Image Source: Getty / Dominique Charriau
People watching is fun, ain’t it? And you can do it anywhere, in the airport waiting on a flight, in a park, at the bus-stop, at a sporting event, in a hotel lobby, at a bar… so it’s not a stretch to acknowledge the fact that at any given time you could be the object of someone’s focus… maybe even their entertainment. And to be honest, I really don’t care because a major endeavor of my life is to have a “consistent walk” which I do for myself, not others… but I’ll tell you what that mean in a moment.
Even though I have studied psychology and I know people, admittedly I’m not a licensed professional and so as a matter of my own personal interests I often seek the knowledge of those who are… We pretty much all know Dr. Oz, right? In his article “What does your walk say about you“ he wrote “people who stomp give the appearance that they are angry and unapproachable, depressed people use more leg lifting rather than propel themselves forward… as if moving forward is a chore and short stride/slow walkers are laid back, calm and understanding.” But included the curious side note that: Researchers who screened clips of women walking with a “relaxed” pace were most likely to be rated as vulnerable targets for inappropriate advances.
Shockingly enough, Dr. Christian Jarret a psychologist and author, corroborated this “slow walk” theory in his article “What your walk really says about you” (bbc.com) by including a quote from serial killer Ted Bundy “I could tell a victim from the way that she walked down the street.” Don’t let me scare you, but your walk is soooo very important. Experts say never go anywhere alone, walk with confidence, have a purpose, and know where you’re going.
WALKING WITH OTHERS
Be mindful of your personal “walk” … This might be the first time some of you have heard of this. But your walk is “The conduct (or the walking out) of one’s daily life.” In other words, when you die, how do you want people to talk about you. “He lived with integrity” “She was a very angry person” “They were wild and crazy” “She was a very, loving caring person, would give you the shirt off her back” or “He didn’t like or trust people.” You get my drift, right?
As you know life is full of temptations, struggles, challenges that call us into drama, addictions and even distractions. However, your walk is made much easier, and more fun with a “walking buddy.” Connect to “your tribe,” people who are where you are or where you want to go, get an Accountability Partner or at the very least one really good friend who has seen you at your worst and still loves you; someone you know has your best interests at heart.
Dr. Oz talks about “walking buddies” this way: “Slow walkers are more likely to be emotional learners or decision makers.” So, walking & talking with another person can help you spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. And finally, he concludes: “Teach your daughters how to walk in public - upright, aware and confident - it could literally save their lives.” That’s good advice if I do say so. But the one thing I would add is, place purpose as your primary motivation to move forward.
Purpose will give you somewhere to go and somethings to do. If you have a purpose, you’ll move with purpose. You’ll spend a lot less time just milling about, hanging out, and having too much time on your hands to get into trouble. Aaaaaaaand everyone has a purpose (and gifts to accomplish it.) You just gotta find out what they are. If you answer these 4 questions: 1) What makes you mad in this world that you would change if you could, 2) What would you do if money were no object, 3) What do you like to do and 4) What are you good at?... The journey to find your own purpose will begin. It’s time to move, let’s go!
There is no STRUT like knowing WHO you are, what you were made for and getting it done! If you need help getting started, I got you, CLICK HERE
For more information on Purpose and Destiny pick up your copy of 4SELF101 here (It’s not just for teens.)