Prompt: Write about what showing up looks like for you.
All right, the prompt for today, June 17th, 2026, is: Write about what showing up looks like for you.
This is a difficult one because I don’t think it comes easily to me.
When I think about showing up, I think about discipline. One of the big things I feel I lack is discipline. It’s not that I lack commitment, desire, or even capability. Most often, I am capable. But I can be undisciplined.
That shows up in at least one significant way: I don’t always return to things consistently. I don’t routinely show up when I need to. I’m easily distracted. I feel guilty taking time away from other things, especially if I feel like someone else needs my time—for example, my family.
Because of that, I don’t always tell myself, “This is what I’m going to do,” and then do it regardless of what else is happening.
It’s a difficult balance. You want to be adaptable and flexible, but you also want to achieve your goals. The only way to do that is by regularly showing up and being ready to do the work.
Another challenge for me is that my mind doesn’t switch tasks very easily. I can’t leave something lingering and focus fully on something else. I’ll ruminate on it. I’ll keep thinking about it.
I think that’s part of discipline too. When you show up somewhere and do the work, you need to be fully present for that work. That’s something I find difficult.
So I think discipline is really the heart of it.
That said, these audio journals are a good example of showing up. I’ve been doing them daily, which feels good. Part of that is the emotional reward. Part of it is the opportunity to express myself. And part of it is simply that I enjoy doing it.
I think that’s an important piece as well. I’ve set this process up so that it’s low resistance. Maybe that’s another aspect of discipline: continuing even when things aren’t easy, while also making it easier to begin.
Ultimately, showing up is about small progress. Small progress can only be made if you’re there.
You can’t expect to accomplish everything in one big effort. It’s more like carving a block of marble. A sledgehammer might break it apart, but a chisel shapes it slowly, one strike at a time.
I think that’s what showing up is: returning often enough to keep shaping the work.
You can find this prompt and more at Letters Lounge. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, so please leave a comment, or share a link to your blog, audio journal, or whatever creative practice you’re working on.
I’ll talk to you tomorrow, folks.
This transcript was lightly cleaned up with the help of AI to improve readability while preserving the original voice and intent of the recording.
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