What does it mean to show up?
At the end of every podcast episode, I ask you one simple question:
Are you going to show up today?
And I realized something—it was time to explain what I actually mean by that.
Because showing up isn’t about perfection, productivity, or pushing through at all costs.
It’s something much more human than that.
What does it mean to show up?
Showing Up Means Doing It Imperfectly
Showing up means allowing yourself to be human.
You are not perfect. I am not perfect. None of us are. And yet, we keep waiting until we feel “ready,” healed enough, confident enough, or less messy before we begin. Just start.
Showing up means doing it anyway.
It looks like getting out of bed even after you hit snooze twice.
It looks like starting the day a little slower than you planned—and continuing on anyway.
It looks like choosing movement over stagnation, even when it’s clumsy.
Your life is not waiting for you to be flawless.
It’s waiting for you.
Showing Up Means Starting Where You Are
So many women talk themselves out of change because they feel underprepared.
“I don’t have enough time.”
“I don’t know enough yet.”
“I’ll start once things calm down.”
But the truth is—you already have more than you think. A question I return to often is: What would I do if this could be easy? Not perfect. Not dramatic. Just easy.
When you start where you are, with what you have, momentum builds. You don’t need the whole plan—just the next small step.
Showing Up Means Consistency (Not Perfection)
Consistency doesn’t mean doing something every single day without fail.
Consistency means you’re doing it more times than you’re not. Or at least that’s my personal definition.
And as women, consistency will never look the same every week. Our energy fluctuates. Our responsibilities shift. Our seasons change.
Showing up in a season of survival looks different than showing up in a season of stability—and both count.
Grace matters here.
Showing Up Is a Daily Decision
When I ask, “Are you going to show up today?” it’s not meant to shame you.
It’s a gentle reminder.
You don’t have to do everything.
You don’t have to be strong all the time.
You don’t have to show up loudly or visibly.
Sometimes showing up is just taking one step forward instead of giving up.
Buuuut if you give up sometimes, it’s ok just don’t stay there.
Why Showing Up Can Feel So Hard
If showing up feels difficult, there’s nothing wrong with you.
It can be hard because of:
Fear of failure—or fear of success
Fear of the unknown
Burnout from survival mode
Perfectionism
Fear of being seen
Emotional or mental overwhelm
Unrealistic expectations
Trying to carry an old version of yourself into a new season
Lack of structure or support
Pick one, most or all. None of these make you weak. They make you human.
A Moment to Reflect and Recenter
Before you move on with your day, take a moment with these:
—Release the idea that showing up has to be visible to others.
This is your journey.
—Ask yourself: What does showing up look like for me right now?
—Notice: Where am I already showing up—but downplaying it?
—Remember: Showing up builds self-trust. Consistency builds identity.
You are already doing more than you think. And in case you haven’t heard it lately—I’m proud of you. Keep going.
And with that being said….are you going to show up today?
