So, we hear from the famous actor/director Woody Allen that “Eighty percent of success is showing up”. I’m not sure how he came up with 80% but he’s probably right.
Most of the time people who simply show up find success in their action. By showing up, and just being there, a myriad of actions occur. You just told those there that you care. You indicated to those there that they matter. You filled an area that would have been empty. You breathed life in a space where no life would have been exactly as you put it. You made a difference in the lives of others even if ever-so-slight.
For a majority of my years as a teacher, my classroom was on the front of the building and right in front of the window was the school parking lot. If ever there were exciting times, it was so often when a parent was expected by the child. Literally, children could be seen sitting on the edge of their chairs looking and longing to see mom or dad drive through the parking lot. Just that parent “showing up” made all of the difference in the world and the opposite also happened. I have had parents who said they would come and for one reason or another, they couldn’t and oh the sorrow and sadness expressed by that child.
Although children wanted their Mom’s and Dad’s to stay long periods, they were generally happy to have the parent come for the lunch hour or the basic block of time of that event. Just to have the parent “show up” was enough for a proud moment for those elementary-aged kids.
In going through life, I see that very same action. Whether it be a shower, wedding, performance of some kind or even funeral, showing up is important.
All of us need to experience success in our lives as we move forward. Success is not just for elementary-aged children, it’s for us as adults as well so do the best that you can to simply “show up” ya’ll!
Josie
