Welcome back to the Weekly Hurdle! This newsletter is free and will stay free thanks to sponsors and the individuals that opt-in to give. Please, consider giving the gift of a paid subscription to a friend, family member, or colleague you think might enjoy it. It’s a thoughtful way to share the writing you enjoy with someone close to you. Plus, it helps to support the ongoing work that I do! Your support is really appreciated!
Presented by LMNT:
I stack my cereal/soup bowls inside of my kitchen cabinets. I have a few different sizes. About a month ago, a smaller bowl got lodged inside of a larger one. I tried relentlessly to get it unstuck — ran the bowls under hot water, twisted, and turned. It didn’t budge. For weeks now, I’ve been putting clean bowls back into the cabinet and just putting the pair of wonky, stuck bowls on top of the stack. (Pretty silly, I know.) I wondered if I should just toss the duo. “You have other bowls,” I thought to myself.
Yesterday, I decided to pick up the duo again. Within not even 10 seconds of finagling, they came unstuck.
… I think this happens a lot in life. We put a certain thing — or maybe even a person — into a box. The “bad” bowls, in the above example. Perhaps a more practical life application: A “needy” friend. The “worst” kind of workout. An “annoying” boss. The “unflattering” jeans. The “friend zone.” But what if we remove the label? What if we just give that thing or relationship just a little more energy — or another try — and see what happens?
A second chance.
Just some odd food for thought, today. Happy weekending, and I’ll see you all on Monday for the premiere of Season 8 (!!) with guest Emma Coburn.
Talk soon,
P.S. Are you in on #thelaceupchallenge? For all of the details on how to get moving and win prizes, click here. And lastly, interested in setting some goals for 2022 (and beyond)? I’ll be hosting two goal setting Hurdle Sessions in December. Click here for all of the details, I’d love to have you there.
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Meet LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m the saltiest sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes have been my go-to recently to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the orange salt is my favorite), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack, including two citrus, two raspberry, two orange, and two raw unflavored. You only pay $5 for shipping! To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
What I’m Watching: Tick, Tick, Boom!
I loved Jonathan Larson’s Rent. Fun fact: I had a brief stint in musical theater (do not be fooled, I don’t have a good singing voice) — and would almost always use “Take Me or Leave Me” as my audition song. I didn’t know much of Larson’s story (the basis for this film, an adaptation from the Broadway musical). The music definitely has a Rent vibe, and Andrew Garfield is phenomenal.
What I’m Reading: Will by Will Smith with Mark Munson
This would make an excellent gift. I’m really digging this memoir, which is no surprise because I find Will Smith himself so interesting and uber inspiring. Oprah called it “the best memoir I’ve ever read,” which takes the reader from Smith’s upbringing in Philadelphia through his rap and acting career.
What I’m Listening To: "I'm Going Through a Breakup, and It's Super Hard" from Press Send with Chinae Alexander
Chinae and I met a few years ago in the early days of Hurdle (you can listen to her episode, here). I really appreciate Chinae's honesty when talking about something that is so hard. I share her sentiments around the importance of cultivating great friendships while you are in a romantic relationship. It's been a few years since I was in a relationship, but that’s something that has always been a priority for me.
Gear I’m Wearing: 6-Pack Performance Cushion Low Cut with Tab Socks from New Balance
Come winter, I mostly opt for low-cut socks with full-length tights. It’s a comfort thing (I don’t love multiple layers on my ankles), and I don’t mind a smidge of my ankle being exposed. I love these ones from New Balance because they’re a little on the thicker side and have really held up in the laundry cycle. I wear them so often that I buy them in this six pack! Looking for a wool option? Tracksmith has a merino no-show option that’s pretty great.
Quote I’m Loving: “Be so busy watering your own grass to notice if someone else’s is greener.” (I definitely saw this scrolling this week, and it stuck with me. Like I said last week, don’t let comparison steal your joy.)
Don’t Forget to Check Out: HURDLE SESSIONS!
How to Start (and Stay!) Running
How to Take Your Running to the Next Level
Intro to Freelance Writing
Intro to Podcasting
How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Main Gig
Finding Your Power Alone
How to Build a Social Media Presence
PLEASE LEAVE ME A VOICE MESSAGE! Whether you just want to say hi or have a question you want to ask, I’d love to hear from you! Bonus: Your listener question could be answered in an upcoming episode of the show! No topics are off limits.