Episode 731 - The Power of Showing Up

In this episode of Monday Morning Mojo, Phil shares a personal story that highlights a simple truth: being present matters. From a summer water-ski mishap to two phone calls during a time of loss, Phil reflects on how small acts of showing up, whether in person, by phone, or through a message, can make a lasting impact. As we move into 2026, this episode encourages us to be intentional about supporting others in both good times and difficult moments. Showing up is about connection, care, and making people feel valued.

Resources:

Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Please send First Friday Feedback Submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Transcript

The top performers in every field surround themselves with those who inspire them, who seek to build them up, and who push them to reach beyond their current limits. I'm Phil Buchanan, Executive Chairman of cannon financial institute. I designed Monday morning mojo to provide you with a weekly Spark, a push and motivational insight to live your best life. Thanks for joining.

Good Monday morning, Cannon Nation and Happy New Year. It is episode 731 of Monday Morning Mojo. We're going to go back in the files a bit. It was the last water ski run of the day. Several fraternity brothers and I had been on the lake that July weekend at the early part of the following week. It was July 5, 1988 and the sun was hanging low in the western sky. I had not grown up as a water skier, but I had come to really enjoy it that prior weekend, I had perfected getting up on one ski and slaloming so late on that Tuesday afternoon, I wanted one more run. I was up for about 30 seconds when I crossed a wave and took a tumble. I hit the water with my right arm extended, and when I came up, my right shoulder was hurting like crazy. My buddies got me in the boat. We headed back to the lake house. We iced down my shoulder, and I took some pain meds, but it still really hurt. I was taking one summer class that particular summer, and it met on Wednesdays during that class, one of my classmates noticed I was grimacing a bit, and asked what was up. I explained the water ski accident, and she said that she was working at an orthopedic clinic next summer, and that I should really get my shoulder checked out. After class, she actually called and got me an appointment for that afternoon. She said she wasn't working, but that I'd be fine. She must have sensed a little bit of anxiousness, because when I showed up for my appointment that afternoon, she was in the waiting room. She introduced me to the staff, and I went right on back, she left and went home. The Long Story Short was that I simply had a strain in my shoulder, and I was going to be fine. But I never forgot the fact that my classmate not only went out of her way to help get me an appointment, but also showed up to ensure that everything was taken care of. Appropriately showing up is one of the most important things we can do for others, whether it's for good times and things like weddings, promotion parties, sporting events, etc, or for the not so good times like an illness or a funeral, when we show up, it matters. It's our presence that matters. Now, I know sometimes we can't always be physically present, but we can still show up. When my mother passed away in 2004 I received two phone calls very early that morning that stay with me to this day. They were from Athens pals. One was a pal named Tom Johnson. The other was from a pal named Burt Hill. It wasn't so much their words that mattered. Candidly, I don't remember their words, but what I do remember was the fact that they called, they showed up. See prior to that, I'd always taken the approach that folks experiencing a loss like that wouldn't want to be bothered, but I learned from those phone calls that hit is anything but a bother. Rather, it is part of showing up when someone else is down and hurting. Life is full of highs and lows, regardless of the situation, though, knowing that others are around that they have showed up. Well, that's what really matters. As we step forward into 2026 let's all find ways to show up for others to show up with great intent to show. Up with our presence, with our calls, with our messages, because when we do, it benefits everyone. 

Monday Morning Mojo is production of Cannon Financial Institute. Executive producer of Monday Morning Mojo is Sarah Jones. Editing and mixing is done by Danny Brunner. Until next time, I'm Phil Buchanan, reminding you to be a force for good. Have a great week, and thanks for being part of the Mojo community.