You Deserve People Who Want to Celebrate You
... no matter what life stage you're in.
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. Your support is really appreciated.
Presented by Goodr:
I’m in Rhode Island. There’s a small baby in the pink-accented room above me. She’s just shy of three months old. My college best friend is in the immaculately-designed bathroom a few feet away doing bath time with her son — who’s now an actual toddler but it feels like he was born just yesterday. It also feels like just yesterday we were slinging pints of Blue Moon inside of Ted’s at UConn singing “Africa” from Toto, and now she’s a mother of two.
About a week ago, I was chatting with different friend about engagement rings. Hours earlier, I hugged another navigating IVF. And the day before? Was on a morning walk with a friend I made doing CrossFit seven-ish years ago; she got engaged in Italy weeks before and already has a wedding date and a venue picked out for May 2023.
Lately, my main thought: When in the world did we all get here?
I feel like I blinked and everyone around me is a full-on adult. Some with kids. Others without. Regardless; doing big things. For many — myself included — my exciting moments don’t revolve around diapers or diamonds (yet). Admittedly, it feels like less and less these days. But there’s still big moments to be had: Big jobs, big goals, big milestones, big smiles. If you can relate, let me be the first to tell you that just because your wins or excitable moments may look a little different than others, that doesn’t mean they’re any less worth celebrating.
Remember that. And — regardless of what lights you on fire; surround yourself with those who want to celebrate your accomplishments and happiness, rather than downplay it. You deserve that. You really, really do.
We all do.
Of course, feel free to fill out this Hurdler Spotlight Form to share what’s going on in your world. I’d love to celebrate you here, too.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Wisdom From the Top with Guy Raz: Tiny Habits, BJ Fogg
What does it take for a person to change? BJ Fogg, founder of Stanford's Behavior Design Lab, says the key to behavior change isn't what we've always been taught. In Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything, Fogg draws upon true experiments — from his lab and his life — to outline a system anyone can use to create good habits or unravel the bad. In this episode: On making change through design and celebration.
I’m Watching: All American
Apparently this was on The CW in 2018, but I just discovered it on Netflix. I’m about eight episodes in, and I’m hooked.
I’m Reading: Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Dr. John E. Sarno
A friend told me about this on a run last weekend, and I just snagged a copy myself. The synopsis: Dr. John E. Sarno’s research on TMS (Tension Myoneural Syndrome) reveals that stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors — not structural abnormalities — are the root cause of chronic pain. The solution? Recognize the emotional roots of your TMS and sever the connection between mental and physical pain. In this book, he talks about how accepting negative emotions like anger, anxiety, fear, or grief can reverse physical symptoms. Pretty interesting stuff that I’m looking into diving into more.
Gear I’m Loving: Nike Pegasus 39 ($130)
This new update to Nike’s token Pegasus feels a little more bouncy than the previous model. That’s thanks to a new Zoom air bag in the heel, which offers up a really smooth ride. A new go-to for me, for sure; a versatile pick that I can lean into for both short, fast bursts, longer mileage, and the occasional studio cardio class (think HIIT, boxing).
Quote I’m Loving: “Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.” — Unknown
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🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 211. Harper Watters, Soloist For The Houston Ballet
I loved the opportunity to sit down with Harper earlier this month. As a gay, African-American ballet dancer, he’s really making waves. He hoping to open doors for the next generation and inspire them to try whatever makes them excited.
We talk about his upbringing, coming out to his parents at 14, and working hard to become a star within the world of dance (and paving his way in the social media space). He also opens up about the fears and hurdles he’s faced along the way, and how that fear is good and helpful at times. In his opinion if you’re scared to face something head on — it’s not something to run from. Instead, remember that fear can be your teacher.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: 4 Decision Disruptors That Can Mess With YouR Self-Care
Self-care is important, but it's easy to neglect it when life feels hectic. That's where Dr. Michelle Segar, an award-winning researcher at the University of Michigan and health coach with almost thirty years, comes into the picture. Michelle's talking to us about the four disruptors that can threaten your wellbeing, including temptation, rebellion, accommodation, and perfection. Plus: How to navigate these disruptors to better stick to a plan that works for you.
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: Lindsay Byrd
Location: Atlanta
Occupation: Office manager and NBA dancer
What’s going on in your life that excites you right now? “This past year it was my wish to travel more and to create a newsletter for the dance team world that could inspire others. Well ... I'm excited to say that I've done both! I went out of the country for the first time to Brazil to represent the NBA, to the beach, the Grand Canyon, and I created my own newsletter, "More Than Poms." I am so excited to have had the opportunity to travel and to feel like I am starting to create an impact in the dance community through my efforts.”
What’s one thing you love about Hurdle? “I love the raw honesty of what Emily and her guests unpack on the show. I really look forward to the new perspectives that I get from hearing other's stories. Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays make me happy because I know I will learn more about how to conquer a new hurdle.”
How can we support you? “Check out More Than Poms and visit us on Instagram @morethanpoms. Every Wednesday you'll either see a dance team discussion from me or an interview from someone in the dance team world about their journey. Feel free to also follow me personally on Instagram @lindsaypaige01!”
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
This hits hard this week. Thanks for the reminder Emily!