Part 1: Showing Up Matters
"From fishing boats to volunteer routes, I've learned that some of life's greatest rewards come from simply showing up."
"Eighty percent of success is showing up." — Woody Allen
While often said with humor, there is truth in that statement. I've found that whether on a fishing boat, volunteering in the community, or spending time with family, simply being present often matters more than having the perfect plan or outcome. Some of the most meaningful experiences in my life have come not from extraordinary accomplishments, but from simply being present.
"Some of the best days on the water aren't measured by what you catch, but by the fact that you were there to experience them."
Over the years, I've spent countless mornings on the water with a fishing rod in hand. Some days the fish were biting. Other days they weren't. There were times I came home with a great story and times I came home with little more than a sunburn and an appreciation for being outdoors.
What fishing has taught me is that success isn't always measured by the result. Sometimes, the most important thing is simply showing up.
You can study the conditions, prepare your gear, and head out with high expectations. Yet the fish may have different plans. The reward often comes not from what you catch, but from the experience itself—the sunrise over the water, the quiet moments, the conversations, and the reminder that some things cannot be controlled.
Oct 25, 2024. Fishing in the Sea of Cortez in San Carlos, Sonora Mexico
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." — Oscar Wilde
I've found a similar lesson through volunteer service. For several years, I volunteered with Meals on Wheels. While the meal itself was important, I learned that what often mattered just as much was the visit. A brief conversation, a familiar face, or simply knowing someone cared enough to stop by could brighten a person's day.
More recently, I have volunteered with Merwin Day of Fishing, an event that helps children with disabilities experience the excitement of fishing and spending time outdoors. As someone who has always loved being on the water, it is especially rewarding to share that passion with others. Watching a child proudly reel in a fish, celebrate a catch, or simply enjoy a day on the lake is a powerful reminder that meaningful experiences often come from simple moments.
The lesson wasn't about solving every problem. It was about being present.
Volunteering at the Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids with Disabilities on 2024 & 2025.
In today's world, it's easy to focus on outcomes. We celebrate achievements, milestones, and visible successes. Those things certainly matter, but many of life's most meaningful moments happen long before the results are known.
Relationships are built by showing up. Trust is built by showing up. Communities are strengthened by people who consistently show up.
"People may not remember every word we say, but they often remember that we were there when it mattered."
Although the two experiences are very different, they taught me the same lesson. Whether sharing a few moments of conversation or helping create a memorable day on the water, people remember when someone takes the time to show up.
Looking back, some of my favorite memories didn't come from the days everything went according to plan. They came from the days I simply chose to be there. The older I get, the more I believe that showing up is one of the simplest and most powerful things we can do. We may not control the outcome, but we can always control our willingness to participate, contribute, and be present.
And more often than not, that's where the real rewards are found.
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." — Robert Collier."
Originally written in December 2024, revised in May 2025, and published on June 18, 2026.