The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There for Yourself and Your People

by Rachel Wilkerson Miller

Respecting the work means paying attention and giving the person coordinating the event whatever they need to make planning easier. It’s reading the email about the lake trip and responding in a timely manner. It’s sending your RSVP or paying for your share on time. It’s not staying silent while everyone researches potential themes and T-shirt designs, and then, once they’ve all decided on a hoedown theme and red tank tops, chiming in with, “Y’all: What if we did a ’90s party and got matching purple hoodies?” Honoring the work is even easier: It’s just saying thank you. “Thanks for setting up that spreadsheet!” “Thanks for taking the lead on this!” “Thank you for calling and making that reservation; I really appreciate it!” “Thank you for researching all the different T-shirt options and prices.” “Thank you for organizing this; it was so fun.” It’s truly that easy! Be as generous with your appreciation as your friend was with their time and energy.