Show Up & Be Kind

Show Up & Be Kind.

These words were printed on a sticker I found in a surf shop in Half Moon Bay, California. A quote by a young surfer named Malcom Feix, who had drowned last year. More than an avid young waterman, he was a good soul and people knew it.

It’s a message I am sitting with today. A task I am charging to myself.

I am not prone to making annual resolutions, but the idea of showing up and being kind, is the kind of plan I can get down with.

 What would happen if at every opportunity, I placed being kind as the highest priority? Not for sake of acceptance or approval. But for the chance that by being kind, perhaps it allows the others in the room to feel the freedom to be their best selves. I don’t want to disarm people by outwitting them. Or by overpowering them or intimidating them. What low tactics that would be. I have no such aspirations. I only want to see what might happen if each of us gives the other the best possible chance to succeed. To be a better version of ourselves. I believe that a significant portion of our bad behavior is done in a place of fear. Mine certainly is. But maybe if by showing up and being kind, I can help those around me be free of fear. And maybe it helps me be free from fear too. And maybe….maybe….we rise together.

What a gift.

 The “show up” part is also about repetition. It’s a habit. A practice. With intent. In his book “Little and Often”, Trent Preszler reminds us that (through a metaphor about woodworking) that life succeeds through many, tiny, consistent efforts. No matter how small, that showing up and repeating, makes progress. It’s about intent and paying attention. It’s about steady, deliberate action over time.

 I’ve been shooting a very focused set of photos for more than a decade now. A little bit at a time. Focused. With intent. Hopefully with patience. And most importantly, I hope, with kindness.