Rich Bennett on The Art of Showing Up

Rich Bennett 0:00
When was the last time you showed up for someone when it caused you something? Not when it was easy. Not when it fit your schedule. Not when it made you look good. But when it was inconvenient, when you retired, busy, frustrated, or honestly, just didn't feel like it, because that's where character lives. Today, I want to talk about the art of showing up for people, even when it's inconvenient. 

Wendy & Rich 0:28
Coming to you from the Freedom Federal Credit Union Studios, Hartford County Living presents conversations with Rich Bennett, 

last year, 

Rich Bennett 0:55
we've talked about a bunch of different things in this episode. This episode was actually inspired by Lacey Rives, who asked me to talk about something that I think our world desperately needs more of, showing up, and not the high light real version, the real version, the one that requires effort, sacrifice, humility. So let's go ahead and get into it. 

Post in a comment, liking something online, sending a quick thinking of you texts, and listen, there's things matter, but real showing up, it's different. It's sitting in a hospital waiting room. It's going to awake when you'd rather stay home. It's attending your friend's small event when you know only five people will be there. It's answering the phone when someone calls at the worst possible time. It's not convenient, that's why it matters, and here's the truth. If it's always convenient, it's not sacrifice and relationships require sacrifice. As a Marine Corps veteran, as a husband, as a dead, as someone who's built businesses in Hartford County, I've learned this over and over. The people who met her most of my life, they showed up when they didn't have to. Not when they were cameras, not when it was public, not when it benefited them, they showed up quietly and that sticks. Let's be honest about something, sometimes we don't show up because we're uncomfortable. We don't know what to say. We're afraid of doing the wrong thing. We don't interrupt our routine. But here's something I've learned, hosting this podcast for years. You don't have to have the perfect words. You just have to be present. Silence is better than absence. Awkward presence is better than polished distance. When you show up for someone in a hard moment, you're not just supporting them. You're teaching them how to show up for others. Your kids see it, your friends notice it, your community feels it. That's how cultures are built, that's how strong communities are built. That's how Hartford County was built. People show up for each other long before social media existed. And I'll say this as someone who runs Hartford County Living and has seen so many local businesses and nonprofits succeed. The ones that thrive, they show up for others first, inconveniently, consistently and authentically. Showing up when it's inconvenient cost you time, energy, comfort, sometimes money. But here's what it gives you. Trust, depth, loyalty, peace. There's something powerful about laying your head down at night. Knowing you didn't choose convenience over connection, that you chose people. Let me share something personal. There have been times I didn't want to go somewhere, didn't want to attend something, didn't want to take the call. But I went anyway, and every single time I've never regretted going, I've only regretted the times I didn't. That's the difference. Let's make this practical. If you're wondering how to start showing up more intentionally, here are a few simple things. Put important dates in your calendar. I use my calendar faithfully granted, it gets filled up like crazy. Show up early when someone else is nervous. Sometimes they may want to talk to you alone and that can help follow up a week later, not just the day of support someone's small win as if it's a big one and be the person who stays until cleanup. The last one matters more than you think. Stay in there, makes a big difference. Here's my challenge for you. Think of one person in your life right now who might need you. Maybe they won't ask, maybe they won't say anything. Maybe they're fine. Reach out, show up, even if it's inconvenient, especially if it's inconvenient, because that's where love lives. That's where loyalty lives. That's where leadership lives. If this resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. When has someone shown up for you in a way you'll never forget? Or when did you show up for someone and realize it mattered more than you thought? Send me a message, leave a comment, and let's start that conversation. And Lacey, thank you. Thank you for suggesting this topic. Because in a world that is moving fast and choosing comfort, maybe the real art is choosing people. Until next time, Keep having real conversations and keep showing up.