Showing Up

I've just returned from doing a presentation at a professional conference in Charlotte, NC. I traveled by air, so I spent some time in the Charlotte terminal. In the midst of the hustle and bustle there, a young man was playing the piano. People were rushing past him to make their flights -- not even looking at him -- yet he was using his gift as if he was playing in Carnegie Hall, giving his all to the performance. His music was so beautiful, it stopped me in my tracks. When I walked up to speak with him, the first words I blurted out were "Thank you for showing up today!" 

Showing up in life can be challenging -- particularly when our efforts don’t seem to be affecting anything, or possibly making the situation worse. This is particularly true in conflict with our families.  We are intimidated by the unknown effects that showing up will have on the conversation. We hold back from being fully ourselves: participating with our honest words, authentically saying what's going on with us.

So we don’t show up. Family patterns have already told us there are land mines ahead. 

That’s why I like to offer help in dealing with these dynamics when the holidays roll around. I'm inviting you to this year’s evening class on Thursday, November 16^th.  

For now, I'm encouraging you to embark on the Path of Showing Up. Take small steps. Resist sacrificing who you are in your relationships because of what might happen.

Bring your influence and unique contributions to the conversation. Each time that you do, you will have defined yourself a little more to the people in your life, and will have made your mark on what is taking place.

As with the young musician in Charlotte, 
no matter what is happening around you, being 100% you in the midst of it is more valuable than you think. 

DrK
If you'd like to know more about showing up in conflict, contact me at confidentconflict.com for a complimentary conversation!  

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