He Was Just There

I was on my way to Vermont, quick stop for an egg and cheese sammich because who doesn’t love a good egg and cheese.

Walking over to the counter, no one was there. Behind me sitting at a table, a young man, maybe early 20’s. Head down, looks up from his phone “do you need food?”. (Let’s call him Matt)

My first thought: “of course I need food, I didn’t walk over here because there’s so much to see”.

My second thought: “if it’s not to much of a problem having you get your face out of your phone to do what someone is paying you for?”

My actual response: “yea man, if you could.”

Matt stands up, shuffles over, and we’re not talking one of the shuffles that the girls do on TikTok to dance music. We’re talking a shuffle that you would see a 103 year old do because they can. Because they lived their years and deserve to go whatever speed they so choose, without judgement and without hurry. This kid though? …. ooof

Anyway, back to the counter.

“What do you want” - okay, guest services isn’t where his heart is, we have learned that.

“Egg n Cheese on a hard roll, sallt and pepper if you could"

“A what?”

I’m a bit confused because I didn’t whisper this…

Tell him again, he turns around and looks at the eggs and the grill for a good 30 seconds before he moves again.

Egg is cooking and I can’t not….

Me: Hey man, can I ask you a question?

Matt: Sure, what?

Me: Where do you want to be right now?

Matt: Anywhere but here.

Me: So it’s not that you have somewhere you really want to be? You just don’t want to be here?

Matt: Pretty much?

Me: What’s wrong with here?

Matt: Look around, would you want to be here?

::the window is now open::

Me: Actually, I would. Right? This morning, we woke up, choices in front of us. I am driving 2 hours to cut up trees, mow grass, and take care of a property. I could be doing other things. But that’s what needs to be done. So I’m going to go do it and be present and do the best I can till it’s done and I’m coming back.

So this morning, you woke up and came here right?

Matt: Unfortunately

Me: But you got to choose to come here.

Matt: Nope, I had to. It’s my job.

Me: Exactly! It’s your job, there are other jobs, but right now, today, this is your job. And you chose to drive here, not somewhere else? There are two options: You can quit and leave or you can keep showing up right?

Matt: True

::I’m slowly getting there::

Me: Are you going to quit and leave then?

Matt: Nah

Me: Then be here. Show up. Not just physically, you already did that. But Show up. Be here and do the best you can while you’re here. Especially since you don’t even know where else you want to be right now. And you’re making money. To make people happy with food. You got to choose to be here and now you can choose to actually show up and truly be here. And if you can’t do that. Then you should quit and not be here at all. Ya know?

Matt: That’s a great point.

When I left, he was a bit more up beat. Helping the next customer and looking him in the face. Did he continue this energy for the rest of his shift? Possibly? Did he wake up this morning and go back in with the same energy as the previous morning where the last place he wanted to be was there? Possibly.

This was a really long way of saying that one simple thing…

Show Up!

And if you can’t show up, go back to the original thought, where would you rather be? And if there is somewhere you would rather be, then go. I know we “all” have to work. We may need to go into the office instead of going to play golf or pickleball. We go to the office though so that WE CAN go play golf or pickleball. So maybe that’s what you need to remember. And SHOW UP.

BE at the office. BE in the meeting. BE with your team. If you can’t, then find a new office, a new career, a new job where you can be. And then SHOW UP.

Be present and fully engaged in any given moment or situation. Commit yourself to the task at hand, whether it's a personal relationship, a professional responsibility, or a creating.

And when you do SHOW UP, bring your true self, ready to contribute, support, and participate actively. Be reliable, attentive, and put in the effort, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties. Showing up is a testament to your dedication, integrity, and willingness to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

The energy shift you can have when you decide to SHOW UP can be powerful. You can feel it radiate through your body, and the best part, it will carry over to others and lift them up and maybe even help them to show up.

Three Tips To Showing Up

1. Set Clear Intentions and Goals: Before engaging in any activity or task, take a moment to define your purpose and what you aim to achieve. Setting clear intentions helps focus your energy and ensures you approach the situation with a sense of direction. Whether it's preparing for a meeting, starting a creative project, or spending time with loved ones, knowing your goals can enhance your commitment and presence. And in turn, assist in SHOWING UP 100%

2. Practice Mindfulness: Being mindful means staying present and fully engaged in the current moment. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even a brief pause to center yourself can help you remain focused and attentive. Mindfulness reduces distractions and allows you to give your full attention to the task or person at hand, enhancing your ability to show up effectively. If you begin to feel drained, it’s okay to pause, sit, walk, breathe. Then hit the play button again and believe in what you’re doing and come back to showing up.

3. Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being is crucial for being able to show up consistently. Ensure you get enough rest, eat healthily, and make time for activities that rejuvenate you. When you're well-rested and feeling good, you're more likely to have the energy and mindset needed to be present and engaged in various aspects of your life.

What tips can you share to helping others show up? Comment or message us at [email protected] and we will share your tips with everyone.

Push On Till The Day!

TAB

The 303 Team