It’s an exciting day in the land of lemmings because we have a most auspicious guest visiting these humble parts.
The messiah of awesomeness, the Yoda of life, the lover of lipstick, dress wearing and dancing (oh, that’s right, I’d promised I wouldn’t mention that again – oops)…may I present, Lance from The Jungle of Life!
All jokes aside, Lance is one of those human beings the world needs more of. He’s up there as one of the kindest, most generous people I know and this is very much reflected in his writing and his blog. It’s no wonder he has such a large following of like-minded souls (a perfect example of what you give out, you get back).
If you want to learn more about who you are, what’s important in life and how to “tame this jungle we call our lives” then The Jungle of Life is where it’s at. It’s a site jam packed with wisdom and insight (to keep up with the goodness, you can subscribe to it here).
It is with great pleasure I hand over to you Lance my friend. The floor is yours…
You’ve Just Gotta Show Up!
“80 percent of success is just showing up” ~ Woody Allen
Rain.
Heavy rain.
Thunder.
Sounds like a good day to stay inside, instead of venturing out, right?
Let me share a story from this August. My family and I had entered ourselves into a 5K trail run at a local state park. A race we’ve competed in the last five years. A chance to get out into the woods, at a park just a few short miles from home.
This year, as we woke up on that Saturday morning – we were greeted with intermittent heavy rain showers. Would the race go on? Should we go? Well, we had paid to enter the race, so off we went.
The race began promptly at 8:30, everyone ready to go with the looming darkness in the sky. The gun sounded, and we were off. Ninety runners and a few walkers. Off on a course that would take us uphill for the first half of the run, followed by a mostly downhill descent for the second half. About a minute into the race, and the light sprinkle in the air turned into a heavy downpour. The rain coming down in buckets, we quickly found ourselves running through newly-created rivers as we headed upward, and then back down. Completely soaked.
Race complete! Drenched, and clothes heavy with the weight of the soaked up water. Everyone gathered near the small shelter, where awards were to be given out. First and second place in each age group. And…I came in second in my age group! Not because I was fast, not because I knew the course any better than everyone else, not because I’d trained on the course. I won an award simply because I chose to “show up”.
I wasn’t the fastest runner that day. In fact, this being a difficult race with all the hills, on any normal day, my time would be considered slow. On this day, though, the day I chose to “show up” for, this time was good enough for a second place finish!
Showing Up
And isn’t that a lot like life? Sure, there are some things, the glamorous things that everyone will show up for. The parties. The free food. The work that’s enjoyable. The “fun” stuff.
What about the “not so fun” stuff, though? Are you showing up for these things? That’s what can be the difference between mediocre and remarkable. That’s what can be the difference between average and extraordinary.
What are you choosing?
What are you choosing in those things that have the deepest meaning to you? Are you showing up, even when you might not want to? Or doing those tasks that just aren’t your favorite?
Life is what YOU make it!
Choose to “show up” in all those life journey’s that have real meaning for you.
NOTE: Back to the race one final time. I neglected to mention up above, that in addition to coming in second place in my age division, I also came in last in that division as well. Laugh with me! And then think about that for a minute. Truly I could have walked the whole course, I could have stopped to pick daisy’s along the way, I could have taken a little detour, I could have sat down and called Sami (although she would probably have been sleeping!) – and I still would have come in second. Because I chose to show up…
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Lance and Sami,
Congratulations on your win! That was a great learning moment for all of your kids.
I showed up to run my very first race (10k)in pouring rain after camping the night before. I had on my sweats and some old tennis shoes. I was freezing so I put on my husbands coat over my sweats.
Can you say clueless. It rained the entire time. It was still raining when I finished dead last. Yes that would be out of all the runners not just my age group.
I won as well…I’m still a runner 28 years later. The doctore told me at my last bone scan I have the hips of a 30 year old because I’ve been running so long! Yeah!
So that’s what I’ve won…my stable weight and a healthy body. Just for showing up and running that day.
Oh and were several races I was last those first 5 years and sometimes I’d get lost! How embarrasing is that.
Another time for a 25K I was in the back of the pack. By the time I was nearing the finish line the cones were gone and the traffic was every where. I wrote in to the race directors and told them it’s not right to only have the cones and cheering crowd out for the front runners.
I got a free entry form for the next year! So if you’re ever watching a run stick around and cheer for the back of the pack:)
Great article Lance. Again a teaching moment for all.
Hi Lance, Sami! Nice article in there, I’m really glad I showed up!
If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have found this blog and be inspired again by Lance’s wit and wisdom. It doesn’t matter that you came in there last, Lance. Many people didn’t even make it to that place! Next time the weather turns out as bad as that, maybe I would try a race and even grab a trophy for being the only person who is stubborn enough, fun enough and cool enough to show up.
Great post, Lance! It’s great to see you over here on Sami’s site.
Well said, Lance! If we sign up for it, we show up for it — great lesson in the value of our word, and the value of commitment. I see numerous examples of the younger working people that don’t seem to “get it” and I wonder how the message missed its mark in their growing up. It’s a thought for me to ponder, which I’ll be doing in the next bunch of traveling days.
And Tess, what a great story you share as well! I surely will be thinking about the “back of the pack” in life, too.
Lance,
I am totally laughing with you about your second place and last place finish. That is absolutely awesome!!!
Glad I showed up on Sami’s cool site.
Oh Lance, (and Tess) and hi host Sami.
Great stories how showing up is all that sometimes we have to choose to do and then things happen from there.
Choosing for the being and the doing and NOT the having of a end result that will only satisfy our manufactured identity.
Brilliant.
I only walked half a marathon once to support a friend and while I was starting the runners already returned. I could not believe that anybody could run such a distance and I felt a bit foolish to just walk it.
But I soon got over that and got on with my walking. My friend and I ahd a great time.
I have read Sami’s story as well, another great way of what showing up can do.
And I enjoyed showing up here as well, hmm.
Truly inspiring post. Just because you showed up you won second place? I’m definitely laughing with you there, Lance
This shows that something as simple as showing up and putting in just a bit more effort than the rest can display amazing results. Congrats on the race!
Thanks for having Lance guest post here, Sami! I’ve heard good things about this blog from the Steve Pavlina forums so I might as well check the rest of the site out
Hi Sami and Lance,
What a wonderful story. You’re right Lance, when we commit to something, part of our success depends on showing up.
I loved your story about running in the rain and even getting an award. Not only do you have something to celebrate, but you’ve created a great family memory as well.
Showing up, how true. I got my job competing against thousands, literally. Had I known beforehand I could have not showed up (44 positions, 12,000 participants of which half didn’t show up).
Hi Lance & Sami,
A wonderful post and lesson for us all, Lance. I love the ending, especially about being 2nd and also last! I’d like to share one of my stories with you . . .
My lindy hop partner and I came in 5th in a national jitterbug contest years ago. Fifth out of fifth in our division, after hours of practicing and preparation. It was pretty mortifying, as a matter of fact, since we had done way more than just show up. We actually thought we had a chance . . . until the contest started.
But, after the awards were announced and the prizes given out, my son ran up to us and said, “Mom, don’t look at it as coming in last place in the contest. It’s a national contest, so you’re really 5th in the nation in your category!” Now that’s turning a loss into one huge win!
Very nice to meet you and your blog, Sami! I look forward to poking around here more. Lance, thanks for the introduction.
@Everyone
Hi All, thanks very much for stopping by. Great to have you here!
@John
Hi John, you’re welcome and thanks very much. Feel free to have a poke around but be gentle!
@Linda
Thanks Linda. Nice to meet you too. Thanks for stopping by!
Lance, great story. It’s so true that to participate fully in life we have to show up. We have to show up and be available to our family, we have to show up and make good choices for ourselves.
Showing up and following through – I love that you do both!!
Sami,
What’s that I’ve called you? Oh, that’s right – Sassy Sami…hmmm…I wonder why!! Really, though, thanks so much for the lovely introduction up above. Your words (well, most of them anyway!) are so wonderful and appreciated! It’s been great getting to know you – and just really seeing you fully living life! You inspire me, and I know you do that for others too – on what life can truly be. Keep shining your amazing light, my friend…
@Tess – Hi Tess. Thanks!! And yes, it was a good learning moment for everyone. In fact, my older son won his age division (and even had a bit more competition in there!). I love the story about your very first race – and how it’s been a life win! Wow!! That’s a great way to view it. You showed up, and because of that, you ARE a runner – then and still today! And look at how good it’s been for your body! That’s the best kind of win right there! And way to go – calling the race directors on closing the race early. In fact, that reminds me of this race I did up above. There was a lady who was 82 years old who also ran it. And when she came in, last person out on the course – everyone cheered wildly – so cool!! Thanks for sharing all of this, Tess – you are a true example of really winning at running!
@Abbiejoice – Hi Jocelyn. It’s great to see you here. And definitely explore around Sami’s site, she is such a fun person to connect with! And you know what, I was perfectly fine coming in last in my age group – because that’s it exactly – I was there. Keep being fun and cool…
@Positively Present – Thanks much, Dani. It’s great to be here with Sami today!
@Jeanne – Hi Jeanne! And that’s a good point you bring up, and one I hadn’t really thought much about – our word, and commitment. Maybe part of the lesson that we passed on to our kids is in the value of our commitment. And if they take something away from this, that would be an excellent thing for them to hold onto.
@FatFighterTV – Hi Sahar. Ha!!! As I wondered over to the shelter where the race results were posted, I couldn’t believe I’d actually come in second place…and then it just got funnier as I realized later that I was also last place! Hmmm, I wonder if the race officials thought about announcing me at “…and coming in last place in his age division…” before presenting the plaque! That would have been funny (would I have accepted the plaque, though?!?!)
@Wilma – Hi Wilma. And that’s such a big thing right there – who knows what could happen from us just showing up – at whatever. It could be small, or it could be big. And I love how you’ve phrased that about “Choosing for the being and the doing and NOT the having of a end result…”. Much to think about in that thought. And very awesome that you did a half marathon – walking it is still a big feat – that’s no short distance at all!
@John – Thanks much John! And thanks for laughing with me, it really was pretty funny – there was no way I thought I was going to win any award for my performance – and yet – I did! And John – Sami’s site is filled will all sorts of awesomeness – enjoy!
@Barbara – Hi Barbara! That’s right, it was such a fun morning – and it really was fun because we did get to run in the rain. And then, to win an award (both my older son and I) – was just icing on the cake (well…they didn’t serve cake there – so maybe I should have said – cold water in the bottles).
@Miguel – Hi Miguel. That’s a great story, and I remember when you started that process. Very cool! And sometimes sheer numbers can scare us away – so sometimes not knowing is a good thing! And that so awesome that it worked out for you!
@Linda Abbit – Hi Linda. Kids can be very wise sometimes, can’t they! Linda, this is a wonderful story – and I want to throw out there to you a great big congratulations! 5th in the nation is awesome!! Enjoy your visits here to Sami’s site – she’s all sorts of awesomeness!
Hi Lance, Sami (and Tess…) Well done for what you achieved on so many levels!
As often happens in blogging, your post came at a spookily perfect time, Lance. I got some bloodwork results back that will mean a lot of health and lifestyle changes. I’d demanded the tests and insisted till the doctor took me seriously. Third time lucky, they showed my suspicions had been right. Sometimes, you just need to show up and keep going, especially if your heart tells you it’s the right thing to do.
Hi Sami! Wonderful blog you have here – and of course I would follow Lance anywhere! I love you already for having him guest post! Indeed he IS Mr. Awesome!
And Lance! Superb story, and example, about the power of simply showing up! Too often we commit to things on a verbal level, almost flippant, “Yeah, I’ll do it.” but there is no connection to heart. It is the heart that made you show up despite the gloomy skies, and keep going despite the obvious discomfort of getting soaked.
What a terrific example you are for your children! And it is your heart that I love!
Lance – what a great inspiration your story is. And true to your nature – you are excited about placing no matter how slow your time was. You could have “phoned it in,” but you still ran!
Lots of health issues with both of my parents right now – they are out of town and my sisters and I (from three different states) are working as a team to make sure they are taken care of. All the extra care is handled with cheerful hearts.
Hi Sami and thanks for having Lance here – he is all that you described and so much more I am sure
Hi Lance, what a great story! That is so true, just showing up, just taking a chance sometimes makes all the difference. LOL, I loved the ending to this, but in all reality it does not matter. What matters is as you said, life is all about choices and you made yours – to show up and to be there! Way to go! (I am not sure I would have been as brave to take on the rain…but this teaches me otherwise, so thank you!)
Great story, Lance! I love it that this is something you did with your whole family…what a great lesson to share. Showing up is a big deal. It says something about who you are when you show up for the little things, the big things, the complicated and fun. Showing up is living and making moments count!
Hello, Sami! Thank you for sharing Lance with us on your blog!
“Lance is one of those human beings the world needs more of.” Ahh, but there is not another mold that even comes close to the one he popped out of. Yet — there seems to be enough of him for all of us. He’s just so wonderful that way.
SHOWING UP, OMG, this is the STORY of my LIFE. Even for the not-so-fun stuff. Especially for that! Anything good that has ever happened is ’cause I showed up.
In my age division – I’d be first (and last.) I’m 94.
Sami — I love your site, especially the name “Life, Laughs and Lemmings.” What a cool name! This looks a place to have a lot of fun.
Lance — I loved your story and the analogy. I’m not always good at showing up in bad weather, but I do remember a U2 concert I went to with my daughter. We had to arrive very early because she wanted to be close to the stage. It seemed like we waited forever before we finally got in, but she WAS close to the stage. She loved every minute of it and that made it all worthwhile to me:~)
Hi Sami and Lance,
I totally agree with you, Sami. The world needs more people like Lance.
Lance, I loved your post. It is so important to show up for life and do the best that we can. Sometimes it can be hard when we are stressed or scared or whatever. But ultimately we just never know when this ride will be over so we just have to make the best out of it. I know that you do and that is awesome.
Congratulations, Lance!
Sometimes making yourself show up is the hardest part.
Hello Lance! It’s my first time on your blog, and all I can say is that it seems to be a very interesting blog. I enjoyed reading your article, and plan to read more posts from you soon.
I love the idea of “showing up” – fully participating in life, whatever happens and regardless of how “unglamorous” or difficult things appear.
Sami, you’re cracking me up this morning with your Lance intro!! The Yoda of Life —- soooo much awesomeness!
And Lance, good on you! That happened to me once, too! I also got second place (in a field of three in my age group). I’ll never forget it. Good for you for running in the rain. That is excellent (and helps to keep you cool, eh?)!
Once, I brought a little disposable camera and ran with it during a triathlon and captured some “action” moments. People were looking at me like I was a loon, but it was awesome and I have some great memories on film because of it.
And, wow, Lance, to have stopped and picked daisies along the way, what a great thought! I love that idea – maybe I’ll try that next time.
Lance,
We are are a family of runners as well…I run on the beach and my two young children laugh and heckle me while I take my sure steady steps and they run all out lapping me. I know I’m about to run 5 miles to their 1/4 and theyr’e about to play while I sweat it out so I keep steady..but it is one of the joys of my week when they follow me laughing and playing. I love that we share together in our own ways:)
“Showing Up” has been the theme of most of my days. It’s how I show up–enthusiastically embracing or one slow arduous step at a time…that makes the difference in the day. Either way, just being there in it is enough to let the door to open to magic:)
Hello Lance and Sami,
This story is a great example making a commitment and sticking with it
even when outward signs seemed to suggest otherwise!
Great job as usual Lance!
ps Great Blog Sami!!
@Lance
Aww thanks Lance! I promise if you do another guest post for me that I won’t mention the lipstick and dress thing again (I really promise this time!). I feel very lucky to know you Lance. It’s been a lot of fun getting to know you too! xxx
So many times we, or I should say me, get caught up in wanting the thing to be perfect. We want 65 degrees and sunny to go race. God doesn’t always play by our rules, we need to play by hers.
So that means enjoying what is thrown at us, even it is a lemming. I don’t think they have claws, do they? Anywho, my point is that I agree with Lance. We need to stop accepting our excuses and find a way to show up on our blog, twitter, work, or a 5k in pouring rain.
@Suzen
Hi Suzen. Thanks so much! Yeah, Lance is like the Pied Piper – I’d follow him anywhere too! Wait, does that make us rats? OK maybe the cute, clean, don’t eat rubbish type rats then.
@Evita
You’re welcome Evita. Thanks for stopping by.
@Jodi
Hi Jodi, you’re welcome!
@Jannie
Haha, too true. The mould was broken so lucky there is enough of him to go around eh?
@Sara
Thanks Sara. Very kind of you to say and yes, I confess, we do have a lot of fun around here! Thanks for visiting.
@Nadia
Hey Nadia. If only we could clone him!
@Lori
Hey Lori! As Yoda would say, [insert Yoda voice] “Awesome Lance is yes!”
@Keith
Thanks Keith, great to have you here!
@Karl
Haha! That totally made me laugh. I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t even know if you’ve been hit by a lemming they are so small. And the lemming would probably have a coronary anyway!
Hi Lance, hi Sami: I agree with Lance and Woody Allen. And if you show up often enough you keep getting better and better at whatever it is you’re showing up for. I’m not as close to my goal of running a marathon as I’d like to be, but I’m running outside now–have been for three months now–instead of being inside an air conditioned gym running on a treadmill, which is what I was doing before. It’s much harder to run outside, but it’s a lot more fun too. I’m also running a little bit longer each week and I can now run for a longer period of time than I’ve ever been able to run before. So yes, let’s just keep showing up.
What a great message you’ve shared here, Lance (and thanks, Sami!). There are days when, admittedly, I don’t want to show up at all — for anything — including myself. Days when, despite what the weather’s doing outside, there are storm clouds in my head that beckon me to keep the covers pulled snugly underneath my chin.
But I get up anyway, and always on those days, I receive a tiny blessing that makes me smile. That tiny blessing turns into something bigger — something that I’m prompted to do because of its appearance in my life, and then my smile keeps widening until I end up being grateful that I chose to show up that day. Show up for life, as it were.
No one said we had to go full out every single day (or at all!). Sometimes, as you said, just showing up does the trick.
A great message, as always!
Hi Lance and Sami! I enjoyed the great story ( and a good laugh at the end). So much you can learn and experience with “just showing up.” I will never forget those words! Thanks!
@Megan
You’re welcome Megan. Thanks for stopping by!
Gosh Lance, just imagine… if the other guy hadn’t shown up, you would have been both first and last in your division! Thanks for the laughs. Showing up is indeed under-rated.
Sami,cool blog! I really like the colour scheme – it works!
Hey guys!
Great post Lance – a really interesting take on life.
I remember when I ran a big race when I was about 10 or 11. I ran so hard at the end because the crowd was cheering my name – it was so inspiring. After I crossed the line I realised the girl behind me had the same name, and they were actually cheering for her. I didn’t really mind because it helped me more than her! I guess I learnt to take inspiration any way I can get it!!
Now.. to show up to something I don’t want to be at
*Hi, Sami
* Way to go Lance!
I really needed to read this today. I have been dragging my feet about a certain project. We have to create opportunities for our own success instead of waiting for an apple to drop on our lap.
Thanks and have a great weekend!!
@Diane – Thanks much, Diane! Showing up, where it matters in our life – will make all the difference between mediocrity and
success. And you do too, Diane – keep on showing up!
@Janice – Hi Janice. And I hope all is okay with you. Good on you for sticking with this, and making sure every base was covered.
I’m sure that even while the results might not be want you want them to, it’s much better to know early on.
@Suzen – Hi Suzen, and thank YOU!! Commitment without following through…such an important lesson. And one that, when seen
instead of just spoken, can have lasting effects on our kids. Suzen, such a great point, thank you!
@Lynn – Hi Lynn. And slow I was!! Wow! Showing up, though, was enough. And what you’re doing for your parents, “showing up” for
them is such a good thing too. In fact, while what I did was trivial and just for fun, what you’re doing is key to life as your
parents will know it going forward…and that’s very important.
@Evita – Hi Evita! Ha! I loved the ending to this too, the one in real life. Because I completely didn’t expect any award after my slow performance. And…I have this cool little umbrella hat I could have given you, Evita (well…actually I don’t think it would have kept you dry either!).
@Jodi – Hi Jodi! This race has kind of become a family tradition. Some of us do the run, and some do the walk. Being out there, though, is just simply fun! Showing up…can mean the difference between a life well lived, and just a life… Thanks for being here, Jodi!
@Jannie – Awww…Jannie….you are always so sweet. Always… I’m lucky to know you. I have this feeling you show up an awful lot. And it’s what has made you who you are today (and that’s all sorts of wonderful!). Oh, and they didn’t measure age in months…sorry if that wasn’t clear (94 months, though….that’s how you live life…and it’s so cool!).
@Sara – Hi Sara. Yes, Sami has one super-awesome site here! Lemmings and all! Hey, a U2 concert, that sounds pretty awesome! So, showing up and showing up early too can make a difference – yes it can! Thanks for sharing that story!
@Nadia – Hi Nadia. And thank you for your very wonderful comments. And that’s a great point – some moments in life might seem scary or stressful – and we’ll want to slink back into the corner. When we have the courage, though, to step beyond that, wow – great things can happen. Not that they’ll always go as planned, but we’ll be going out there and really living our life – and that’s what it’s all about!
@Mama Zen – Thanks Mama Zen! Yes, sometimes just showing up is the hardest of all. Once we’re there, it’s not bad at all. In fact, in this case it ended up being a whole lot of fun!
@Benjamin – Hi Benjamin! Glad to have you here on Sami’s site today – she’s way awesome. Explore around a bit, you won’t be disappointed!
@Vered – “fully participating in life”…Vered, that’s so well said right there! It’s not always going to be just fun and games. If we can keep showing up, though, even in the tougher things, then that’s when we’re really living life.
@Lori – Hey, I know, Lori! She’s cracking me up too (I think she’s watched Star Wars a few times too many…not that I’m complaining!). It’s pretty cool, isn’t it – no matter how many people there are! And yes, the rain made for a nice and comfortable August run (note though that I should have listened to my wife and worn a dry-wick shirt instead of a cotton tee – that became a sponge!). And very cool – capturing the moments of one of the triathlons you’ve done – I think that’s an awesome way to remember the day! And the daisy’s…well, I didn’t really stop and pick them. I did stop at the water station though for a water break. On second hand, I guess I could have just opened my mouth as I ran! Thanks much for being here Lori!
@Joy – Hi Joy! That’s awesome you’re getting out there and running! And what a way to create active and healthy children, by being out there with them! And letting the door open to magic – what an amazing thought, Joy! Yes, there IS magic there…in some form – and some of it will be just what sparks something in us. We’ve got to show up, though, to even see the possibilities of the magic… I love it!
@Keith – Hi Keith. Yes, outward signs certainly did suggest otherwise! And we wondered out loud if the whole thing would be canceled. I’m so glad we went, though, because it was so fun to do! And a good lesson for everyone on what showing up can mean. And Keith – definitely check out some of Sami’s other stuff here – it’s loads of greatness!
@Sami – Flashdance! Flashdance! Flashdance! (sorry, I couldn’t help myself!). And hey, I know for sure…I’m the lucky one here…keep being your awesome self!!!
@Karl – And you know what, Karl – I think Sami collects lemmings! Okay, maybe not…or maybe so… I’m making this stuff up as I go. Back on track, though – excuses – how they can hold us back. And that’s it – who are they holding back? Ourselves. So, here’s to showing up in everything that matters in our lives!
@Marelisa – Hi Mare! And that’s it, too – by showing up enough, we just give ourselves more opportunity for success (however we define it). And there you go, Mare – you’re getting out there, you’re showing up to run – and that’s what will get you to your goal of the marathon. It’s not going to happen just by showing up on race day. It’s showing up all the other times, maybe when you don’t feel like it, or the weather is bad, or you’re tired, or whatever. You keep doing it, though, and when race day comes, that’s when you’ll have success – and that will be success that is built upon the base of all your training – training that you chose to show up for! Here’s to keep showing up!
@Megan – Hi Megan! Yes, we all have those days, I think – days when we just want to crawl under the covers and go back to sleep. And when we forge forward – there are blessings there – even if we don’t always see them. And then sometimes showing up can be just pulling those covers up – it may be just what we need to rejuvenate ourselves – and that’s as much showing up as actually getting out and doing something else – especially if that’s what our body/mind/soul need. Thanks much for being here Megan!
@Mary007 – Hi Mary. Glad you enjoyed this – and I found the ending to be very fun too – as the race day was wrapping up. To think that I finished second – what a big surprise! Thanks for reading today!
@Daphne – I know! I was one person away from first place – and he wasn’t too far in front of me! Another lesson – if I’d have run just a little faster the whole race, I could have easily secured first. And Sami’s blog is very cool – check out some of her other stuff – it’s great!
@Katie – Hi Katie! Funny story along those lines. A couple of years ago, when I was in a triathlon – because of the order in which people were sent out – I ended up finishing the race at the same time as this 80 year old lady (wow! – impressive that she’s out there!) – and the crowd was cheering wildly (for her, not me). It spurred me on, though, too! Much like the race you did when you were 10. Very awesome!!
Choosing to “show up” I think is the most difficult step. It seems that in our busyness of living, taking the time to show up, even for the fun things, is a chore. I also believe that showing up can be as simple as just being present in the moment…..keeping the clutter out of my brain and just experience the moment.
Second is great Lance, even if it was also last!
Congratulations! What a great story. And yes, I truly believe that success in life is all about showing up -physically and mentally (and spiritually for that matter). So many people give in or give up…leaving a lot of space for others.
I have found over the years it is those moments when I want to go home or stay home and not go out that I experience the greatest reward. No expectations, I guess, helps to avoid disappointment. But being there sometimes makes all the difference! YAY for your placement in the race!
lance, I love this post!!! I’ve been contemplating how I’m showing up lately and this was so timely. You pose a great lesson in an easily understandible analogy. and congrats on second place!
Hi Lance! Just getting over to check Sami’s site. (Hi Sami) Great post, love your attitude and perspective! My first 10K, I barely beat a 76yr old man (ok so he got lost at the end). I was one of the last 5 people to finish. I was still proud though because I showed up.
@Daphne
Hi Daphne, thanks very much. I wanted bright and cheery colours. Can’t get much cheerier (is that even a word?) than orange!
@Jewel/Pink Ink
Hi Jewel, thanks for stopping by!
@Angelia
Hi Angelia, thanks for visiting.
@Jewel – Thanks Jewel! It’s not that often that the apples just drop in our lap. And that means we have to go out there and get them. And know that I wish you well on your project in front of you…
@Laurie – I tend to agree, Laurie – if you can show up, then the rest is usually not too bad. And the idea of being present – what a great thought on showing up…right there within our own selves…
@Stacey Shipman – Thanks, Stacey! If we want something bad enough, then a big part of it is just showing up, over and over – and persistence will pay off. In all aspects of our lives, showing up is that first step toward whatever we’re aiming for. And great point about “no expectations” and how this can be a very good thing, too.
@Brandi – Thank you Brandi! Good stuff to think about…and then if it’s the right thing for you, to do. And it was almost funny (no, it really was funny) to see that I’d finished second in my age group!
@Angelia – Hey Angelia! I love the story about your first 10K! And it reminds me of the first triathlon I did – and I was very close to one of the last finishers in that day – yet, it felt like such a big win – because I had done it – I finished! So – very awesome for you, you showed up AND finished!!
Lance, this is such a testament of your character! And none of us would expect anything less from you. That is so awesome that you led your entire family out there to participate in those conditions. Congratulations to you Lance for showing up and for finishing second and last!
I have to say this post made me think and for that I am thankful to you. Have I shown up when I didn’t really want to, but it was important? Sure I have, but am I showing up now to all the things that are most important? Well, that will give me something to ponder.
Thank you Lance – for this post, your character, your example, your life. May you win many more races (as I know you will)!
Lance and Sami, this is a wonderful post! I loved it! Well done!
I enjoy your blogs so much and how you bring such warmth, and parable-like truths through them! Thank you for being you, and for spreading the inspiration and love! Blessings to both of you! 
Lance, I recently saw that quote also and have not forgotten it – it really is SO true!
My fav. part was:
‘What about the “not so fun” stuff, though? Are you showing up for these things? That’s what can be the difference between mediocre and remarkable. That’s what can be the difference between average and extraordinary.
What are you choosing?’
At the end of the day, it really is about our own loving character being shaped, and tested for what matters most:
~Leading a life of purpose in Love.
Namaste! ~Jen Z
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@Jen Z
Hi Jen. Thanks for stopping by. Great to have you here!
@Jennifer – Well, when I “showed up”, I wasn’t really thinking about if I would win or not (in fact, the thought never crossed my mind). And this, in the grand scheme of things, really wasn’t one of those “deeply meaningful” moments in life. The thing is, though, what about the times that are – that really do matter. Are we showing up for them? Am I? It’s making me think, too, about the choices I make in those things which matter the most. Jennifer, thank you for being here, and showing up in my life…in some reverse sort of way – that’s so, so good for me…
@Jen Z – Jen, thank you for reading this, and taking the time to comment! When things matter the most, what are we doing, are we choosing to show up, or are we hesitating, letting these moments pass by? It’s a question we can all ask ourselves, and in honest reflection, make choices going forward that make a real difference in our lives! And I love your last line – “Leading a life of purpose in Love.”…wonderful!