The Art of Showing Up (Even When Everything Goes Wrong)

Some of the best things in my life didn’t happen because I had everything figured out; they happened because I showed up before I felt ready.

It’s funny how often we wait for the perfect moment: the right plan, the right timing, the right mindset. But the truth? Readiness is rarely a feeling. It’s a choice.

I remember showing up to a meeting once after my bag was lost in transit. I had nothing but my laptop, a suit that barely passed for business casual, and a small bottle of hotel shampoo.

Halfway through the meeting, the customer looked at me and said, “Are you feeling okay?”

My words started slowing down, my rhythm changed, and within minutes, I felt like I was crawling out of my own skin. My breathing quickened — an allergic reaction was rolling through my blood.

I had to step out mid-sentence, find a local drug store, and recover before the day even truly began.

It was messy, humbling, and completely out of my control. But I showed up. And that day taught me something: sometimes courage isn’t found in how you perform, it’s in how you respond when things fall apart.

Showing up doesn’t always mean standing tall. Sometimes, it’s just about standing there.

Because you’ll never regret showing up, but you’ll always wonder what would’ve happened if you didn’t.

Reflection Prompt:
Think back to a time you showed up under less-than-perfect conditions. What did it teach you about resilience and presence?