Show Up Anyway

I saw the best and the worst of life and in people.

I had days when standing up was an act of courage and I’ve had days when I gave others the courage to stand up.

But the common ground was that I allowed myself to show up, vulnerably, authentically, no matter what.

Sometimes uncontrollably messy.

Many times complicated.

And most times, afraid.

You see that’s what life’s been about for me.

Courage (being afraid and doing it anyway)

Afraid to be seen for who I am, yet amplifying it in everything I do.

Afraid to create storms by speaking my voice, expressing my emotions and challenging; beliefs, customs, traditions and systems.

But doing it anyway.

Afraid of becoming your target because you’re afraid to look into the depths of your soul and realize that what you see is what your afraid of within yourself.

A mirror of the emotions you’re afraid to face, and the freedom you’re afraid to take.

And I’ll never stop.

Because…

I am, because we are…

and I want you to see that, I want you to free that

and I want you to walk with that courage over the bridge of truth you’re afraid to pass, to the freedom that’s intrinsically yours.

and to have the strength to, whatever that looks like…

Show up anyway.

We’re in this together,

Shayne Traviss

Photo by whereslugo