Mel Robbins, Motivation Queen

On Saturday, two of my favorite humans collided in the most delightful way: Mel Robbins joined Matty Maggiacomo’s 30 Min Walk and Talk, and to be honest, I’d just sort of like to hang out with the two of them pretty much all the time. If you missed it, go take it now—then come back, because we need to talk.

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A post shared by Matty Maggiacomo (@mattymaggiacomo)

Yes- she promised him three years ago, and it finally happened.

Way-Too-Accurate Advice

Mel was absolutely radiating “I love this man and this space” energy that made it impossible not to smile. They were a perfect pair on the Tread: sweaty, smart, and slightly chaotic.

She was also, you should know, speaking directly to me (AND all of you), dropping reminders of allllllll those things we’re aware of but struggle to put into action:

• “If everything’s important, nothing is.”

• “You can get addicted to busy-ness.”

• “The single biggest time waster? Other people.”

• “Let them get mad. Let them be disappointed.”

• “Your brain is like mice in a cardboard box tipped over in a restaurant.” (Accurate, in my case.)

(I know those things from her podcast, but also from Brene Brown, various non-celebrity mental health professionals, and a whole lot of smart friends. Whenever I hear one of these pearls of wisdom, my reaction is, “RUDE,” as in, “Very rude of you to remind me I can fix my life if I just do this seemingly-easy thing I’ve been ignoring.”)

Matty + Mel Forever

Look at the man’s face- he’s rapt. He’s engaged. He’s soaking it in. And he clearly worships her. I get it, Matty. And how does she thank him? By making a comment regarding visible nipples. To be fair, she might not have meant his, but Matty knows when the shoe fits. Watching Mel try to scroll the leaderboard for shout-outs (she went to the very end- her people) and repeatedly advise that this (Peloton instructing, I guess) is much harder than it looks was a hoot, but Matty had full faith.

Milestone Birthday Advice from Mel

First off, respect to Mel for the cute ponytail and plain black and white outfit, rocking glasses and surprisingly impressive biceps.

Second, we got a full Matty diva playlist: Mariah, Janet, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Beyoncé, and more. High energy, lots of fun, and over-the-top Mel reactions to incline: “Like, seven PERCENT?”

Matty sought advice on milestone birthdays, having just entered a new decade. (I’d love a walk with Mel for my 40th birthday, too.) Here’s the best I can pass along, since I was typing and walking simultaneously:

• The biggest mistake we make before we look forward is not looking back. Look at pictures, maybe, over the last year and think about what your best and worst moments were. What do you want to start doing, stop doing, and continue doing? What made you happier? That’s what you should prioritize.
• Use the “Let Them” theory. (Yes, I’m way overdue to read this.) Let them think what they want to think. Let them misunderstand your dreams. Your dreams aren’t meant for other people. Stop seeking validation from those who can’t understand.
• Your brain can be programmed to be happier and lead a better life. Someone else taught you think you’re not good enough, so get serious about talking to yourself differently.

We also got Gay Grandma energy, Snoop and Martha stoner munchies speculation, and Mel astonished at the instructor tablet: “This is so cool what they can see, you guys!”

Featuring Special Guest Stars

As Matty said, who’s that over there swinging her hips?

Why, it’s Matty bestie Jess Sims, definitely using her College Game Day interview voice and definitely NOT leaving dog poop on the side of the road. Mel talked about the ways to get out of bed when you don’t feel like it. (I’ve heard that episode of the Mel Robbins podcast… if you watch the Instagram above, it’s basically a tribute to that “how to get out of bed” advice.) And Jess wasn’t alone…

Rebecca is looking at Mel like I was- full on big shiny heart eyes, soaking it in. And wow, was she also speaking my language when she asked Mel about “losing yourself in your calendar.” (Rude.) Apparently, we can get addicted to saying yes.

P.S. Jess and Rebecca weren’t the only ones interested in this workout. Just a couple minutes in, a familiar face high fived me (not in the mirror!)

Be Present!

(And yes, that means you, and also me.)

Mel Robbins says it’s about being present, and I guess I should work on that (given that I took notes for this article while enjoying this walk, I have a ways to go). Despite having somewhat divided attention, though, I came away with endorphins, insight, and the urgent need to reevaluate how many meetings I say yes to out of guilt.

Also, she should totally be a Peloton instructor more often. Keep her with Matty- their chemistry was absolutely adorable. I laughed, I learned, I re-considered my personal boundaries around other people. I suggest you do the same.

Both of them are huggers (and Mel, standing on the Tread in this picture, is short!) 10/10 would hug either of them, even post-workout.

Final takeaway? I’ll promise to be more present in life if you give me a full series of Mel Robbins and Matty Maggiacomo. Give me a podcast. Give me a Peloton series. Give me a drag brunch that they co-host. Until then, I’ll be replaying this workout on repeat (and high-fiving myself, or maybe Rebecca Kennedy, in the mirror every morning.)

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