A.S. Thorne

If you spend enough time in any kind of work that serves people – especially people who are hurting – you’ll learn a hard truth pretty fast:

Not everyone has the same heart.

Some people will show up when it’s easy, when it’s convenient, when it fits neatly into their schedule. But when it costs something – sleep, comfort, a free evening – they’ll have an excuse ready.

And if you’re someone who cares, who believes this work is sacred, that can feel like a betrayal.

Because you know what it takes to do this well. You know it means showing up when you’re tired. Showing up when you’d rather be anywhere else. Showing up when nobody is watching and nobody is clapping.

Sometimes that means missing holidays and birthdays. Sometimes it means canceling plans you were so looking forward to, or stepping in on a night you weren’t even supposed to be on call – because you knew there was no one else.

Some people call that over-commitment. I call it integrity.

There will always be people who talk a big game – who love to be associated with important work but disappear when it’s actually time to do it.

There will be people who are quick to sign up, quick to post about it, quick to claim the title – but nowhere to be found when someone actually needs them.

And you’ll wonder why you’re always the one holding it together.

The truth? Because you decided you wouldn’t be the person who lets someone down.

You decided your word mattered.

You decided that if you said you’d be there, you’d actually be there.

Yes, that comes at a cost. Sometimes it means you’re exhausted. Sometimes it means you’re frustrated. Sometimes it means you watch other people float through without consequences while you carry more than your share.

But you can look yourself in the mirror and know you did the right thing.

You showed up.

And for the record – showing up is not about perfection. It’s not about never making mistakes. It’s about honoring the commitment you made to be present when it counts.

So if you’re reading this and feeling defensive – maybe ask yourself why.

If this stings, maybe it’s because deep down you know you haven’t been showing up the way you said you would.

And if you’re the one who keeps stepping in to cover, to fix, to carry the extra load – know this:

Your consistency is rare. Your dedication is powerful. Your standards are not the problem.

The world doesn’t need more people who sign up for the badge but disappear when it’s inconvenient.

The world needs more people like you.

Your turn:
Have you ever felt like you’re the only one carrying the weight? I’d love to hear how you continue to show up, even when it’s hard.

<3 A.S. Thorne