There are moments in life where showing up is inconvenient.

Actually, let me say it the right way. There are moments where showing up is the last thing you have time for.

You are overwhelmed. Your schedule is packed. Your business needs you. Your team needs you. Life is already asking more than you think you can give.

And then something happens.

And you have a choice. Show up or don’t.

When Showing Up Costs You Something

Over the last two weeks, I’ve had two of those moments. The kind that don’t fit neatly into your calendar. The kind that require you to move things, cancel things, stretch yourself thin. The kind that define who you are.

The first was my best friend from Florida. She called me out of the blue and told me about something she’s been building. She started a charity. She bought a bus, a Faith Based Fitness Bus, and she’s using it to serve women and children who have been through domestic violence, trafficking, and abuse.

Different Lanes, Same Mission

While I’ve been building a platform to empower women in leadership through my podcast, Breaking Barriers in Property Management, she’s been out there on the ground changing lives in the most real way possible. Different lanes, same mission.

She told me about her event, Runway of Strength, a fashion show to raise money so she can expand that bus and serve even more people.

After we got off the phone, I sat on my back porch and just let it hit me. I cried. I prayed. Then I acted. I bought a ticket to Tampa. No overthinking, no checking the schedule. I texted her and said, I’ll see you Saturday.

She was shocked. We both cried. And then we got to work.

You Move Anyway

We recorded a podcast episode. I told myself it would be quick, but that was a joke. We have too much history and too much passion. I pushed it out to everyone I could. My team, my network, people at the Texas Apartment Association Conference I was attending that week.

At the same time, I was still running my company. Leading my team. Showing up at the conference. Managing everything that comes with being a CEO. Because that’s what it looks like when you show up for someone who matters. You don’t wait until life slows down. You move anyway.

If this mission speaks to you, if you believe in women helping women in real, tangible ways, I’m asking you to show up too. You can learn more or donate here: runwayofstrength.org

When Plans No Longer Matter

The second moment came just as fast.

A dear friend of mine, who is also my partner’s ex-wife, got devastating news about a family member. She needed to leave immediately to be with them. She has a 25-year-old son with severe autism, and there are very few people who can care for him.

So we stepped in.

Dave and I had a trip planned to Kentucky. Flights booked, plans made. We were supposed to leave next week with friends. We canceled it without hesitation. Because in that moment, showing up for her mattered more than getting away.

Right now, I’m sitting in her kitchen waiting for Nathan to get ready so I can head home tonight. Tomorrow I get on a flight to Florida for the fashion show, while Dave stays back to take care of him.

It’s a lot. It’s messy. It’s not convenient. But it’s right.

Leadership Is a Decision

Anyone can show up when it’s easy. When it fits into their schedule. When it doesn’t cost them anything. That’s not leadership. That’s convenience.

Real leadership, real relationships, real impact happens when you show up when it costs you something. When you’re tired. When you’re overwhelmed. When your calendar says no, but your values say yes.

That’s when it means something. That’s when people remember. That’s when you become the kind of person others can count on no matter what.

At the end of the day, this is what matters. Your people. Your tribe. The moments where you choose them, even when it’s hard.

Especially when it’s hard.

And sometimes showing up doesn’t mean getting on a plane or canceling a trip.

Sometimes it’s as simple as helping someone else carry the weight.

If you’re in a position to give, even a little, this is one of those moments.

Go support something that is actively changing lives. Go be part of it.

Donate here: runwayofstrength.org

Show up in whatever way you can.
Because it matters more than you think.