Showing Up — For Yourself

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in your own life — the daily tasks, the appointments, school clubs, family birthdays, and whatever else life throws at us. But when was the last time you actually did something for yourself? Just for you?

I’m not talking about the small things this time (self care etc) I mean something more — goals, a challenge, a qualification, or simply something that gives you a sense of self achievement.

In the last year, I’ve really felt a shift in my sense of purpose since I started working towards things that make me feel good. My graduation was an emotional turning point. It filled me with pride and was definitely a “pinch me” moment when I walked across that stage in London to collect my graduate scroll.

More recently, I’ve started to run. Running has opened up a whole new world for me — one with no limitations — where I’ve started pushing my body and mind to places I never thought possible. Squeezing in runs around family life and work commitments hasn’t been easy, but I’ve made it work somehow. I think it really comes down to mindset and discipline when it comes to exercise and goal setting. Getting it done feels good, but getting to it can be hard. You have to push past the “I don’t want to,” because on the other side, you’ll find “I’m glad I did that.”

Today, I’m sitting here after completing my first half marathon this weekend, and I feel completely alive. Whether that’s a runner’s high, I don’t know — but I can definitely feel a change in myself. The need for more just grows with every goal I surpass.

And those goals? They don’t have to be huge. Big or small — a goal’s a goal, right?

Some days I think, “I’d really like to paint something,” so I do — goal achieved.

Some days I think, “I’m going to rearrange my living room,” so I do — goal achieved.

Some days I think, “I fancy booking a 21k race and running it,” so I do — goal achieved.

The pattern here isn’t the goal itself — it’s the doing.

You could set yourself a list of goals that are amazing to have, but unless you start ticking off the smaller ones, the big ones just feel out of your reach — and that can set you up to fail before you’ve even started.

Life is short. If you want to do something, do it.

I understand that things can get in the way of your goals — money, time, resources. So be realistic. Don’t set yourself up with something completely out of reach. Set goals that, deep down, you know you can achieve with a bit of blood, sweat, and tears.

Because who knows? Once you start building momentum and completing the things you said you would, the world around you starts opening up new doors and opportunities.

Create the life you want. Don’t sit back and wait for things to happen — make them happen.

Do it for yourself. Because when you start showing up for yourself, you show up better for your family too. You bring more positivity, more confidence, and you set an example for others who might be waiting for their moment to start.

Maybe this is it.