There’s something about this year for me, something strong that is inviting me, imploring me, pushing me, even daring me to SHOW UP.
2014 doesn’t feel like one of those years I can kick back with my feet up and just see what happens. This year is asking for much for than that. I could easily set SHOWING UP aside for next year, or the year after that… but the time when I push off big challenging life things for future years is long gone. There’s just no time for that. This year is asking me to get out of my box, get out of my comfort zone, and to be present in all of it.
I like what this year is asking of me, and by ‘like’ I mean that my eyes are extra wide and I’m a little (a lot) nervous.
SHOWING UP is a choice. It’s a bold choice. It takes guts. In my experience, SHOWING UP can be accompanied by feelings of self-doubt. Fear inspired self-doubt… the most annoying kind. Feeling like: Who do I think I am? Do I really have enough to offer? Do I have enough faith? Do I have the right words? Is there enough kindness in my heart? The answer is YES of course! I am everything I need to be. I am are enough. I am SHOWING UP! That’s it. And where I show weaknesses, God steps in and is like.. BOOM! Thank heaven for that.
My first exercise in SHOWING UP this year involves a long plane ride and a few vaccinations. All next week I’ll be in Uganda with Compassion International. Compassion is a Christian organization that works through churches to support children and families living in poverty. It’s an organization I’ve supported for years and I really believe in the work that they do. I’ve got my passport, my camera, and my heart (I’m totally going to need that) and I get to connect with super cute kids and learn about how they live. I’ll be blogging about my experiences in Uganda all next week and I’m really excited to share with you. There will also be regular food posts next week, because I know that we’re a hungry bunch, but Compassion is important to me and I thank you for being a part of this experience with me. Thank you for your encouragement, support, and prayers. You are amazing. SHOWING UP: Uganda.
Fellow bloggers in Uganda include: The Nester, Emily from Chatting at the Sky, Jeff Goins, Bri McKoy, and Shaun Groves. We’re all on this adventure together and our goal is to get 400 new children sponsored. We’re in it!
How are you SHOWING UP this year? Let’s be big and great in all the ways we live.
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
Have an amazing trip — can’t wait to read your updates! Safe travels!
Rose
thank you so much for this encouraging post! What a great reminder of our weaknesses that can be overcome through grace. Thank you for speaking up about your beliefs!
Alessandra
…wow, what a trip down memory lane! I’ve spent five years in Africa, many countries but the first place was Bukavu (you can actually see it on your map, it’s between Rwanda, Burundi and DRCongo).
You’ll see…one week is just not enough…you’ll want to stay more, much more. It’s eye opener, and not because of poverty and under-development. It’s actually the exact opposite: happiness and resourcefulness. Eye opener because we think we have it all, but maybe we don’t…
Alessandra @ the foodie teen
did a double take when i saw your name! it’s quite unusual so i thought i had commented already, haha!
Meggie
Absolutely seconding this comment after spending time in Kenya-about wanting more time and the surprising ways eyes are opened. Have an amazing trip and thank you for being an inspiration with your words and your life!
Grace
Rock on, girl. Such a great post and such a great opportunity! Thanks for the reminder and encouragement!
http://sometimesgracefully.com
Emily
Wow! That’s an amazing way to start the year! Can’t wait to hear about it!
Sara {Home is where the Cookies Are}
Good for you!! I can’t wait to see it unfold through your eyes. What a great thing to show up for. Hugs and prayers for you on your journey. :)
Ilea
really great! oddly enough, i live in east africa (but am from san diego,ca) and am a regular reader of your blog. i started my journey here in east africa in uganda, so it holds an extra special place in my heart! i hope you have an amazing time. we live in kenya now, so if you ever find yourself here it’d be really fun to meet you! i love passing your blog around to my expat friends, we all find comfort and delight in your amazing recipes :) xo ~ilea
maria
hello joy! i’m an spanish follower of your blog, and i love it. i love all your recipes and the way you write and your photos… but this is the moment i have to reply and with my terrible english style say. GO FOR IT! i believe is my year too and i’m not going to uganda, my kids… but i believe in that change. i have too much to offer and i want to do, and i’m ready.
thank you joy to remind me this is the moment
Alex
Sounds amazing, Joy! I just started sponsoring a child this year (Ethiopia) – she is the sweetest little thing and someday I would love to go visit. Have an amazing time and take lots of pictures!!
dani
Wow! I’m sure it will be an amazing ~ maybe even life-changing ~ experience for you. I’m sure you will totally be up to whatever it takes and have enough to share with anyone who needs it. I’m in awe! Can’t wait to hear about your trip! Safe journey!
Nadine
Wow, you just wrote exactly what I was not able to put a finger on. I am going to start my PhD this year. Or more acurrately next month. And just yesterday I had this first meeting and was kinda freeking out. But you are absolutely right. I am everything I need to be and for the rest of it I do not need to care. Sometimes I need to repeat it in my head like a mantra: God WILL take care…
So, knowing I am not the only one going through a lot of SHOWING UP helps quite a bit. I wish you all the best, an open mind and a loving heart for your journey to Uganda! Nadine
Trina
That is amazing! So great that you get the opportunity to see your compassion child ( I’m assuming thats what you’re doing!) I’ve also have an African little girl ( West Africa) And would love to visit her. I know the experience will blow your socks off and you’ll return completely different. Super excited for you!