Sidewalk Lessons

“Now, that girl right there is good lookin’! Watch out, there goes three more. Man, I wish these girls lived in Hayden.” These were the thoughts boarding my train of thought as I walked with my family around the shops in Destin, Florida on that hot July day back in 1995, but, unbeknownst to me, my train was about to be derailed.

I was an awkward, yet physically mature 14-year-old boy. The early teenage years for dudes can be tough; so many changes are taking place all at once. Although tall and muscular for my age, I was not yet confident and walked with my shoulders slumped over. I was shy around girls. Although I was good at spotting beautiful girls, I was not about to go talk to them, especially if they were grouped up like pack animals, which they tend to be.

As I walked along that hot cement sidewalk, living life mainly in my thoughts, two hands simultaneously impacted my body. One was a fist. The other was a gripping hand. My Pawpaw had taken his right fist and firmly placed it into the center of my back—perfectly between my shoulder blades. He had grabbed my left shoulder with that big ol’ left paw and jerked it backward. I was in shock and confusion. What had I done wrong?

I will never forget the words that Pawpaw proclaimed for me and everyone to hear, “Pull your shoulders back and walk like a man!” I was petrified. Mainly, I was wondering if any of these young ladies had witnessed the object lesson or the verbal reprimand. As I calmed a bit and realized that no one was paying attention to me, I considered why Pawpaw was so moved to teach me a lesson in front of everyone. The first thing that I realized was that the walk we walk has an impact on other people. Pawpaw was proud of me. He wanted me to walk as though I was proud to be me. He wanted me to have confidence in myself and walk in such a way that others could see it.

Although I did not stop and thank him for a valuable lesson that day, I did arrive at a place where I could appreciate it. I can still feel his hands and hear his words. I still pull my shoulders back today as a 43-year-old man. Ironically, I have taught this same lesson to my oldest daughter, who tends to slouch when she walks too.

Three nuggets available to take with you today:

1. The manner in which you walk communicates a message.

2. People are watching you whether you know it or not.

3. The way you walk has an affect on others.