Ladies and gentleman, we have arrived. Not only is this my first post of the new year, but it is also my final color-themed post in my 120-Crayola crayon box adventure. It’s hard to believe this journey began more than five years ago with a girl, a computer, a crayon box, and a wild idea, but this chapter is rapidly coming to a close. And while I plan to reflect on this experience more thoroughly in next week’s post, I cannot help but identify a beautiful symbolism between my last remaining crayon color and the larger collective impact this experience has had on me. This self-imposed writing challenge has tested my limits, challenged my understanding of what’s possible, and taken me to places I could have never imagined. In fact, you might just say this blog has helped me travel to “outer space.”
Outer space.
The final frontier.
The dark, murky abyss.
The playground of human imagination.
When you think “outer space,” fantastical, magical, and even out-of-this world connotations immediately come to mind. It’s big, it’s black, it’s terrifyingly infinite, and yet it’s also filled with breathtaking constellations that remind us we are small, humble, and part of something grander than we could ever fathom. Humans have always been driven to explore the unknown, discover new worlds, and push the boundaries of our technical limits. Space allows us to do just that. Outer space isn’t simply that which lies “beyond;” rather, it signifies something wild, magical, and unknown that is rife with possibility, discovery, and experimentation. We do not fully comprehend that which exists outside our physical and mental grasp, and yet we hungrily yearn to dig deeper, unpack more, and step into the undiscovered spaces that inevitably await us.
The best things in life take us beyond our comfort zone; they stretch us, challenge us, and prompt us to view the world from a plurality of angles. Perhaps then outer space isn’t so much a physical location as it is a mindset; when we think outside ourselves, when we step outside ourselves and see outside ourselves, suddenly beauty unfolds around us and the universe itself sits at our feet.
Suddenly, anything—and everything—becomes possible.
We humans have always found inspiration from a plurality of people, places, and things. From music to travel to literature to food, these jolts of energy and creativity propel us forward and encourage us to explore life beyond our known parameters—beyond our outer spaces, if you will. I’d like to think I find inspiration in many things—a long walk in nature, a thoughtful conversation with a friend, the complexities of a challenging new project—but over the last couple years I’ve drawn notable energy from one thing in particular: Peloton.
Now before you roll your eyes and think “Here she goes again! Enough about that damn bike already!” I’ll ask you to stay with me and consider the larger implications of what I’m about to say. You see, Peloton is so much more than just a bike. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a mentality. It’s a community. It’s a source of confidence. It’s a beacon of light amidst even the darkest of times. It’s a best friend and a coach that reminds you you can do hard things… and then pushes you to do them. But, perhaps most of all, Peloton is a catalyst for profound change and transformational growth.
Much of this growth comes from the magic that happens when you mix physical exertion and positive psychology. The instructors at Peloton are utterly phenomenal, and they execute their roles with a sense of strength, poise, and resilience I can’t help but wholeheartedly admire. I’ve learned countless lessons from my daily classes, some which continue to stick with me and influence everything I do. Whether it’s Jess Sims’ assurance that “sometimes progress is lateral,” Ally Love’s encouragement to “fill yourself up so you can give it all away,” or Robin Arzón’s reminder that “you’ve survived 100% of your bad days,” this community cultivates the strength I need to fearlessly tackle my goals and realize anything is possible. Peloton encourages me to continually put one foot in front of the other, discover my outer spaces, step into them, grow, and then strive to embrace new, additional spaces for lifelong transformation.
I have been a Peloton member for nearly three years now, and I’ve owned my bike for a little over fourteen months. Over this same time period I’ve found the confidence to transition out of teaching, successfully navigate the search process and move into a new career, and find ways to not simply survive but thrive in the face of a global pandemic. Additionally, I’ve shaved over 30 seconds off my half marathon average mile time, gained more upper body strength than I’ve ever had before, and fostered a deep sense of confidence, optimism, and self-love that transcends physical activity and permeates everything I do. Physically, mentally, and—dare I say it—spiritually, Peloton empowers me to step into my outer spaces and realize the best possible version of myself.
Little did I know that a bike that goes nowhere would take me so far.
Whether it’s reading, traveling, exploring a new hobby, or working out with Peloton, in this new year I hope you find something that gives you the strength, energy, and confidence to boldly, bravely, and unapologetically explore new territories, embrace challenges as opportunities, and venture into the beautiful outer spaces that lie just outside your current grasp: They are yours for the taking.
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