Just show up. I think that’s the key to so much. It has been almost four months since I’ve written a blog post. I’ve been through a lot of emotional stuff with a close family member. In the midst of all that, I felt I had nothing to say. I didn’t write. I hardly played the piano (except to prepare for and perform a Christmas recital). I didn’t feel very creative. Today I decided to just show up. I didn’t have an agenda or something particular to say. But I’m here.
Isn’t that a lot of what life is about? We don’t have to do things perfectly. We don’t have to have a purpose in everything. If we just sit in front of the keyboard…for a computer or piano…or at an easel or on a yoga mat or whatever and just listen and be still, who knows what kind of creativity or inspiration or movement or whatever might come forth from us. I went to yoga this morning for the first time in a year. My body was stiff. I knew the class would be hard and at times I would hate being there. But I showed up. I did what I could. And afterward, my body felt better and I was around some cool people and even got a hug from a guy in the class. So I feel better emotionally too. All just for showing up…even when I didn’t want to.
Credit: Stanford Scopeblog
In my work I sometimes feel dull or tired or not into it, but I sit down at my computer and creative work just comes out of me. (Okay…I’m sliding into thinking this is all too dull. MUST. FIGHT. THE. NEGATIVE. THOUGHTS.) Surely anyone who has ever written a note of music or a word of poetry has thought they had nothing important or beautiful to say. And yet…they JUST. SHOW. UP.
So here’s to a year of just showing up. For me, I’m showing up every day as I train to walk another marathon…this one the Oakland Marathon on 3/25 (and trust me, I am overweight and approaching 60 so showing up to do this is a big deal). I’m showing up to reclaim beauty I feel I’ve lost. I’m showing up to write every week. I’m showing up to ride my new bicycle (even though I haven’t ridden in years and even slight hills are challenging and it’s scary). I’m showing up to work out at the gym. I’m showing up to go to those yoga classes. I’m showing up to play the piano. I’m showing up to create a new life…a more joyful, prosperous, delightful, and peaceful life. I’m showing up to be BOLDER. I’m showing up to laugh more, to have more fun, to feel freer, and to be more authentically myself.
What are you showing up for this year? You are showing up, right?
So true! The most daring things I’ve done in my life, and my greatest accomplishments, have been the results of “just showing up.” I’m still learning that it’s not about perfection, but about making the effort. After all, if I I don’t make the effort I can never practice- or have any chance of being perfect. You said a LOT in just a few words. Not easy to do, but “just showing up” makes it all possible.
Loved your post….you said everything I’ve been feeling!! I’ve also been absent from my blog, but hoping to be re-invigorated with the election coming up. Mostly I’ve been present for my grandgirls, but need to do it for myself too….let’s do it girl!!
Just showing up can open the door to more strength and ability than we dreamed we had. I like what you have written. It speaks to the down days of our lives when we need to keep the faith that we CAN do something if we try.
Nice Blog. Will follow you.