one hundred and sixty-eight hours, the ninth one
are you showing up?
“The more you show up for life - not hanging back but really investing yourself heart and soul - the more life will show up for you.” - Marianne Williamson
I have a small calendar on my bedside table. It’s one of those calendars that you flip over each day to expose a positive idea, quote, or thought. I have used it for about 8 years. Funny thing about these calendars: each year, the day’s message states the same thing as the year before, but I keep loving it. With every flip, I find new meaning in the familiar words. The quote above was from February 18. It evoked something inside of me and I felt compelled to write a little something and share it with you.
Are you showing up? (I’m talking to myself here too)
Are you present and engaged in your meetings during the day? Are you intentional when you set your weekly plans? Do you look people in the eyes and smile or even say, “hello”, when you pass them on the street, or in the hallways? Are you kind? Are you aware of the presence you are giving off to the world? More importantly, are you present and aware for yourself?
Gosh, it seems overwhelming when I think about it. Each day passes with such a quick paced flurry. Once in a while we may need to slow down and take inventory. Reflecting is necessary and it’s real.
Am I showing up? Am I paying attention to current moments or am I just “going through the motions?” I’m nervous to answer this about myself. I have a fear that I am missing some very important aspects of my own LIVING.
Have you ever planned an event and worried if anyone would show up? My career choices have led me to many opportunities to host events and YES, I have worried about people coming, attending, having fun, etc. It’s a lot of pressure to put upon yourself and usually the worry is for nothing. People do show up and people do come to events for various reasons. Some come for the fellowship and the camaraderie. Some come for food and drink. And some, the really good ones, come to SUPPORT a friend or a loved one. They come because they care. They come, simply to show up.
So if we know that others show up for us and we happily show up for others, why is it hard (at times) to show up for ourselves? Are we less important than others? NO. I would argue that we are the most important and we should treat ourselves accordingly. I’ll add the quote again…a little louder for those in the back.
“The more you show up for life - not hanging back but really investing yourself heart and soul - the more life will show up for you.” - Marianne Williamson
But wait, what does “life will show up for you” actually mean? I’ve read this quote over and over this week, and like many quotes, it’s up to personal interpretation. I’d love to know what others think this means. For me, it comes down to this:
*YOU are a priority. If you authentically believe and live this practice, life could be incredible! The sun may shine a bit brighter for you (because you notice it). New opportunities may present themselves (because you work for them, deserve them, and SEE them). You may OPEN yourself to the goodness around (because you are full of goodness too).
Some ideas on how to help you (and me) along:
*be present
*engage
*express gratitude
*set (CRUSH) goals
*challenge yourself
*take care of yourself
*be confident
*pay attention to your emotions - it’s okay to do this one
*hold yourself accountable
*talk nicely to yourself
Did you think of other ideas to help you prioritize you? It’s easy to make a list. How hard is it to take these thoughts and turn them to actions?
Just as our bodies should move each day, we must EXERCISE ideas and thoughts too. Oprah Winfrey is one of my favorite people. She has shared and lived so many important lessons right in front of me, and one that I am thinking of today is the idea of becoming the best version of yourself. No matter our age, we can be students. I believe that we still have many incredible tidbits to learn. Thinking we have things all figured out can be a weakness, in my opinion. If we consistently work to be the best version of ourselves, I guarantee we’ll be showing up. There is no way we won’t!
If we hold ourselves accountable, we can be the best version of ourselves (showing up).
If we are present and engaged, we can be the best version of ourselves (showing up).
If we take care of ourselves, we can be the best version of ourselves (showing up).
When I learned to play the piano, I didn’t sit down and immediately begin to play Chopin’s “Fantaisie-Impromptu (Op. 66)”. That would have been impossible. I needed to work slowly to learn my keys, notes, finger placement, and on and on. It took many years to learn to put all aspects together to create music through the instrument of the piano. Showing up for ourselves takes time and patience. It also takes practice and practice means growth.
By the way, I have never played this piece. I may have just found a new challenge.
i have hope
I believe, deep down, we all know what it takes to show up. The state of our country feels uncertain to me. I am not confident in decisions being made and I am not enjoying the anxious energy around. However, there is only so much we can control. Why worry ourselves with things outside of our “lane”? It does no good, and honestly just causes more worry and stress. What can we control? US. We can control our own thoughts, our own actions, our own self-talk and our own responses. Things may feel bleak, but we must continue to show up. In doing so, we’ll be able to face outside challenges and worries with a much better attitude and perspective.
I talked to my Leadership class last week about vulnerability. It can absolutely be a challenge to put oneself out there in a vulnerable situation. It can also absolutely be a challenge to show up! After teaching my lesson, I had a positive wave of energy wash over me. When I tried to put that feeling into words, I simply said I was “hopeful”. I explained that it is refreshing to know that there is hope. I have hope that we have the ability to be and do better, and that is exactly how I feel about showing up. I’m hopeful that I will show up.
Again, and again, and AGAIN.
Didn’t show up for yourself today? Missed a chance? I have great news, there is most certainly another chance just around the corner.
Together, let’s fight the urge to hide under our covers when there is a sense of overwhelm. Let’s be brave, vulnerable and strong, and let’s continue to show up.
Do it for YOU.
Do it for the ones you LOVE.
Do it for US.
I have an optimistic feeling that when we do, life will show up too.
peace and love,
Steph
And now, a little monthly round up: saying good-bye to february!
february: seven hundred and twenty hours, the second one
watching: Severance (still), SNL reruns
reading: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
listening: The Oprah Podcast
learning: scheduling life with intention/how to sing in the community choir
enjoying: newfound energy
links for you!
Steph, Thanks for the insiration to “show up”….I have become a little lazy about showing up to things here at home!
Love You, Dad❤️