Show up for yourself

Show Up For Yourself: A Journey to Self-Confidence 💯

Sometimes, the hardest person to show up for is yourself. Life gets busy, chaos creeps in, and it’s easy to let your own needs slip away. But here’s the truth: when you choose to show up for yourself, you reclaim your energy, purpose, and joy.

What Does It Mean to Show Up for Yourself?

It’s not selfish—it’s self-respect.

  • Make time for your personal life.
  • Focus on habits that improve your daily routine.
  • Take baby steps toward your dream life.

My Journey: From Lost to Found

For years, I didn’t show up for myself. I lacked confidence, courage, and the ability to communicate my needs. I let fear guide my decisions and avoided challenges.

That all began to change when I discovered fitness. It became my foundation, helping me build discipline, determination, and self-awareness. Slowly, I transformed my mindset and gained the confidence to stand up for myself.

Today, I find myself in a similar place of struggle—feeling lost and out of shape. But I know I can lean on the lessons I’ve learned before to climb out of this slump and show up for myself again.

I don’t hide anything, and as of November 25th, 2024 this is currently where I am at (pictures taken at the gym đŸ’Ș). In a few short months I will be right back where I am supposed to be, and if not better 😉.

Why It’s Hard to Show Up for Yourself

It’s easy to put others first or let life’s chaos take over. Work, family, and responsibilities often feel like they demand everything you have.

But here’s the catch: when you neglect yourself, you run out of energy for others too. Your physical health suffers, your mental clarity fades, and your happiness takes a hit.

Signs you’re not showing up for yourself:

  • You feel overwhelmed by your daily routine.
  • Your energy levels are consistently low.
  • Toxic people dominate your personal life.


How to Start Showing Up for Yourself

It doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent actions can lead to big changes. Here are some practical steps:

  1. Start Small: Take baby steps, like setting a daily goal or carving out 10 minutes for self-care.
  2. Establish Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by saying “no” when needed.
  3. Create a Daily Routine: Build habits that align with your goals, like morning workouts or journaling.
  4. Let Go of Toxic People: Surround yourself with those who uplift and support you.
  5. Take Action Daily: Dreaming is great, but action takers make progress.

The Role of Fitness in Showing Up

When you commit to a workout, you’re showing up for yourself. You’re proving that you matter and that your goals are worth the effort.

  • Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood.
  • Setting fitness goals creates a sense of purpose.
  • Achieving those goals builds self-confidence.

Nutrition: Fueling Your Body

When I’m not showing up for myself, my eating habits take a hit. I find myself indulging in fast food, ice cream, chocolate, and alcohol—not just occasionally, but almost daily. While these treats are fine in moderation, making them a daily habit leaves me feeling sluggish and unmotivated.

The truth is, what you put into your body directly affects how you feel. When you start eating better, you start feeling better. Eating balanced, nutrient-rich meals gives you the energy and mental clarity to tackle life’s challenges.

Small changes to improve nutrition:

  • Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
  • Swap processed snacks for healthier alternatives.
  • Stay hydrated and limit alcohol consumption.

Treating your body well with both fitness and nutrition is a powerful way to show up for yourself.

Rebuilding When You Feel Lost

If you’re feeling lost, like I am now, remember this: you’ve done it before, and you can do it again. Start with small actions that worked in the past.

For me, that means revisiting fitness and focusing on the basics:

  • Eating balanced meals to fuel my body.
  • Committing to three workouts per week.
  • Journaling to track my thoughts and progress.

These baby steps remind me that progress is possible, even when it feels far away.

Why Showing Up for Yourself Changes Everything

When you start showing up for yourself, everything shifts. Your relationships improve because you have more to give. Your personal life feels more balanced because you’re not running on empty.

And most importantly, you build a life that aligns with your dream life, not someone else’s expectations.

Final Thoughts

Showing up for yourself is an ongoing journey. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Whether you’re just starting out or, like me, need to rediscover your determination, know that every step forward matters.

You are worth the effort.

author avatar
Michael Personal Trainer
Michael is a Vancouver based personal trainer with over 10 years of experience. He enjoys teaching people how to lose weight through proper exercise and nutrition. If you are ready to stop making excuses and start dropping weight, contact Michael today!