I wrote something… I made some jokes (mostly about Mia), it was funny (in my opinion); all in all, I was trying to downplay the fact that I’m stepping down as co-leader. Then I lead the 5:15 and 6:00 workouts this morning; my final workouts as an NP Co-Leader. I decided to re-write this; entirely. I’m still not going to be all sappy, and try and jerk some tears out of you, but this second version is a little more heart-felt than the first.
I started attending November Project in November (go figure) 2014, because it was suggested to me by one of my co-workers, Ashley Morgan. I’m not sure if I would have ever found out about NP otherwise, so I am forever grateful to you Ashley. Not sure how, but Ashley took notice that I had started running on my own, and she told me about November Project and that I should check it out. I showed up. Ashley, I can never thank you enough for that suggestion.
Her suggestion came at a time in my life when I was struggling with my identity and I really didn’t feel like I had a purpose (yeah, I know, it took me a while to grow up and mature, what can I say, I’m a man?). I cannot sit here and tell you that I have everything figured out now or that NP is the reason that I’m happier now than I have ever been in my life. That’s just not true.
What I can tell you, is that I showed up to that first workout, and I saw a bunch of people with different backgrounds; strangers at first, hugging each other, people who would have likely never met otherwise, talking about their commonalities, goals, life dreams (maybe a deep stretch, but you get my point). For the first time in a long time, I felt comfortable in my surroundings. I felt like there was absolutely ZERO judgement surrounding this group, in a world that is almost nothing but judgment.
Then, Ryan Cormier and Collin Caranna starting looping me on the stairs at the Superdome. I was not happy about this (for the record, they can still loop me and I’m still not happy about it). In addition, they were cheering me on to do better, which at first, made it worse. I can specifically pinpoint the reasons I kept showing up to November Project – I wanted to show THEM that I could do better. After a few weeks of showing up, and directly a result of the personalities I got to know at NP, I realized that I didn’t care about proving to anyone else that I could do better. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do better. I guess what I am trying to say here, is that NP isn’t the reason why I’m happy, but it’s definitely what made me realize how to make myself happy, before other people.
Then came the co-leadership tenure. Cameron, Preston, Will & Kate – Y’all trusted me to take on NP_Nola Leadership and I hope that I have made you proud. I certainly am grateful and extremely happy that I was able to lead this group for as long as I did. Through co-leading, I have a better understanding of what it takes to lead a group of individuals and support them to come to their own realizations about their limitations and abilities to reach their own goals. Even though I am stepping down, I’m hoping to continue this practice in my everyday life.
If you have been to NP and don’t know… There is a fucking book about NP… seriously! If you did know, and haven’t read it yet, quit being #toocool; read it, and take it for what it is, a book about two big (huge) goofy guys trying to promote human connection (and a little about physical fitness, but that part isn’t really important). It’ll read fast and if you hate it, come find me and I’ll buy you coffee, or a palm reading in the FQ.
If you have never been to NP before, no matter what city you live in, then call or text me (504) 401-2902. Say “Why should I drag my ass out of bed and come to NP?” If I give you an answer that you love, show up, and I promise you won’t regret it. If I give you an answer that you hate, challenge yourself to show up anyway, and if you regret it, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee, or a palm reading in the FQ. Either way, consider this, you are currently reading a blog about something that you have never tried before, so maybe you should check it out… (pondering face emoji).
“My heart is full.” – The coach from Friday Night Lights
I think about this quote a lot. I’m the kind of person that always wants to make more room in my heart for people, emotions, organizations, everything. Right now, after feeling ALL OF THE LOVE from my tribe this morning, and then my family when I got home, I can’t imagine there is room for much else.
Brogan (pronounced “Boss”), Bojan (pronounced “Boullion”), Laura (pronounced “Bulldog”) – Two of you created something absolutely amazing. The three of you are keeping it together and you’re doing an okay job! Keep up the decent work. I’m just glad I retired before I got a goldfish in the mail. Kidding – y’all know how fucking amazing I think you each are! If not, I’ll show you on November 18th.
Past, present, and future co-leaders around the world – So many of you have made such an amazing impact on my life in ways I’ve never expected, THANK YOU, and KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING. I’m not the kind of person to lose touch, but it takes two, so don’t forget about me. Also, keep me in mind when you make your plans to visit New Orleans. Nana na na nana na na…
Daniel Graham, you are my spirit animal.
Glenn, I’m not good at rhyme’s or poetry, so I’ll just say:
One of my favorite songs is “Althea,”
Good luck, I’m sure you are gonna be great at “handling” Mia.
Seriously, your knowledge, attitude, and personality are perfect for our tribe’s leadership and I’m excited to see you and Mia working together to keep the tribe strong! Also, your abs are an inspiration to me!
Mia… I don’t have much that I can write here that I haven’t told you in person. The book that you put together for me is pretty close to the nicest, sweetest, most precious thing that anyone has ever given to me. Thank you! Also, you got this.
“The world is full of good people. If you can’t find one, make sure you are one. Everything else will fall into place.” – Louis Bartels/contributions from some other people
To my tribe – You will see me again very soon, and when you do, you will be staring at my back and eating my dust as I pass you by. If you decided to read all the way until the end of this… you have until November 8th and 15th to get 200 people to consecutive Wednesday workouts. If you do this, I’m getting a tattoo.
#YEAHYOURIGHT!
#FUCKYEAH
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It was awesome to meet you Lou before your tenure ended. Thank you for motivating a visitor on Friday, September 1st.