This week, writing didn’t come as easily. But I’m doing it anyway. Why? Because I’m showing up to reflect on my learning, and even during the weeks when inspiration feels out of reach, the act of writing brings me back to my core. It’s a reminder of why I began this practice in the first place.

When I started this blog, my goal was simple: write once a month to reflect on my learning. Back then, I agonized over every word, wondering if my reflections would resonate with others or if my ideas might feel redundant, things that had already been said before. I vividly remember George Couros sharing a short video clip from Derek Sivers with me titled “Amazing to You. Obvious to Others.” It’s worth the two minute watch. The message was simple but powerful: if you have an idea, share it, because you never know where it might make an impact. That perspective stayed with me, giving me the courage to keep showing up to write even when I was experiencing doubt. 

And as George recently reminded me in his recent weekly email, “We often give our best advice to others and not take it ourselves.” His words made me pause. Isn’t that exactly why I’ve kept writing? I appreciate when others share their voices, to embrace the vulnerability that comes with it, and to see how their stories might connect with others. How could I expect others to share their stories if I wasn’t willing to share mine?

The Power of Showing Up

Now, almost five years later, I’m still writing, showing up for myself and, in turn, for others. Writing once a month has grown into a weekly practice. It’s no longer just about whether my words resonate with others; it’s about how the process deepens my learning, strengthens my practice, and brings clarity when I need it most. Yet, every time I hear that my writing has connected with someone, it’s humbling and reminds me why I keep showing up.

Just as writing has reminded me to keep showing up, I’ve realized how this applies to my daily work in education. A teacher recently shared with me, “Thanks for the help, support, and laughs!” Another wrote, “Please know how much of a positive impact you’ve made on me and so many.” A student called my name from down the hall and said, “Mrs. Kaufman, it’s so good to see you because when I do, you remind me that I can be my best!” 

Small Moments, Big Impact

These small moments of gratitude reaffirmed something I’ve been learning throughout almost two decades in education and through my reflections: As Karen Eber shares in her book The Perfect Story,  “We remember what we feel” (p. 18). Our impact doesn’t just live in what we say or do, it’s in how we make others feel through our presence, care, and support. 

It may be easy to feel like some days we’re just going through the motions…attending meetings, analyzing data, delivering professional learning sessions, problem finding and solving through conversations, or responding to emails and phone calls. But these exchanges reminded me that it’s often the seemingly ordinary moments that leave the most extraordinary impact. 

As I wrote in my book The Leader Inside, “Your actions create a collection of stories that can positively impact others.” Every choice you make, no matter how small, contributes to the narrative you’re building, one that has the power to inspire, uplift, and empower those around you. And as James Clear reminds us is his best-selling book, Atomic Habits, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”

Karen Eber captures it beautifully when she says, “Stories can establish leaders in unexpected places” (p. 15). Through reflection, we can find the stories that ground us, shape us, and connect us to others. And sometimes, those stories help us show up as leaders, even during the times we don’t feel particularly inspired.

Moving Forward

So this week, I’m showing up. If you can relate to my sentiments, I know you are too. I’m here writing because every reflection, every conversation, and every story has the potential to make an impact—even when we think it doesn’t. Through these stories, we’ll continue to create moments that matter.

You are making a difference.

Keep showing up.

We’ve got this.