Why Strut?
-Cydni M. Robertson of ItsHerStrut.Com
I was thirteen years old when I became aware of the way that I walked. My family had taken a vacation to Disney World. It was my very first time. In my opinion I should have gone at an earlier age but I remember being very excited nonetheless. One memory in particular always stands out and to this day has become one of the defining factors in my life. This was the moment that I became aware of my presence and stature.
Daddy and I with Tigger – Disney World 2004
My step mom, one to never hold tongue, loudly, plainly, and with concerned loving care stated “Stand up straight when you’re walking girl! Why are you slouching and looking down?” Without even realizing it I’d formed a habit of holding my head towards the pavement when I walked. So I looked up. That moment of looking up was almost as symbolic as the heavens breaking open with a chorus of angels singing “Ahhhhh!” the higher my head rose the louder their voices. I still found myself being defensive though. I tried to convince both my step mom and myself that there was nothing wrong with the way that I walked, as any rebellious teenager would, but deep down I knew she’d just opened my mind to a whole new world just like Aladdin and Jasmine.
From that moment on, I became intentional about studying the way people walked. I realized that it was an expression of their personalities and also an expression of self worth and value. I noticed that my mother walked with her back as straight as can be, which appeared to make her glide rather than step. My sister’s walk had a mix of sass and silliness as her hips swayed slightly and a consistent smile stayed on her face. I noticed that a particular classmate always, and I mean always, seemed to have a smile on her face while she walked. Joy radiated from her. When I looked at her I remember thinking, ‘I want to look like THAT when I walk!” And of course, there was Beyonce. This was around the time Dangerously in Love came out and if you didn’t notice her opening strut in that video then honey, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest wonders.
Mama, Kyndal (big sister), and myself. Practicing my STRUT as a tot. 1993
By the time our vacation back at Disney had ended, I decided two things almost instantaneously.
- I was determined to find and develop my very own style of walking.
- Whichever style I chose would convey confidence and joy with each step.
It wasn’t until I got to college that the years of intentionally practicing having healthy self esteem and exuding confidence with each step would lead me to my passion. I noticed that many women around me were subconsciously holding their head down both literally and physically. They’d succumbed to the slumps of life and made slouching a habit in their careers, education, dreams, and in the way that they would stand. It became real to me that insecurities were contagious and we unknowingly infect others and encourage self consciousness when we refuse to stand up tall and walk…or STRUT, in our purposes.
Making purposes plural is intentional. I am what you would classify as a multipotentialite. Someone who finds passions and interests in a variety of life’s creative and intellectual depths. Is I began the search in finding my purpose, initially I became frustrated because I realized that many careers and causes allowed my strut to develop more and more. I would tell any friend, and I do consider you a friend :-), that if you find yourself interested in more than one of life’s many avenues, don’t be afraid to add it to the list of your many talents and gifts. It’s okay to be multi-purposed. Want to know where to start when finding or developing your purpose(s)? For me, it was in the stillness of life.
I began to take advantage of quiet time and I actively searched out opportunities to be alone. I would intentionally sit for hours outside, for some reason being near nature was the most effective, with the only company being myself and the Holy Spirit. It is in those moments, that I felt I knew myself best. It was in these moments that I found clarity in my existence. It was in these moments that I felt whole. My strut became instinctive vs. a result of taught-worldly practices and inspirational Instagram posts.
So, why STRUT?
Strut because you owe it to yourself to showcase your inner light to the world.
Strut because someone is looking to you as an example of how to be proud of who they are.
Strut because your presence is ALWAYS louder than your words. Stand tall. Strut strong.
Strut because you are a role model.
Strut because queens never hold their chin down, be mindful of your crown.
Strut because no one else will ever be able to strut like you. Your strut is uniquely designed.
Strut because walking is boring. Shawty, you’ve never been boring a day in your life.
Strut because the fullness of your life depends on it.
Ephesians 1:11 – It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
Call to Action:
Now that you are made aware of why you should strut, here are a few steps you can take to get started.
- Intentionally seek out alone time (or simply doing things alone) and learn to enjoy it. Put yourself in places of peace and enrichment during this time with yourself i.e. an art or photography class, yoga, or a morning run in a local park . Do it for you, and only you.
- Identify your strengths. Make a list of all of the things you’re good at. Becoming aware of your strengths will not only lift your spirits but with each new addition to the list confidence can’t help but to grow.
- Say it loud. Often times we forget that the scripture saying “life and death lies in the power of the tongue” is factual and based on principle. Practice saying only positive things about yourself and others and become aware of the small changes in the world around you and the world within you.
The spotlight is on. The stage is ready. Strut shawty.
-CydStruts
Want to read more about Cyd and It’s Her Strut? Visit itsherstrut.com.