What If You Actually Showed Up for You?

We are conditioned from birth to show up for others. Be it for family, friends, employers, or society at large, we are taught that our value is measured by how well we meet the expectations and needs of those around us. And while there is an undeniable beauty in being of service, there’s a deeper, often overlooked question: What does it mean to truly show up for yourself?

In the rush to meet deadlines, raise families, build careers, and navigate life, many of us have abandoned the person who matters most: the one staring back at us in the mirror. The truth is, showing up for yourself is not selfish—it’s the foundation for living authentically, joyfully, and purposefully.

But what does this even look like? How do you begin showing up for you when you’ve been hardwired to prioritise everything—and everyone—else?

The Call to Honour Your Will

Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the “will to power” offers an interesting starting point. Nietzsche proposed that life’s ultimate drive is not survival, but a will to create, expand, and express our unique essence. Showing up for yourself means embracing this inner will and moving beyond simply existing to actively becoming.

The will to power isn’t about domination over others—it’s about harnessing your own potential, your unique creative force. It’s about saying: I deserve to pursue my highest self—not for anyone else, but because it is my right and responsibility as a human being.

But what often holds us back is the shadow.

Meeting Your Shadow

Carl Jung said, “The shadow is a moral problem that challenges the whole ego-personality.” The shadow represents the parts of ourselves we reject—the fears, insecurities, and darker emotions we hide from the world (and often from ourselves). It’s the “I’m not good enough” voice, the self-sabotage, the shame that whispers: “Who are you to want more?”

Showing up for yourself means meeting your shadow face-to-face. It means recognising that your insecurities and failures are not enemies, but essential teachers. Jung explained that acknowledging the shadow is a moral effort. It’s not easy to confront the less shiny parts of ourselves, but doing so is the gateway to self-knowledge and transformation.

Because here’s the kicker: the energy we spend suppressing our shadow is the same energy we need to move forward. To show up for yourself is to reclaim that energy and redirect it toward growth.

Climbing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs offers another lens through which to understand what it means to show up for yourself. At its base, we need the fundamentals: food, shelter, safety. But as we climb the pyramid, we encounter higher-order needs—connection, esteem, and, at the top, self-actualisation.

Self-actualisation is the pinnacle of showing up for yourself. It’s when you step into who you really are, unapologetically. But here’s the thing: we often get stuck in the middle layers. We chase connection and validation from others while neglecting the deeper call of our own soul.

What if you stopped waiting for external permission? What if, instead of hustling for validation, you gave yourself the space to grow into your fullest potential?

The Courage to Show Up

Let’s get real for a second. Showing up for yourself isn’t glamorous. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes downright terrifying. It requires you to sit with your fears, your past mistakes, and your unmet potential. But it’s also the most rewarding work you will ever do.

Here’s what showing up for yourself doesn’t mean:

• It doesn’t mean abandoning your responsibilities or relationships.
• It doesn’t mean putting yourself above others.
• It doesn’t mean being perfect.

Here’s what it does mean:

• Listening to what your body, mind, and soul need—and honouring that.
• Setting boundaries that protect your energy.
• Pursuing what lights you up, even when it’s inconvenient or scary.
• Saying “yes” to growth and “no” to the things that keep you small.

The Power of “What If?”

What if you actually showed up for yourself? What if you took the time to explore your inner world—the shadow and the light? What if you pursued the dreams you’ve been putting off?

When you commit to showing up for yourself, you give others permission to do the same. You stop living transactionally—checking off tasks and meeting expectations—and start living transformationally, creating a ripple effect of authenticity and courage.

Your Invitation

Artemis Blueprint was born out of this exact philosophy. It’s a space where we peel back the layers of doing to rediscover the joy and power of simply being. It’s about stepping into your highest self—not because the world demands it, but because you deserve it.

If you’re ready to stop transacting and start transforming, we invite you to join us on this journey. It’s time to leave your “yeah, buts” at the door and ask yourself the one question that matters: What if I actually showed up for me?

Let’s find out. Together.

Come and explore the Artemis Blueprint. Your future self is waiting.