In typical Alissa fashion, I haven’t stopped reflecting since the new year started. And I emailed you saying I don’t like “New Year, New Me” which I still don’t and that I was more of a “New Year, Same Me” kinda gal.
But as I’ve been reflecting (I can’t help it! It’s who I am!) I think I’m really more in a “New Year, Different Me” era. After all, in life the only constant in life is change, amirite?
So, let’s discuss the power of Different.
If you’re a runner and you experience tendonitis in your knee, brilliantly named Runner’s Knee, you’re probably going to go to Physical Therapy where they will give you exercises that engage DIFFERENT muscles. Hello Clamshells! I love you! Because while running, you engage the SAME muscles in ONE plane of motion over and over and over again. This type of repetitive motion plus impact will only, as I like to say, feed the beast that led to your tendonitis. If your PT is smart, they will suggest you start training in Pilates to continue to strengthen and reinforce Different planes of motion and muscle recruitment.
If you only ever take barre classes and you initially saw lots of change in your body and now you’re plateauing in terms of muscle definition, strength, weight loss, mom pooch, or leaking pee, the answer isn’t MORE barre, it’s adding something DIFFERENT. Something that lengthens out all of the pulsing and squeezing. Or lifting a weight higher than 5lbs.
If you feel stuck in your relationship and you want to feel less like roommates and more like Violet and Xaden in Fourth Wing (but with WAY better communication skills and trust), you need to, say it with me, do something Different. The answer isn’t to keep doing the same thing a la Groundhog Day and expecting a Different result. You have to break the monotony and do something, anything Different! Have fish instead of chicken for dinner! Light candles for no reason!
If you get to work every day feeling like you're spinning your wheels questioning your purpose and impact, the answer isn’t spending more time at work. The answer is doing something Different. Start with a Different commute. Then a Different perspective (this job sucks, but the paycheck affords me the freedom to take private sessions with Alissa every week even when I’m traveling to Bali). Then a conversation with the powers that be about a change in position or responsibilities. Maybe you change your role, your team, the company, or the whole dang industry!
When you’re stuck in a relationship, your workouts, your career it’s time to explore Different. It’s not about right or better, it simply about Different.
A reminder to my type-A overachievers, you don’t start at the finish line. You start with Different. You gather information and data and then you continue.
I won’t lie to you, different doesn’t always feel good at first, in fact it often feels like trash. It’s muscle soreness in your workouts and it’s tender, sore feelings when in your personal or professional relationships.
AND Different is the catalyst to workouts, relationships, careers that are better than you ever dreamed of. I highly recommend it.
I’m leaning into this right now as I reenter the world socially and professionally. I don’t want to settle into “same shit different day” in this new world of two kids, suburban mom life, commuting husband, and never ending logistical obstacles. As I promised myself after leaving my ex husband: I will never settle for anything less than extraordinary.
How can YOU embrace Different today? Reply to this email and let me know, I always love hearing from you :)
As always, I’ve got your back. I’ve got your front. And I’ve got your undercarriage.
Xo, Alissa