November Rain

If you got my “No Stress November” email yesterday - this is NOT the same thing.

I’m on one, y’all.

Maybe it’s the election content.

Maybe it’s my age.

Maybe it’s the off chance I heard Gun’s n Roses November Rain and had an instant flashback to hearing this song in my childhood bedroom during a summertime Alabama thunderstorm that rocked me to my core.

Maybe it was the juxtaposition of the drama in that music video.

Do you remember it?

(OMG this video has 2.2 BILLION views on YouTube.)

The beauty, the debauchery, the mixed messages…

There was something painfully beautiful and terribly dark about the song and it was depicted perfectly in that video. It was a visual representation of the highs and lows. Nine minutes of highs and lows, if we’re keeping score.

Some of you know I like to pop into different workout classes for inspiration and assessment. I like to assess my strength and my endurance. I’ll take yoga classes, sculpt classes, spin classes, strength classes, cardio hip hop classes…whatever lines up with my schedule.

The other day I was in a yoga sculpt class and comfortably positioned in my supported child’s pose with a block under my forehead. I modify just about everything, always. As I was focusing on my breath and just feeling grateful for the opportunity to be healthy and in connection with my spirit, I started bawling.

YAY CRYING IN PUBLIC.

Everybody loves this.

I mean, it was dimly lit and I was face down - so not a total distraction. I cried and cried and felt and felt until something occurred to me.

The crying was multi-layered. There were tears for humans and relationships that have transitioned beyond me and a heartfelt exhale AKA proof of relaxation.

My nervous system was safe. This act of vulnerability was evidence that I am strong.

As the class went on, the tears that fell from my cheeks transitioned to a faucet of sweat and all was well in the world.

What I took away from this hour of breathlessness was that YES, I’M EFFING STRONG and YES, I’M SAFE IN MY OWN BODY. I’ve cultivated these two things. Time and time again I’ve shown up to train my body when my heart wasn’t in it. Time and time again I’ve practiced stillness and maintained a village/community that could meet me where I was.

Turns out, I’m strong and I’m safe.

That November Rain music video left a sour taste in my mouth as a young lady because it did not make me feel strong or safe, the opposite in fact. Fearful of what could be… Was that a depiction of love? Was that what marrying a rockstar looks like LOLLLL (jury is still out on that one)? Would I have the courage to walk away if needed? Does love end in a tragedy? So. Many. Questions.

All of these adolescent ponderings came flooding back upon hearing the song in the car the other day.

As of today, the feelings that I’m most proud of include internal strength and self-imposed safety.

You exist on a spectrum of strength and safety yourself.

Have you taken a moment to prioritize them lately?

What might be different if they were a priority?

Every week when I meet with my virtual community to build strength, sweat thru the tears, hold space for safety and cultivate presence; I build a bridge for the version of me that sat frozen in her childhood bedroom 6 minutes in to a “November Rain” music video.

The rain is coming as it always does.

Whether outside your windows or in your mind - you are your own best resource for strength and safety.

OKAYILOVEYOUBYEEE,

xx

Nic.

ps. * Tuesday 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  ((no classes as I’ll be at SoFi Stadium watching my son’s football team claim the 11U league championship!! *fingers crossed. GO SHARKS.))

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

pps. SAVE THE DATE for our first ever LADIES ONLY* SWEAT AND STILLNESS RETREAT ON FEBRUARY 20-23, 2025. This will be a sacred space for 12 women—a circle of support, laughter, and shared growth in a luxury home in Ojai, CA. Together, we’ll build strength in our bodies and stillness in our minds, ensuring we step into 2025 with clarity, confidence, and connection.

If you’re ready to reset, recharge, and rise into your best self, please reach out to me as soon as possible. We will have a private chef on site, self care opportunities like facial and full body massage, acupuncture treatments, 1:1 sessions with me, hiking, pickleball, and unique surprises too. I’m already so so soooooo excited!!

*We will definitely have co-ed retreats at some point, I promise.

ppps. NOVEMBER FIT begins THIS Friday Nov. 1st - Saturday Nov. 23rd. This month’s FIT group will be a form of grounding during the Holiday build up . Everything starts ramping after Halloween and the last thing you need to worry about is your workout. Wake up with us (or hit the On Demand library) and train THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT. It’s an ecosystem and we tend to it all while creating or maintaining a healthy routine. You won’t regret it. If what you’re doing now is not bringing you results or joy or BOTH, come train with me. This email is a testament to how this group has improved (dare I say ‘saved’) my life in so many unspoken ways.

Can’t wait to see you. Registration is open. Sign up here.

pppps. EPISODE 45 OF SHOCK AND YALL IS OUT NOW and I’m speaking with DAVID BIDLER. This man is setting the internet on fire one social post at a time. When I see his posts come through I always pause to read through the slides. His dedication to adolescent mental health and preparedness is unparalled. David is a speaker, author, and leader in 21st century health education. He is the President of the nonprofit organization, Physiology First, which provides physiology based mental health education to students and communities across the world. David offered some of the most PROFOUND answers to my "Rapid Fire Five” that I’ve ever heard. Please take a listen and here are a couple sneak peeks from our episode:

OH 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.