So You Want to Put One Foot in Front of the Other?

"Things that seem hard are not always that hard. Put one foot in front of the other, and you’ll get to the end." ~ Author Unknown

After years of being physically active, my fitness routine was slowly becoming non-existent. Consequently, I committed to walking every morning for 30-45 minutes during the month of April until physical activity was again a habit.

The Challenge of Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
One morning I stepped outside and began questioning my decision to go walking. The sky was distinctly ominous and wind gusts were so strong I struggled to put one foot in front of the other. Nonetheless, I pushed forward determined to honor my commitment.

Better Days May be Around the Corner
Within minutes I rounded a corner and the wind tapered off thereby making my walk more manageable. Tumbleweeds blew through the streets, flowers were flattened by the wind, and there wasn’t another hiker or jogger around.

Although I considered walking for twenty minutes instead of forty-five, I pressed on despite powerful gusts which occasionally pushed me along and blasted my face with cool air.

Also see: Persistence: The Stuff of Legends and Heroes

It IS Possible to Complete the Journey
Twenty minutes later, I formed the analogy between my determination to keep walking and those who push forward to achieve a goal or dream.

The real “ah-ha!” came when I realized I nearly canceled my walk until I turned the corner and saw the possibility of keeping my commitment.

Similarly, when you embark on a goal or dream, following through may seem difficult at first. However, when you stay focused and committed, the winds will change in your favor.

Along the way, the winds may shift and temporarily upset your balance. Yet, by continually putting one foot in front of the other, you will complete the journey.

That morning, I put one foot in front of the other and completed a forty-five minute journey.
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What it Means When You Feel Your Life is Worthless

"Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact." -William James

Imagine spending 76 days at sea…alone…in a small life raft. That’s exactly what happened to one man after he set out for some alone time at sea. His trip soon turned disastrous when his boat sank during a storm. He struggled to stay alive while battling sharks, starvation, and unbearable thirst.

During his ordeal, he frequently reflected on his life. He surmised he had made nothing of himself and being lost at sea was what he deserved. Instantly, I was reminded of all the times I had heard others say, "My life is worthless."

The truth is, of course, our lives are not worthless. Each of us has a purpose that we may not yet have realized. CNN Hero, Susan Burton sums it up this way, “We all have a gift and a purpose, and when we find that purpose we become heroic.”

Some measure their worth by other people’s standards thereby losing sight of their true purpose and worth. In her Stanford University commencement address, Oprah Winfrey recounted how early in her anchorwoman career she emulated Barbara Walters. The producers suggested Oprah change her name and her appearance. Things soon went downhill.

Thereafter, she lost her job and was offered her own talk show in order to fulfill her contract. According to Oprah, from the minute she began hosting her show she felt she was "home." No longer was she living by others' standards. More importantly, she had discovered her purpose.

If you have not yet discovered your purpose, focus on the things you are passionate about and attracted to, things that stir your excitement. These are usually clues to your purpose.

Ultimately, the man in the raft was rescued. His experience made him realize he still had goals and dreams to fulfill. When you begin having doubts about your worth, remember your life has meaning and those thoughts are reminders you have not yet discovered your purpose. Keep moving in a forward direction and you soon will.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

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