Romanticizing Life At 30,000 Feet
Do you ever just stop and think: How lucky am I?
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Presented by Eight Sleep:
You ever have one of those moments where you stop and romanticize your own life? Like you’re walking down the street, and it hits you just how lucky you are? Things feel, albeit briefly, a little like a movie?
I’m in that space right now; sitting in 2A on my way down to D.C. for the weekend, sipping a bourbon on the rocks, writing this newsletter. The flight made more sense than Amtrak this time around, simply because I was able to use some of my bonus miles and snag the trip for free. The hum of the engine is masked by the sounds of the Complex Sneakers Podcast playing through my space grey AirPods Pro, and the sky's filled with orange, pink, and yellow hues outside my small window. The sun’s disappearing below the horizon.
Don’t get me wrong: Not everything’s “perfect” in life right now. But really, is it ever? And — doesn’t the definition of “perfect” ebb and flow depending on the time, year, moment, or minute? I don’t have everything I’ve ever dreamed of, but I’ve definitely got a lot. And right now, focusing on the a lot that feels good — the people, places, things, and opportunities — that’s what I choose.
At this moment, that choice is within my control. It doesn’t always feel that way, that’s for sure.
Maybe that same choice is within your wheelhouse, too.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’M LISTENING TO: James Smith
I was sitting on my couch Sunday night when a cover of “Just The Way You Are” by James Smith came on shuffle. I’ve been hooked on his music all week.
I’M WATCHING: Yellowstone
I’m so happy this is back. Season five premiered earlier this week, and it’s already riveting. Yellowstone is up there with my favorite shows of all time, including The Newsroom and Ted Lasso.
GEAR I’M LOVING: Nike Free Metcon 4
I’ve been doing four strength training-based workouts per week using the Future app, and almost every day when I head down to the gym I’m wearing a pair of Nike Free Metcons. I love the sturdy-but-flexible base, and the lateral support feels great for side-to-side movements like lunges and shuffles.
I’M READING: The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
Bought this after seeing Michelle on Today promoting it earlier this week, and already 50 pages in. It’s the follow-up to her critically acclaimed, No. 1 bestselling memoir Becoming, offering up wisdom and strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world.
QUOTE I’M LOVING: “When somebody walks up to you, don't look around, don't look beyond them. Look them in the eye, take in the story.” — Michelle Obama
Thanks to Eight Sleep for supporting Hurdle.
I am a really hot sleeper — the type of person that sleeps with one leg in and one leg out of the sheets. The Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover changed the game for me; it’s the only sleep technology that dynamically cools and heats each side of the bed, to maintain the optimal sleeping temperature for what your body needs. With the pod, you can start sleeping as cool as 55°F or as hot as 110°F.
Since I started using the Pod, I’m tossing and turning less. I also look forward to getting in my bed now more than ever. The cover is obscenely comfortable, and I'm also really digging the vibrate-to-wake feature (see ya later, iPhone alarm). I feel like I’m in a groove of restful sleep that’s neverending. And! I've also seen improvements in my HRV, sleep duration, and overall sleep fitness benchmarks.
Go to EightSleep.com/Hurdle to save $150 on the Pod. Eight Sleep currently ships within the USA, Canada, the UK, select countries in the EU, and Australia.
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧: 229. Kelsey Plum, WNBA Player
I walked away from my conversation with Kelsey Plum feeling really thankful. That she's here to tell her story, firstly, and also that in doing so she is helping so many people — myself included. For episode 229, Kelsey shares what it was like for her to grow up in a house of athletes, and the way family competition impacted her mindset both on and off the court. She talks to me about what it was like to be one of the best college athletes of her time, and unfortunately the negative impact that had on her. And then, we really get into it, as Kelsey talks about navigating a period of time where she had suicidal thoughts, going as far as sitting on top of a tall parking structure with her feet dangling over the edge — wondering how her family would feel if she decided to take the leap.
We also talk about the hard emotions that came with draft day, coming out of the fog of depression, and what her best advice is for anyone who can relate with her story. Plus: Her excitement for life these days playing with the Aces, her morning ritual that helps her see the good in each day, and her exciting new partnerships with GSTQ and Under Armour.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, you are not alone. There are resources available to you, including the SAMHSA national hotline, at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
NEW PODCAST EPISODE🎧 : #HURDLEMOMENT: An Expert On How To Recognize and Overcome Trauma
Trauma is something we all experience in different forms at different times. Whether it's acute, chronic, or complex, its effects can last long after the event (or events) that cause it. That's where Dr. Elisa Hallerman comes into the mix. After navigating her own trauma, swapping careers, and getting sober — Dr. Hallerman has made it her mission to help others on their journey and overcome crisis. For this week’s episode, we're talking about trauma: What it is, how to navigate it, why it's important to seek out an expert with a trauma-specific focus, and tools you can use at home on your own to move forward.
HURDLER SPOTLIGHT
Want to be featured in an upcoming Weekly Hurdle? Submit your info (or a friend’s!) in this Google Form.
This week’s Hurdler of the week: Sarah Fleming
Location: Lakewood, OH
Occupation: Physical Education Teacher & Realtor
What’s going on in your life that excites you right now? “The path of adoption! We are currently in the waiting period to be matched and look forward to the day that we are able to grow our family.”
What’s one thing you love about Hurdle? “How relatable Emily is! I listen to 5-Minute Friday on my way to school every Friday morning, and it is the perfect way to start my day. It is like listening to a friend; a very motivational and inspiring friend!”
How can we support you? “My husband and I are homestudy approved and waiting for a match in our adoption journey. We are celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary this weekend and our dream has been to welcome a child into our family. After struggling with infertility for years, our tough life hurdle led us to open our hearts to adoption. Word of mouth and outreach is what we have been encouraged to do and the Hurdlers are unlike any other. So, if you can help us spread the word in any way we are eternally grateful.”
Want to reach out to Sarah directly? Shoot her an email at FlemingAdoption@gmail.com.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
I’m so, so glad you asked!
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.