Showing Up Without Adding to the Burden

Showing up means offering care that doesn’t become another thing someone has to manage.

A specific offer can make a difference:

“Can I bring dinner Tuesday?”

“Would you like company at your appointment?”

Even the container matters. Bring the one they don’t have to wash and return.

Then listen to the answer.

Ask before stepping in.

Respect their choices, especially when so much may already feel outside their control.

❤️Sometimes they need to talk.

❤️Sometimes they need quiet company.

❤️Sometimes they want to laugh about something completely ridiculous because the hard stuff has already taken up enough of the day.

They’re still a whole person, with interests, humor, and things they want to talk about beyond what they’re going through.

I think showing up also means continuing to check in after the initial wave of concern has passed.

💡Remembering the appointment.

💡Following through on the offer.

💡Sending a message that says, “Thinking of you. No need to reply,” and meaning that last part.

And it means being someone they can be honest with.

❤️Someone who can hear “I’m scared,” “I’m angry,” or “I’m exhausted” without rushing to find a silver lining.

🙏They shouldn’t have to perform strength to make everyone around them more comfortable.

People deserve care on the days they have nothing to give back.

Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can say is

“You don’t have to make this easier for me to hear. I’m here.”

@InfluentialWomen