Christmas Car Claustrophobia...

Beau and I were off to school last Monday morning, in a rush, Moose in the backseat, my mind in the coffee induced rage of how will I get all the Christmas errands done today, did he grab his lunch, and holy crap he better know his social studies for that chapter test, and then ….

I started the car.

My brand new-ish 2023 Lexus hybrid.

It says something about a parking break.

Then some more beeping.

Then it stops functioning and locks us in the vehicle.

Let me repeat that.

It locks us in the vehicle.

The windows don’t operate.

The doors won’t open.

The car is unresponsive.

I grab the owner’s manual and start flipping through it while simultaneously speed dialing Lexus and USAA.

Beau is threatening to punch open the window with his 12 year old elbows and the dog’s anxiety is mounting as he smells the panic in the air.

I’m getting more frustrated, more fearful, more angry and the voice in the back of my head is saying “Do you see yourself freaking out right now and yet you’re just continually choosing it”…. F A S C I N A T I N G.

Also, how is it that the deep personal work I do doesn’t show up when I need it most?

It’s a humbling realization.

It brought to mind 2 incredible quotes:

“Whatever you are not changing, you’re choosing.” - Laurie Buchanan

And another "We don't rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training." - Archilochus (680 BC).

I feel like both these quotes are seconds away from ruining Christmas. Sorryboutthat.

I’m fairly certain that last quote has been adapted a few different times by the Navy Seals and authors like James Clear. The nuances here are thick.

Well, guess who wasn’t trained for sudden Christmas Season Car Induced Claustrophobia.

I’ll get to the good part - basically my brilliant child thought to pull the door handle toward him 2x quickly and somehow that activated an escape mechanism and each door opened after we tried this. I got Moose and Beau out of the car and then went headfirst into dealing with the mess.

As the day went on I could feel my adrenaline running behind the scenes. I wasn’t grounded and calm. I was pissed and shaky. What I saw in myself was disappointing but also a reminder that I’m human.

This is the way it is.

I have to choose moment to moment to do my best, forgive myself, learn a damn lesson and keep it moving.

Sometimes your worst fears become a reality.

If you’ve been on this list a minute you know I’ve seen my fair share.

Maybe not even “fair share” - I’d venture to say I’ve been over served in the last year and half. LOL Not to question the big plan - I believe that life is unfolding exactly as needed - but Lord, the absurdity of it all…

A new year is a blink away.

I don’t know what level of conspiracy curious you are but I have a feeling it’s about to get interesting all over again. (drones, orbs, plasmoids, the “First Buddy Elon Musk”, AI, Bird Flu reports, robots becoming household help - oh look she’s ruining Christmas for the third time now.)

The last thing I need to worry about is can I depend on my physical strength, mental acuity, and internal guidance.

I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO TRUST MY BODY, EXPAND MY MIND AND KEEP THE FAITH.

She’s my teammate.

We do this thing together.

If you know you could be stronger, if you know you could be more flexible physically and emotionally, if you know you deserve to be happy but have lost the ability to find more joy, if you know you could be held accountable and make real, lasting change … you’re not alone.

As I sat in the car, I knew I could physically crawl out of the sunroof or remain calm (at least on the outside) to reassure my son that we weren’t gonna be stuck there for all eternity. I can rely on myself to carry the load. I train for this.

There is no bigger freedom than trusting your vessel.

NOT YOUR CAR, your body.

If you need to rekindle this relationship, join us for THRIVE IN 2025. It’s 25 classes in 60 days. Mobility, strength, yoga, cardio dance and meditation. We have an IG chat group and there is a special 1:1 call where you and I can unpack your burning questions, assess form, discuss your goals, or just catch up.

My mission is to create AGELESS, LIMITLESS, FREEDOM OF MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT. Choose to train for how you want to feel…life seems to be more manageable when the basics are covered.

I’m here to help.

Just say the word.

I promise I’ll respond faster than USAA.

OKAYILOVEYOUBYEEE,

xx

Nic.

ps. .* Tuesday CHRISTMAS EVE QUICKIE YOGA 12-12:30pm pst. $10. A well rounded music based mobility focused yoga flow. This was created as a community class and if you ever need financial assistance to attend - please just reach out or use code NEWFRIEND to try a class for free. Sign up here.

* Saturday AVIATOR NATION YOGA FLOW 9-10am, 10:15-11:15am. In person, in Santa Monica. Come on out. Sign up here.

* Sunday AVIATOR NATION YOGA FLOW. 10:45-11:45am. In person, in Santa Monica. Come on out. Sign up here.

pps. NEW YEARS EVE DONATION CLASS. What better way to say “thank you, next” than with a donation only full body workout with your virtual besties. This class is the same format I host and all of my monthly fit groups. We will begin and end with controlled articular rotations (CARS) as a warm-up, train the lower body take a cardio dance break, train the upper body, take a cardio dance break, close out with cars, a quick stretch, and a meditation on Gratitude and future you. All levels are welcome. Join us at 7:15am pst, 9:15am pst, 10:15am est. If you have a booty band, light weights, and a chair bring it along…I’m so thankful for 2024 and preparing with an open heart to thrive in 2025. Sign up here.

ppps. Join my NEW program THRIVE IN 2025: JAN/FEB. In honor of a New Year, an inaugural Sweat + Stillness Retreat at the end of February, and my desire to download healthy habits instead of making resolutions; we will embark on 6 weeks of continued strength training, yoga, mobility and accountability.

Normally we hold monthly fit groups that leave us with an off week at month's end. This is a new offering meant to inspire a longer term commitment, tangible results, and improved habit stacking for your BEST “NEW YEAR” YET. No one talks about the secret to an "effective fitness journey" and that’s because it’s not fancy. The secret is embracing routine. Doing it bored. Although, if you’re training with me you won’t be bored. Pinky promise!!

We will train 4 days a week (like we always do) and the classes will live in a collection of their own so you can revisit them at your own pace. Each person will have a 20 min 1:1 call with me to use within the 2 month block for Q&A. Our private IG chat group will be in effect for the full 6 weeks as well. If you’re an INFINITE member you’ll obviously have access to this program, as well as the 1:1 call - and you won’t be limited to 60 days.

Now is the time - not to mention there is nothing as powerful as a committed woman and we are here to foster that commitment and community.

Grab your bestie and let's DO THIS.

THRIVE IN 2025 SIGN UP HERE.

pppps. EPISODE “CHRISTMAS DROP” OF SHOCK AND Y’ALL is LIVE now. hahahah. It’s one more quick solo-cast. Just me yapping away, undone, unfiltered, and full of Christmas spirit. It’s a quick one but filled personal observations, gratitude for YOU and some Trans Siberian drama. IYKYK

WAIT. YOU’RE STILL HERE. Could you, would you, pretty please leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Just click this link, scroll to the bottom to leave your thoughts and “stars” and I’ll send you an energetic HIGH FIVE along with my sincere appreciation. THANK YOU to those of you who’ve left reviews. I see them and they mean the world.