Wednesday, January 4th, 2017
On very rare occasion am I caught off guard, at a loss for words, taken aback, left speechless – you see what I’m trying to say. Many of those rare occasions have been at November Project. This morning, yet again, the three of us were left without words, shocked, moved (and a mix of 15 other emotions) by the generosity and compassion radiating from this weird group of misfits.
I’ve been a part of November Project for three years now. That means three years of trying to explain what the hell this early morning workout-thing is to confused family members and friends, and to more strangers than I can count. And over those three years, my explanation has shifted and evolved. My elevator pitch is constantly changing. The question is always, “Well, what do you do at November Project?”. And it dawned on me this morning, in the midst of theLPinSD’s hype-building bounce and NP oath – at November Project, we celebrate.
We celebrate our ability to get out of bed and run. We celebrate our community – the people who show up and provide that needed accountability and positivity. We celebrate our city, our playground, by spreading good vibes and supporting the beautiful place we live – by cleaning up the Starlight Theater, or fundraising for Team Hoyt and challenged athletes, or serving meals to the homeless with the Brunch Club (the list goes on). We celebrate life, and the opportunity to move, and breathe, and sweat. We celebrate that liberating feeling that comes with opening yourself up to new people. We say, to hell with the comfort zone, and celebrate stepping outside of it. We celebrate individuals for shining their light on this community. We give out yellow capes and wooden oar handles to tribe members that deserve some extra recognition. We celebrate with sweat, hugs, and laughs, high-fives, and cheers. “#justshowup to November Project. It’s like recess for adults. One big party. It’s a celebration!”
Thank you NPSD, for all the love you showed us this morning, and for all the love that is felt each and every Monday and Wednesday morning. Over the years, a common question has arisen from those who have yet to experience the celebration that takes place at NP. “Wait, you don’t get paid? So what’s your incentive?” Just read the previous paragraph. We get paid every time we show up. We’ve ALL created a community that genuinely gives a shit. About it’s members, about its leaders, and about the message NP stands for, around the world. November Project is far more than just a workout, and we thank you all for everything you are doing to build this movement and spread the good vibes. Keep showing up, keep feeding into the vibe and off of the vibe, a keep spreading that positivity wherever you go.
EVERYONE is welcome. EVERYONE can celebrate life. EVERYONE has a place at November Project.
We love you all more than you know. 2017 is going to be one hell of a year.
-A, A & E
HUGE thanks to the entire tribe! We’re blown away on a regular basis. And an extra special thanks to the smokin’-hot badass that got this whole thing started 😉 Lauren Padula, a man whose energy and child-like delight go unmatched, Jeff Boman, an ironwoman who I’ve literally never seen grumpy or heard complaining, Jenna Van Cleve, the girl with the smoothest face and brightest smile, Lauren Bauer, and our resident meteorologist and secret Van Gogh, Stephanie Sullivan.
You are all extraordinary!
Now, here’s some stuff you NEED to know:
Sunday, January 8th, 2017 @4:00pm, Ocean Beach Pier – #betterthanbedtime NPSD run & social. Let’s get together, celebrate the tribe, and help support Team Hoyt San Diego (25% of all revenue that night at Helm’s Brewery will be donated). More details here: https://november-project.com/better-than-bedtime-be-bright/
Next Monday: Sunrise 6K – Meet under Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach for another good ‘ol fashioned NPSD 6K along the beach.
For all those that did not have the opportunity to donate to this morning’s festivities, and would still like to contribute to a TBD charity, here are the links to both the Facebook page and the Gofundme page. As soon as a charity is chosen, you will all be the first to know! https://www.facebook.com/events/1795841620671640/ – https://www.gofundme.com/npsdxmas
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It sorta defies explanation lol. But I keep trying!!!!!
We celebrate!
Thanks to the three of you for providing a place, a community, where I belong!