My walk has been a topic of conversation today. I don't do it on purpose. Not anymore. That strut that I step out in has become part of me. I don't even think about it. I found a video of a pink elephant that was walking like I do and had to share it on Facebook to laugh, because that is how I walk. And I'm great at laughing at myself.
This morning at the grocery store, when picking up sugar snap peas (my go to snack - raw and undipped) the checker asked if I'm a model. She saw something in the way I walk. It's with purpose (food and time are great motivators). I look up and ahead. I don't worry about where my feet fall, and smile at others because I'm usually playing a great song in my ears. I don't worry about whether or not I can walk in heels. I do, and I don't think about it because I trust my body. I learned months ago that my muscles make up for my insecurity and that's when my calves hurt. If I step out in confidence, it happens and others stare. Or look away. It's a toss up and I don't care anymore.
At work today, one of the women I sit with asked if I know I walk like a model. I took it as a compliment and had a question to ask elsewhere. I came back to giggling looks and knew she was asking someone else for an opinion on the way I walk and I laughed it off.
I was a t.v. extra. It's a rite of passage in my city. I acted on stage in high school. I'm a bit of a ham. I've never once modeled. I'm not a model, nor do I care to be.
I don't walk like a model.
I walk like a mom.
I walk like I know great heartache can help me appreciate greater love.
I walk like I love silliness and frivolity because laughter is healing.
I walk like I'm inspired by sunshine and warm breezes with birdsong and honeysuckle on the wind.
I walk like smiles are free and hugs are healing.
I walk like it's an honor to be an inspiration to friends and strangers.
I walk in confidence because I know I will be okay.
I walk fearlessly because it feels better to be fiercely brave.
I walk like there's no turning back and the past isn't where I live anymore.
I walk like I'm stepping in gratitude.
I walk like there is beauty in everything I look at.
I walk as if I'm made of magic and stardust and there is something beyond belief holding me up and keeping me going.
I walk in the knowledge that I'm not different from any other person and anyone can walk like I do.