Sometimes It's About Just Showing Up When You Don’t Want To

Sometimes, you just have to get up and show up. Even when it’s early, and every fiber of your being wants to stay in bed. Even when you wish for a magic wand to freeze the spinning world and let you rest just a little longer.

That’s exactly how I felt at 8 a.m. this past Saturday. A few weeks ago, in my role as organizer for a South Bay girls’ Meet-up group, I had scheduled a fun outing to the DeAnza Flea Market. At the time, it sounded like a fantastic idea. But come Saturday morning, I found myself longing for a lazy day—sleeping in, enjoying the quiet house, and snuggling with my husband. Instead, I had to drag myself out of bed.

One of the tricky things about Meet-up events is that you never know how many people will actually show up. The RSVP list had dwindled to just one other member besides me. I secretly hoped she might cancel. When she didn’t, and after a quick email exchange where she expressed her excitement, I knew I had to match her enthusiasm. She was coming, so I’d better get moving.

By 9:30 a.m., I was out the door and scouring for parking at the flea market just before 10. Shortly after, I was negotiating my first bargain. Someone alert the press: Jody, out of the house before 10 a.m.! For a certified non-morning person, this was practically a miracle.

As I wandered through the flea market, my early-morning yawns gave way to a growing excitement. The adrenaline of hunting for hidden treasures started to kick in. The sun was bright but not yet hot, and it felt refreshing to be out amidst the buzz of the crowd. My friend and I strolled down aisles, sharing stories from our week, and before long, I realized I was genuinely glad I hadn’t canceled.

This isn’t the first time I’ve found myself reluctantly stepping out of my comfort zone, only to be thankful that I did. It’s become something of a pattern for me. I’ll dread an event, debate whether to back out, but then somehow muster the energy or resolve to show up. Almost without fail, I end up grateful for the experience.

It reminds me of a pivotal moment in high school. I was invited to attend Washington All-Girl’s State—a week-long leadership camp for high-achieving students. While it was an honor to be asked, I wanted no part of it. “I don’t know anyone,” I complained to my mom. “It’s a whole week. What if I can’t figure out where to go?”

My mom, in her infinite wisdom, simply said, “You should go. You never know what you’ll miss out on if you don’t.”

And, of course, she was right. I went, and I loved it. By the end of the week, I didn’t want to leave. The friendships I made, the lessons I learned, the experiences I had—I never would have been elected State Attorney General if I had canceled! Imagine missing out on all of that.

The lesson has stayed with me ever since: getting up, showing up, and stepping into opportunities—especially when you don’t feel like it—is how life unfolds. These moments teach us so much, not only about where our paths may lead but also about how much influence we have over the journey.

So, next time you’re tempted to stay in, remember this: life’s most rewarding moments often start with showing up.

Footnote: In addition to a great morning hanging out with my girlfriend, Saturday's path at the flea market lead me to a great pair of $5 sunglasses, two chick-lit books for a buck, and a wonderfully kitschy Giant's Baseball clock for my hubs. Only at the flea market!