The Power of Showing Up—Even When You Have Nothing
If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to “just show up,” let me take you to a sweltering Florida parking garage, where I was hunched over a cracked sink, trying to wipe away the sweat and grime before a job interview. I didn’t have a home, a shower, or even a clean shirt that hadn’t just been washed in a 24-hour laundromat. But I had an interview, and I had to show up.
The Interview: Survival Mode in the Florida Heat
I’ll be honest: I had every intention of preparing for that interview. I wanted to research the company, rehearse my answers, maybe even iron my shirt. But when you’re homeless, preparation is a luxury. My days were spent figuring out where I’d sleep, how I’d eat, and how I’d get from one place to another without enough money for a bus pass.
That morning, I was lucky—a friend and a family member each sent me a little money. One covered a bus pass, the other an Uber to the office. I still had to carry all my belongings with me: a regular bag and a plastic bag that screamed “homeless” in a way I couldn’t hide. I hadn’t shaved, my hair was a mess, and I was painfully aware of how I looked and smelled. I felt like I was walking into that office with a neon sign over my head.
But I showed up. I sat across from my would-be boss, trying to focus on his questions while a part of me was screaming with embarrassment and exhaustion. I didn’t feel present. I didn’t feel impressive. But I was there. Sometimes, that’s all you can do.
Conquering Lion Yoga: The Power of Saying Yes
Let me rewind to 2013, to a moment that changed my life in a different way. Out of the blue, Kelly Morris—someone I’d only admired from afar—invited me to her Conquering Lion Yoga teacher training in New York. I’d never met her. I’d never even been to New York on my own. And I definitely didn’t have the money to go.
My first reaction was, “No way. I can’t afford this.” Even though the training itself was a gift, I still needed to cover flights and a place to stay. I started a GoFundMe, thinking maybe I could scrape together enough for a weekend. Donations trickled in, and then, after Kelly retweeted my link, they started to pour. I ended up with enough to get to New York, pay for a hotel, and attend at least the first weekend.
Here’s the thing: I knew I couldn’t finish the whole program. The money wasn’t enough, and my life in Tampa was still waiting for me. But I made a promise to myself—I would show up, say thank you in person, and be present for whatever I could. That was my only goal. I couldn’t control the outcome, but I could control my presence.
Preparation vs. Survival
Both of these stories taught me something I wish more people understood: there’s a world of difference between being prepared and just surviving. When you’re in survival mode, you don’t get to plan. You don’t get to show up as your best self. You just show up, period.
I used to beat myself up for not being more “together.” For not having the right clothes, the right words, the right energy. But I’ve learned that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is simply walk through the door, even if you’re carrying everything you own in a plastic bag.
Lessons in Resilience
I’m not sharing this for pity. I’m sharing it because I know I’m not alone. Maybe you’ve never been homeless, but I bet you’ve had days where just getting out of bed felt impossible. Maybe you’ve shown up to something important feeling completely unprepared, wishing you could be anyone but yourself in that moment.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Showing up is enough. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have it all together. Just being there matters.
Ask for help, even when it’s hard. I wouldn’t have made it to that interview or to Conquering Lion Yoga without the kindness of friends, family, and strangers.
Honor your commitments. If someone gives you a chance, or donates to your cause, use that gift for its intended purpose. Integrity matters, even when life is messy.
If this story moved you, or made you see someone else’s struggle in a new light, I invite you to support me by buying me a coffee. Your support helps me keep showing up, and maybe, helps someone else feel seen.
Have you ever had to show up when you felt completely unprepared? What did you learn from that experience? How can we better support those who are just trying to make it through the day? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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