Aimee talks with Shannon Priddy about the importance of showing up for the people in our lives, both in big events and in everyday moments. Shannon shares her insights on how even small gestures like sending a card or making a phone call can make a big difference in someone's day. She also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of oneself in order to best show up for others.

Episode Highlights

Be there for big and small things.

When you’re able to attend big events in somebody’s life, it can show that you care. And while you don’t have to attend all big events, Shannon says taking time to attend a funeral, in particular, can be quite meaningful to someone who is grieving.

But perhaps even more than attending the big events, it’s important to show up for the little things. Regular, mundane catch-up sessions let people know what’s going on in your life in between the big events.

“Don’t just send me the wedding invitation, the graduation invitation,” Shannon said. “Tell me what’s going on during the week.”

Even five minutes can be enough.

In our fast-paced culture, we may not think a few minutes our time will be enough for someone else. But even five minutes can make a difference in somebody’s day. One five minute idea is to mail somebody a card.

“If all you’ve got is five minutes, you know what, you showed up,” Shannon said. “You showed up. That’s the key.”

It’s okay to give half-full.

Sometimes you’re not feeling 100%. In those instances, it’s still okay to show up and give what you can because it feels good to give and good to receive. For instance, you may not be able to bring a lasagna, but you can sit with someone for a little bit.

“I’m able to give you just a little bit of my presence,” Shannon said. “I know that I’m helping, and it feels really good to allow someone the opportunity to give.” 

It’s okay to say no, too.

Many times when you show up for someone, it can re-energize and recharge you. But sometimes, your cup is drained, and you need to put boundaries in place. Make sure you take care of yourself and before you show up for others. 

“There is nothing wrong with boundaries,” Shannon said. “All they’re doing is letting us fill our cup.”

Resources + Links

• Kitchen Chats on YouTube

• Shannon Priddy: Twitter, LinkedIn

• Aimee Kandrac: Website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

• WhatFriendsDo: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

About Aimee and WhatFriendsDo

Aimee Kandrac is a speaker, consultant, and the co-founder and CEO of WhatFriendsDo. Her work is instrumental for organizing support during life-changing events, and she speaks to organizations about creative ways to help friends and family during times of crisis. Aimee has been recognized as a Top 50 Mompreneur by Babble.com and is the first female CEO in the state of Indiana to close a $500,000 funding round. She has been featured in Forbes, Time, the LA Times, Oprah.com, the Indianapolis Star, and more.

WhatFriendsDo is a simpler way to create organized and actionable support during a time of crisis. The free, online platform empowers healthcare facilities, HR departments, families, and friends to easily coordinate meals, errands, transportation, childcare, communication, and more for those in the midst of a life-changing event. The women-founded and women-led company started as a solution for a friend with terminal cancer. WhatFriendsDo is based out of Indianapolis.