Take A Second to Remember When You Wanted What You Have Now
My, how times have changed.
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Last Friday morning I got invited to check out a live class at the Peloton studio, the first since early 2020, pre-pandemic. It was triggering. In a good way. In a when-the-hell-did-we-get-here, way. After a 20-minute hip-hop run with Adrian Williams inside of a space that could certainly be described as heavenly (PSNY has four total studios inside a 35,000-foot space) — complete with bright white walls and uber friendly employees dawning black T-shirts — I was beside myself with how different my life is now versus when I first took a class in their much-smaller 23rd Street location.
How different I am now.
With Batiste dry shampoo absorbing into my roots, I said my goodbyes and walked toward the Citibike dock down the street, snagged myself a brand new bike, strapped in my Dagne Dover, and began riding downtown. By the time I got from Hudson Yards to the Flatiron Building, I noticeably felt giddy as the sun hit my shoulders. Overwhelmed with nostalgia and emotions, I thought about what my day to day looks like these days and the events that lead up to right now.
Like the strategy session I had with my old neighbor after getting let go from SELF, brainstorming what would come next.
Like the first time I saw my face in a national magazine feature, sitting inside Barnes & Noble on 17th Street.
Like the moment I heard my application got accepted to my Brooklyn apartment standing in the Union Square subway station on the Q train platform, freeing me from my fourth floor walk-up once and for all.
Like the morning I opened up The New York Times to see Hurdle labeled “addictive.”
Like the day I walked into a therapist’s office on 34th Street for the first time, nervous but ready.
… and more. And I felt proud. Really damn proud.
Come SoHo, I made an impromptu decision to dock my bike and take myself out to breakfast after noticing I was indeed smiling while cycling. (If you’re wondering if I was wondering if people thought I was crazy, that answer would be yes.) I so desperately wanted to soak in that blissed out feeling, one that I wished for in so many different moments when hurdles popped up, especially over the past two years. I sat down at a small table for two outside of Jack’s Wife Freda, ordered myself a coffee with almond milk and a breakfast bowl, and did just that.
Do me a favor: Remember when you wanted what you have now, even if what you have now isn’t entirely how you envisioned it. And if you’re not in the place you want to be? Let this be a reminder that you have the power to influence what happens next.
You’ve just gotta keep hurdling.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Ctrl (Deluxe) by SZA
SZA is marking the fifth anniversary of Ctrl by dropping a deluxe edition of her classic 2017 debut studio album. It’s been on repeat in the studio all day.
I’m Watching: Hustle on Netflix
Adam Sandler is so good in this movie. The film follows him as a basketball scout who finds an outrageously talented player in Spain, then brings him back to the United States to try to get him in the league. Great acting. Great story line. Must-watch this weekend.
I’m Reading: Do Hard Things by Steve Magness
Literally just ordered this, so I’m not technically reading it yet. But, super intrigued (as you would expect someone with a podcast called Hurdle would be). Gist: Magness teaches us how we can work with our body – how experiencing discomfort, leaning in, paying attention, and creating space to take thoughtful action can be the true indications of cultivating inner strength.
Quote I’m Loving: "Sometimes time moves quickly and sometimes it moves slowly, but it always moves forward. This is not your life forever." - Mary Laura Philpott
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Go ahead. You deserve a great pair of inexpensive sunglasses, perfect for whatever activity you’re getting into! Get 15 percent off of your next purchase at goodr.com/hurdle by using the code “HURDLE15” at checkout.
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: Janet
Location: Queens, New York
Occupation: Board Certified Behavior Analyst
What’s going on in your life that excites you right now?
Helping and supporting my friends through fitness and health. Being just a little bit of inspiration for someone else after sharing my vulnerability. Putting my thoughts and emotions out there has been so challenging but hearing others tell me they “needed to hear” something that I said or that I’m not alone is what motivates me to keep being real and spread kindness with everyone I meet. I truly feel healthy and fitness is holistic for me. Whether it is about mental, physical, spiritual, they all play a role.
What’s one thing you love about Hurdle?
Hearing everyone’s unique stories. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to an episode and really challenged my mind after that. Of either thinking differently or exploring new ways of thinking. There are so many helpful treats in the episodes. The positive energy is always a plus!
How can we support you?
Literally just take a moment to share your vulnerability. We ALL have it. But sometimes hearing how someone is just awesome and knows how to keep moving forward doesn’t cut it. We all go through challenges and ups and downs. I LOVE hearing everyone’s successes but let’s hear the challenges and what you’ve learned. I love hearing others stories. I truly feel that accepting that we will have challenges can help us embrace it and get though it a little better each time. And of course supporting each other along with that process makes those moments so much less lonely. We are always stronger together.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE?
I’m so, so glad you asked!
SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW HURDLE:
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.