I have marching orders.
I love encouragement and motivation. I thrive on it. I crave it. Without it, I easily sink into the black whole of depression. It grabs me and puts me in a headlock making me feel powerless. I have to stay on top of the negative moments and unfavorable circumstances in my life so that I don’t give in to hopelessness.
I’ve learned to be my #1 cheerleader and motivator. It keeps me in control and centered. It allows me to focus on my goal of moving forward. I don’t wait on anyone else to encourage me. I work to keep myself pumped. On top of all of this, I stay connected to my why. I don’t want to ever simply exist again. I want to walk in purpose and live with intention. Being in charge of my journey helps.
What is marching forward?
Marching forward is refusing to remain stagnant. It’s the opposite of going backward. It is not always big steps or gigantic breakthroughs. Moving forward looks different for each individual. Moving forward is doing what it takes to create a goal and then choosing to work towards it. Moving forward is sometimes sitting still and processing the next step after a setback. Moving forward is reaching out for help. It’s being frustrated but refusing to give up. Sometimes it’s crying. Other times it’s looking for reasons to laugh when life is extremely sad. Moving forward is acknowledging your emotions and not allowing them to control you. Moving forward is dedication to living the best life possible. Moving forward is a decision. It’s being intentional. Moving forward is embracing truth and refusing to accept lies.
Men can march forward, too!
Women aren’t the only ones capable of moving forward. Men are also capable of marching toward their goals. The menfolk (as I lovingly refer to them in my book, MsMissy Speaks,) have a special place in my heart. Men suffer a lot emotionally and mentally without much support or many healthy outlets. Society has convinced men that they have to have super strength and that only women and little girls can cry. I need men to know that in order for you to march forward you’re going to have to shed some tears. Maybe not literally but perhaps internally. You’re going to have to face your truth and your emotions. You’re going to have to sit with your feelings of sadness and confront depression and feelings inferiority. You are strong because you were created to be strong. Not because you follow a set of rules that’s been set by society. You are strong when you are in control of yourself and your reactions. You are strong when you are willing to make and be responsible for your own decisions. You are strong when you take your obstacles and allow them to build within you mature characteristics and internal strength of character.
You don’t have to be a superhero.
You’re human. It’s normal to get tired, stumble, lose focus, and feel like giving up sometimes. There is nothing wrong with you. People lose their way and get in funks. There are moments when it’s hard to pick yourself up and be the joyful cheerleader that you need. You will fall down but you don’t have to stay down. You can find your way forward on your journey. You can make it just by being you!
My hope is that everyone would commit to a journey forward. Whether it’s during the month of March or any other month of the year. My prayer is that you would fight for truth and refuse to live your life according to myths and lies, feelings of insufficiency or past failure. Live for you. Live for your health and happiness. Live a life that’s meaningful that you can enjoy. Live with intention. Move with purpose.
Hope Always,
💜Missy
I am hosting a virtual event on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. CST. It’s a great follow up to this blog post. Click the following link for more information and to register: Breaking up with Fairy Tales: Accepting Your Reality and Finding Happy after All.
Moments with Missy 