THE SUBTLE ART OF SHOWING UP

By Myami

Have you ever struggled to show up? Wanted to go somewhere but couldn’t wake up on time? Wanted to make it in person, but settled for the Zoom link? Showing up — it was something I learned through trial and error, and while I was told it many times, I, for one, decided to live on my own time. You could very well guess what happened next: failing GPA, stress and tears. Regrets. Many, many regrets. “If only...” “I wish...” “Yeah, yeah, you should’ve gone to that 8 a.m.!”

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Imagine this: Your friend comes and asks you, “Hey, do you want to join us at the pre-game tailgate for the Florida vs. Miami college football game this Saturday? We’re leaving at 9 a.m. for the tailgate, are you in?” You want to join them, right? But game day arrives, and you sleep right through the alarm. Your phone has 15 missed calls and back-to-back texts. When you read the final message, your heart sinks. It says: “Of course you didn't show. You know, it's hard trying to include you in everything, and you just don't even bother. Forget I even asked.”

Not again, you think, reading the time, which says 2 pm. The day is over and here comes the all-too-familiar self-loathing comments. But it doesn't have to be like that. There are so many invisible benefits to “showing up.” But, as you may know firsthand, there are also incredible downsides to not “showing up.” Every day our lives get more digital, we say we are connected through our devices, but that connection is not real. We are desensitized.

You are on social media for several hours a day, and you’re missing out on big moments with people who are quite literally your world.

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Furthermore, we're at the start of a school year. All the events, new friends, new place, and hello?? It’s Miami!!! We are in the city of endless paradise… but are we making the most of the beautiful art decorating the streets and buildings of Wynwood? Are we actually going to South beach to take in those pearly white sands and endless ocean? Are we basking under a perfect sun, with tall palm trees waving at us from above? Even on the days we are rained on, are we appreciating all the biodiversity that is right in our front and backyards? The Miami Seaquarium, the plentiful museums, and jet skis, I know you want to be there for it. So, show up for it!

Here are four tips that helped me start showing up. Maybe they will help you, too.

1. Get real sleep

Experts say to help going to sleep, steer clear of blue light exposure (tablets, phones, TVs), drink plenty of water, and stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and sugary food and drink as they all can attribute to a low-quality of sleep. For all my chronic nappers, no more naps after 3 p.m., and try to keep them under 2 hours. What about roommates? Loud ones, who stay up in the wee hours of the night, how can you possibly get any sleep in those conditions? Ear plugs are affordable, and they work for the most part, it will greatly reduce the amount of noise. Listen to soothing music. If all else fails, get two melatonin gummies, wait 20 minutes and go lie down.

Others recommend being productive throughout the day, including working out, going for a stroll and just burning some energy, which will help you feel ready to fall asleep.

2. Greet the day

Get in the shower while it’s cold and let the water warm you up; it’ll hit you with that initial shock, and the warmth will help ease your body into relaxation. Stay away from caffeine for the first hour of the day to ensure you don’t crash – and we all hate crashing. Get natural sunlight, we do have Penafort Pool on campus. Try to do this ASAP when you wake up to help reset your body's internal clock. Finally, set 15,000 alarms, so you have no choice but to get up.

3. Celebrate small wins

Even if you only woke up on time, acknowledge that win, be proud of yourself. If you could only make it to one extra event this week, celebrate yourself. Progress is progress — no matter By Myami how big or small. Get yourself your favorite snack, go buy that item you really wanted, go and enjoy that comedian you’ve been dying to catch live, maybe take a dip in the Penafort Pool! I hear it's the perfect temperature between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

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This tip may be your best bet if ALL else fails. 4. Have a buddy. You and a friend, classmate, or peer are trying to start showing up more. They can be the extra text that finally wakes you up just in time to make it to class. They can come in clutch with a coffee first thing on your days you have identified are your problem days. Having some real, human encouragement, a warm smile, someone who just understands and supports your effort, could be your saving grace.

Start showing up. Be present. Start taking back your moments. Above all else, be kind to yourself.