project. We, and 30 other tribes all over the globe, will all still wake up, show up at 6:29 AM, bounce, and continue to spread light to our community. That is something to be grateful for.
– Antonette Hrycyk
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Mondays are at VENTURA COVE! 6:29 AM. Next week is tagging day and 5k – bring ONE shirt to tag, and earn your grassroots gear by racing one of our flastest (flat + fast) 5ks!
- SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday evening, November 16th. We are screening a November Project short film – “Showing Up.” It’s a 30 minute film following 8 tribe members across the world, telling their stories and the impact November Project has had on their lives. There will be beers and hugs, so bring everyone, and let’s spread the love that we bring to each other every day.
Great stuff!!! We are very lucky to have this group. A neutral apolitical space to just run, sweat, hug and scream !