I have a running theory about community being the antidote to the anxiety and pain of our atomized lives. At our core, we're villagers. We're wired to live and work among family and friends, doing hard things together.

Community is infrastructure.  

I didn't really appreciate this until I started running, something I never thought I'd do in a million years. 

Running truly sucks when you're getting started. Huffing, puffing, heavy legs, and that incessant voice in your head asking to stop. 

I downloaded the Couch to 5k app to make it more bearable, which helped a little. I took the process slowly, which felt more humane. 

What it did not address is that moment when you're deciding to do the beneficial thing. All of a sudden, you need to clean your bathroom, scroll social media, or finally put away the clothes on your bedroom chair.  

@squashbot on Tiktok Squilliam Fancyson

Yep, I know all about avoidance. It's an evolutionary adaptation gone horribly wrong in a modern context.

Each time I fought myself just to get out the door. Oh look! I have to clean the kitchen! Not entirely promising for getting in shape.

So, I signed up for running lessons. I know, haha, did I need walking and breathing lessons too? Side note, it never hurts to get coaching, even for something you think should be obvious.

I figured I'd get some good tips and that would make me want to run 3-4 times a week. Spoiler: It did not.

But it did make me do it, and that's the crucial part.

The first day was nerve-wracking. I was an ok runner, nothing special. I felt out of place standing around the track.

Did I look like a newbie? It didn't matter.

I was around other people who were interested in improving themselves through running. Sharing their enthusiasm made it less painful. I learned better posture and gait improvements, so it felt better once I was running, but joining a community was the game-changer.

Instead of pushing myself out the door, I was pulled by new friends, days on the calendar, and running events I signed up for.

I was part of something, and that felt better than staying at home wishing I were more disciplined. 

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller

I went on to run 3-4 times a week for years, almost always with other people. I learned that making real change and trying for something difficult is a group activity, not a solitary one, no matter what the diet and fitness industry tries to sell you. 

My takeaway: quit wishing for more motivation and become a joiner.

Introducing new newsletter features: community and events 🧠 

Because everything in modern life is designed to make you a sedentary consumer. 

Here's what you get (scroll down for FAQ):

• Live events (10 per year), hosted inside the community and recorded for rewatching at your convenience.  
• A community where you can post, ask questions, and communicate with other members.
• The premium newsletter–published three times a month. 
• Advance notice of new courses and cohorts forming.
• Special discounts on digital products and courses.
• The ability to ask questions and get your challenges in front of Rebecca.
• Real-world, actionable information that makes a meaningful difference in your health and happiness.

 Check out the upcoming workshop on SUGAR

Yours in joyful eating and living,

Rebecca ✌️

PS. Showing up is also joining.