Walking

I grew up in Los Angeles --- a driving city ---- you drive around the block to visit friends.  However, I am learning to walk more these days as the fitness crew says walking has the same effect as running --- hate running…

Roma, like many cities in Italia. is a walking city.  There are practical reasons for this. Besides being a living museum, with value on every corner, the subway system is limited, since digging in an ancient city means bumping into things that are worth preserving, and cars — forget about it..   As I walk around Roma, Milano, and Venezia I have become more observant of how people walk.  There is a difference in their gait, of course, but I started to observe the attitude one carries when walking in a crowded space.

There is the “hit-me-I-need-the -money style.  This person believes road signage is for cars or someone else.  No matter the circumstances they are going to walk where they want while staring down a four-thousand-pound vehicle as if that is going to have a positive outcome.  The opposite would be the timid walker glancing furtively everywhere --- sure that either scooter, bike, car, or another motorized object is coming for them.  Women walk in many ways. There is the I am a runway model and you may watch me but no eye contact.  The strutter - demonstrating that those heels are no different than your tennis shoes.  Woman have the most varied looks walking on their own.  I observe women to be command walkers meaning that they are in command and do not under any circumstances bother me because I will mess you up.  The fast walker racing to the next most important event.  The pretty walker, the athletic walker, and my favorite – the oblivious walker.

Men have walking styles but not so varied and not so much fun to watch.  There are strutters, of course, but many walk with an arrogance and style that challenges others to infringe on their personal space.  The distracted walker makes sure you sense the importance of his cell phone call – probably ordering a pumpkin spice something.  The competitor – no matter how many people are on this sidewalk he will be the winner.

Taking note of how people walk will tell you a lot about their availability to interact, their willingness to be authentic, or the success of their day.  There is a defensiveness about most walkers with the exception of couples, especially happy ones.  Hand in hand, arm in arm they seem to walk in a way that shields them from the bullies of the pathway. 

When it comes to walking through life, love has strength beyond mere compatibility.  If it doesn’t move mountains then maybe you will accept that it moves people ---- let’s face it on a crowded sidewalk that is hi- value.

You carry your day and your attitude in the way you walk.  Throw your shoulders back, lift up your gaze and see what success comes your way. ---- don’t forget we see you coming and if you are coming with a positive vision we will mirror that image.

I have to go now – my Uber is here….