Just Show Up

Show up. That’s all you have to do…just show up.

What is showing up? What does showing up mean to you?

Showing up may be a physical meeting. It may be a midnight run to Wal-Mart to get ice cream and wine for your best friend who just broke up with her boyfriend. And if you’re lucky, there may also be some Alanis Morsette playing in the background as you both sit in her bed in your pjs and delete every picture she has with him on social media.

Showing up may be a random phone call to a family member to “check in” when you hear in their voice that they are not okay. They may be crying so hard you can’t understand what they are saying, but you stay on the phone for 2 hours and 24 minutes and listen to them because that’s what they need.

Showing up may be a rescue mission to whisk your bestie away on a surprise getaway because you know she desperately needs a day away from her norm. She might take a nap in the car because she was up all night with her little one, so you put on some soft rock and let her sleep until you arrive at your destination (because true friends let each other nap).

This is me. I am the friend who has done all of the above.

Recently, I talked to one of my friends about showing up and how we define it.

What we concluded is that everyone’s definition of “showing up” is different and is often determined by how someone defines what “their best” is.

Some people’s best may be loving you from a distance while others may be there to physically pick you up when you need it.

How you decide to show up for your people is ultimately your choice.

What I’ve learned is that when I am on the receiving end and my people are showing up for me, they all bring something different to the table. Some bring fresh baked cookies while others bring prayers and words of encouragement.

Regardless of what they bring, I need it all.

No matter how you define “showing up” just show up. That’s all you have to do…just show up.