How We Show Up Matters

I watched something powerful at last week’s Kansas City Sports Commission Awards.

Two friends shared the stage as this year’s Community Champions. One is the athlete I’ve covered longer than anyone in my career. The other is someone I’ve written about in both of my books.

Salvador Perez. Sarah Nauser.

Before she was diagnosed with ALS, Sarah was a fearless police officer and competitive bodybuilder. Always all-in on everything she did. Now, even with one of the cruelest diseases there is, she’s still all-in. Through her Sarah’s Soldiers Foundation, she’s changing lives with how she shows up every single day.

Salvy does the same. As the captain of the Royals and a steady presence in the community, he leads with perspective and heart. He’s talked often about how an 0-for-4 night is not the end of the world.  I’ve heard him say countless times, “I get to go play a game again tomorrow.” And behind the scenes, from Kansas City to Venezuela, he quietly shows up for others in ways most people never see.

Watching the two of them together and the care they have for each other  was inspiring. One has a booming voice. The other is losing hers. But both are loud in their impact.

Sarah texted me after the event. “Last night definitely made me feel like I’m making a difference and people are listening.”

On stage, she inspired everyone with words of wisdom, reminding them to have the courage to be themselves and use their platform.

Whether I’m on the mic, behind a blog post, or at a stadium, I want to show up with purpose and help others feel seen.

Small ball matters.

How are you showing up?

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