“The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.” ~Brené Brown
What is it about us human beings that doesn't trust that we are enough?
What is it that whispers in our ear and tells us that we are deficient, unworthy, incapable, unloveable, and less than, and so often causes us to wrestle with a specter that isn't even there?
We seem to find it difficult to believe that showing up, just as we are, is a worthy enough endeavor, and makes a difference to the people in our lives and to the world around us.
Somehow, we do not fully trust that bringing the best of what we've been endowed with to the table will suffice; and because of that insecurity, we often create drama where none is needed out of an attempt to mask our feelings of inadequacy.
But this turmoil that we create—both within ourselves and outside of ourselves—is unnecessary.
What if we were to trust that showing up with a genuine desire to simply be present and available is enough?
What if we were to trust that showing up with our vulnerability fully displayed is enough?
What if we were to trust that showing up with an authentic longing to come together with another human being is enough?
What if we were to trust that showing up genuinely looking to find the similarities between ourselves rather than the differences is enough?
What if we were to trust that showing up and being a soft place for another to land is enough?
What if we were to trust that showing up with an ear to truly listen, be moved, and then to share our empathy is enough?
What if we were to trust that showing up with the strong hope of contributing something of value and meaning is enough?
What if we were to trust that showing up with our walls down is enough?
What if we were to trust that showing up—whole-heartedly, genuinely, authentically, and with passion—is enough, and not worry about the rest...?
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
“From The Heart” is a space for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life. Here you'll find my reflections on my own inner/spiritual journey; on being a wife and mother; on being a creative; and general observations, pretty much whatever is on my mind.
I whole-heartedly believe that sharing "from the heart" with one another is what connects us, heals us, and inspires us! Glad you're here...
Roseanne Sabol
I think we're bombarded with so many media messages that say we need to BE more, DO more, BUY more. You're so right, Ingrid - just showing up and showing our authentic beautiful selves is enough. ♥️
The Cozy Apron
Hi friend, you are so right...what else do we truly have but that? Much love! xoxox
Lin
What a beautiful post. I should print it out and carry it around with me. This is something that I have been struggling with a lot over the past year. I am recently a stay at home mom and whenever I find myself in social situations, I feel so inadequate and embarrassed that I am not doing more with my life.
The Cozy Apron
Dear Lin, thank you for your beautiful and personal words...I was truly touched by them. I would implore you to print this out and have it somewhere you can look at it often, and be reminded that you are enough! You are, indeed, showing up for your family, for your children! It breaks my heart to read that you feel inadequate and even embarrassed at times. You are doing the job of a life time, loving and raising your precious children up to be amazing human beings...what could be greater? There is no more important work than to be a part of another human being's life, to touch them and nourish them, especially as they grow. Remember that you are a gift to them; and if you are taking pride in this work that you have presently been called to do (being a mother), and do it to the best of your ability, and with passion, you will be a shining example to your kids. Life is only beginning for you, Lin! There is so much more to come!!