What's Your Biggest Life Goal?
I'm talking like, huge. Large. Grandest of grand.
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Like many of you, I sat in awe Wednesday watching the inauguration. From the moment I saw Kamala Harris walk down a set of stairs draped in purple, I felt excited. Emotional. Our first-ever female vice president breaking some ceilings and helping many (myself included) think about what life will be like with women in more positions of power. As the day’s coverage continued, I sat in my living room feeling hopeful and full. Cheering at points as if I was watching a sporting event. TBH, parts felt better than being AT the Super Bowl (granted, I went in 2019 for an uneventful Patriots blowout).
The slew of celebrity appearances added to the glamour, from Lady Gaga to Jennifer Lopez. I thought Biden’s speech was great. I laughed (but also worried a little bit) when Garth Brooks ran around the scene hugging past presidents like a kid in the candy store (news outlets have since reported that he tested negative for COVID three times in the days leading up to the event). Jennifer Lopez looking at Kamala in awe sent chills down my spine. Michele Obama’s look. I swooned.
… and then, Amanda Gorman came on stage to read her beautiful poem “The Hill We Climb”.
Well.
After hearing her speak yesterday, I — like many — am enamored by Amanda Gorman. At 22, her accomplishments are remarkable. A twin from Los Angeles, she found her love for poetry in the third grade. She worked diligently to overcome a speech impediment, ultimately attending Harvard and becoming the first-ever national youth poet laureate in 2017. Prior to Wednesday, she’d collaborated with a slew of huge brands (including Nike and Prada) and penned words for The New York Times, among other outlets. After Wednesday? Well, her social media following went from ~70K to 2.8+ million overnight. I’m sure she’s inundated with requests.
Oh. And.
She wore a ring and earrings standing on the Capitol steps that Oprah gave her. OPRAH.
I’ve always been of the mindset that good people cheer for good people. There is room for everyone’s talent. We need everyone’s talent. I feel so hyped to see this hardworking, young woman shine. It gives me goosebumps to see her crush it! In learning more about Amanda and her journey, I was inspired to sit down and get real about mine. Yesterday morning, I snuggled up with my grey notebook on my grey couch and asked myself: What are the things that you want to do and accomplish? What does “success” look like for you?
For now, I’m keeping some of my loftiest goals close to the vest. But, it feels good to dream big. So often, I’m hyper focused on what needs to happen at this very moment. But what happens when we zoom out? Are the things that I’m doing every day to get by the things that will help me get to where I ultimately want to be?
Thanks for the motivation, Amanda. I know you likely won’t read this and that I’m not the only person profoundly impacted by your words yesterday. They were certainly the ones I needed to hear.
PROMPT: What is something you want to achieve in your life long term? What’s something you can do within the next year to help you get closer to that goal?
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
WATCH: In Wonder on Netflix
This Shawn Mendes documentary gave me all the feels, ya’ll. I’ve always thought that Shawn was talented (his MTV Unplugged is in my regular listening rotation), but learning more about his backstory and witnessing how passionate he is about his craft was awesome. Now accepting all recommendations for other docs. (I also am late to the party, but watched Miss Americana this week, too.)
READ: Nurse Walks Out of Hospital After 8-Month COVID Ordeal
In today’s installment of good news: An ICU nurse beat the odds in an 8-month battle with the virus, then walked out the door of the hospital where she’s worked for 40 years.
BE IN THE KNOW: Bridgerton Renewed for Season 2
Amped on this. Someone told me that there are likely going to be eight seasons total because the show is based on a set of historical romance novels, which ran for eight books. I know money’s a big player in what shows get renewed time and time again, but I’m optimistic.
SAY CONGRATS TO: Aisha Praight-Leer
The past Hurdle guest just announced a new sponsorship with Puma. Listen to her episode, here.
AS SEEN IN STORIES: Sneakers, A Jumpsuit, and More
I’m curious if this is something you’d like to see in the newsletter? I often try to include links to the stuff I’m wearing or using when I share on Instagram in the app itself. But, here are some of the things I’ve been wearing and using:
The Adidas Ultraboost 21, which I can definitely see being one of my new go-to sneakers. It feels a lot like the New Balance 1080. Could see it being a long run pick for me, a great neutral option that feels both supportive and soft. They’re out next week on January 28.
This Cozy Zip-Front Hoodie Jumpsuit from Old Navy (I couldn’t believe it, either), which indeed feels like a hug and is so soft you may never actually take it off.
This T-Shirt and Shorts Pajama Set from Target is what dreams are made of (well, at least I dream when wearing it, anyway). One note: Size up! I went medium and definitely would’ve regretted anything smaller.
This Triggerpoint Foam Roller and Kettlebell Kings Kettlebell are helping me deal with some knee tendinitis. I see a lot of quality time in our near future (and I’m so glad the bells are back in stock).
ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK: Dave Asprey, Biohacker, Author & Founder of Bulletproof, How to Find Workout Motivation & Make Movement a Regular Habit
SIGN UP: Hurdle Book Club
This month, we’re reading Alexi Pappas’ new book Bravey, which I’m amped on. Spoiler alert: She’ll also be on the show to coincide with this! Book Club will be Tuesday, February 23, at 8 p.m. ET.
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Check out one of the Hurdle Sessions, now available on the Hurdle website:
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
Media Strategy for Fitness Professionals
Goal Setting Workshop
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.