March Forward

Written by Shareese Strong, RW Team Member

Month of March

Have you ever felt "out of it"? Have you ever asked yourself, "What is really going on with me and why am I feeling so "blah?".... Well, sis, me too! You are in good company. The other day, I posted a picture on Facebook. That morning for work, I chose to put on a dress, makeup, and even had the nerve to feel cute, and put on high heels. What? No, for real...I had on HIGH HEELS, y’all! It is still a thing! That night, my husband complimented me on my new clothes and said he liked them.

Turns out, they were not new at all. I had them in my closet the whole time, for years. Yes, all these years I could have been wearing them to work, but I chose to wear mostly a large pullover or a polo and stretchy pull-up pants. You know, the "quick and easy".

I recently ended my six and a half year "Loc" journey. I loved it. My hair had grown so much, it was surpassing my back. I did not have to worry about my hair in the rain, or if my workouts would sweat my hair out. I loved the get up and go feel. It was "quick and easy". I cut it. Initially, I tried detangling each loc to keep the growth from the past six and a half years. After several hours and days with only six locs done, I chose to do a big chop instead. “Quick and easy.”

I needed a change. I wanted something different. I no longer preferred the "quick and easy" way I had settled comfortably into. Instead, I wanted to be more intentional. To take more time thinking about how I look and feel. To wear those things that I had in my closet for years. To slow down. To embrace a slower and steadier pace. I started envisioning myself in a new way and instantly felt that I was in the right direction. The day I cut my hair; I recognized that it was an intentional decision. I had no regrets, I felt aligned to where I needed to be and where I wanted to go. My focus was on now and on the future.

And now, we are here…. MARCH! It is the only month that gives us our direction. It tells us what to do and how to do it on the very first day. The dictionary defines March as to move in a direct purposeful manner; to make steady progress. It is a verb, it’s action. It is a forward movement. As we enter March, it is an opportunity to approach the month with intention and purpose. This may involve stopping certain activities, improving others, and making necessary changes. If you feel like it is time to cut your hair, DO IT! If you feel like you want to start dressing up more or applying a little lipstick..., DO IT! If you want to post a cute pic of yourself on social media, because you are feeling good...DO IT! Golly gee, if you want to wear heels until your feet hurt...then DO IT! Each day, let us embrace the "slow and steady" and take the time to "move in a direct purposeful manner".

March, sisters...to your own, slow, and steady beat. I am in step with you and the rhythmic sounds of our feet MARCHING FORWARD sounds so beautiful together!