Always inspired by Beyoncé...
Good morning!
If I may be so bold and self-indulgent (thank you)...taking birthday inspiration from the one and only greatest, Beyoncé:
At 35,
I brought to life an idea I'd been thinking about for a long time.
I never did it alone, not even close.
We opened the doors of The Assembly. We created workouts we believe in.
I learned the importance of maintaining connection to my loved ones, even when it felt easier to retreat into my head.
I hopefully met you.
I learned how to get better at taking criticism.
I tried to let go of things outside of my control.
We got to know some of the hands-down most incredible women in the Bay Area in all of you.
I picked up the heavier kettlebell and gave you the side-eye to do the same.
We learned about the work that you do, the work you have left to do, the work you have poured your careers into.
I stayed committed to moving my body every day — in the studio, in the mountains, on my runs.
I watched us march, and march again for injustices. I wanted to do more, always.
I lost some of my encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture, but am always down to talk about it.
I listened to the issues of the Mission, of San Francisco, of the Bay Area. I have so much still left to learn.
I felt joy and pride and gratitude for our team every day.
In the midst of this, I celebrated 10 years of marriage and had a completely disastrous experience buying vintage furniture abroad on our anniversary trip.
Our team laughed together every day.
We held events that will make me proud forever.
I doubted myself daily.
I 100% shed some tears.
I wrote this newsletter and appreciated every single piece of feedback on it.
I learned a thing or two about a thing or two.
I talked to so many women about their passions and their visions for themselves.
I gave myself space to talk about failure.
I did none of this, not even a piece of it, on my own.
I was a small piece in the creation of a breathtaking community.
I was the luckiest.
Thank you.
You never need a reason to reflect on your past week, month, year. Revel in the small, weird things. Allow sadness and fear to exist. Emotions are what make us human; never forget it.
Jam of the week: Cautious Clay "Cold War" — this one is blowing up, so get ready to hear this earworm around.
Must read: "Everything You Know About Obesity is Wrong" Long and worth it.
xo,
Molly
And one more thing...27 years ago 1600 black women took out a full-page ad in the NYTimes to support Anita Hill. Today, The Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign (led by Assembly member Meena Harris) in partnership with Futures Without Violence, has launched a campaign in support of Christina Blasey Ford. They are looking for 1600 men to sign their name to stand with us and ensure that Dr. Blasey Ford's story of sexual assault perpetrated by Judge Brett M Kavanaugh is "carefully and fully examined without bias." Get a few good men in your life to sign their names here (and donate).