The Art of Showing Up (Even When It’s Hard)

Evelyn Jack in Clear Creek Canyon — hair not done, but still rocking a bold lip!

Do it messy. Do it scared. Just show up.

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you show up for yourself on the days you really, really don’t want to.

You know the days I mean—when your hair’s doing its own thing, your body feels like it’s made of concrete, and you’ve had at least two internal arguments with your bed about whether to get up or stay horizontal forever.

And yet, you show up. Maybe not glamorous. Maybe not graceful. But there you are, leggings on, eyes half open...ready enough.

That’s the thing about showing up—it’s not about being ready. It’s about being willing.

The Myth of Motivation

People think motivation is this magical force that swoops in like a caffeinated fairy godmother and blesses you with energy and enthusiasm.

Spoiler: she’s not coming.

Motivation doesn’t knock. Momentum does. You have to start moving first—then the magic finds you.

In Pilates, I see this every single day. Clients stumble in tired, stressed, and burned out. They apologize before class even begins—

“I almost didn’t come.”

“I’m exhausted.”

“I feel off today.”

But then something happens.

Ten minutes in, their breath deepens.

Twenty minutes in, the world outside ceases to exist.

Forty minutes later—they’re glowing.

They didn’t just show up to Pilates. They showed up for themselves.

And that—right there—is where transformation lives.

Showing Up Isn’t Always Pretty

We’ve glamorized the idea of “self-care” into bath bombs and matcha lattes (which, don’t get me wrong, I love). But the real art of self-care? It’s in the showing up when you least feel like it.

Showing up tired.

Showing up uncertain.

Showing up imperfect.

It’s doing the work when you’d rather hide.

It’s trusting that your future self will thank you for the effort your present self can barely make.

Because every time you choose to show up, you’re reminding the universe—and yourself —that you matter.

The “No Regrets” Rule

Translation: if you can physically put your leggings on and find your keys, you can make it to class.

You don’t have to be at 100%. You don’t even need 60%. You just need to be present.

And here’s the thing—no one regrets showing up.

I’ve had countless clients tell me they almost didn’t come in…and every single one leaves smiling. They leave taller. Stronger. Softer in spirit.

So my question is—how many didn’t?

How many people stayed home? How many people missed that emotional shift, that joy, that quiet pride of saying, “I did it”?

The Art of Showing Up

Showing up is a declaration of worthiness.

It’s saying, “I’m not waiting for perfect circumstances to honor myself.”

You don’t need to feel inspired.

You don’t need the perfect playlist, outfit, or energy.

You just need you.

That’s it.

That’s the art.

So, if you’re reading this, waiting for a sign—this is it.

Do it messy.

Do it scared.

Do it late.

Do it with coffee breath and mismatched socks if you have to.

Just show up.

Because that’s how we build strength—not by waiting for the easy days, but by moving through the hard ones.

And sometimes? The simple act of showing up is the most radical self-love there is.

Be here for it.

Be here for you. 💛