ANDRE BEGIN

On a recent trip to the city to run errands, I was reminded of a recurring theme throughout my life as two store clerks echoed the same observation in the span of fifteen minutes.

When I walked into each of the two clothing stores, I had a very specific item in mind. In knowing the layout of the store, I walked directly to the section where the product would be offered without taking the time to browse along the way. My purpose was to check out the price and availability. The fact is that when it comes to new clothing these days, I don’t need a lot. The pieces I am considering are really just to replace or fill a minor gap in my retirement-era wardrobe.

In both places, I had a store clerk approach me within a minute, asking if there was anything they could help me find, noting that I had a very determined walk, like I was a man on a mission.

Frankly, I think that’s been pretty true throughout most of my adult life.

Even outside of the retail environment, I have always been very careful with my time. In being a little ambitious with my to-do lists, I always seem to have a lot on the go and need to manage my time and energy carefully to make everything happen. In trying to accomplish so much with limited time, I need to be organized, goal-oriented and deliberate in my actions. Maybe that’s why I look unstoppable during my errands.

On the other hand, another possible reason why I tend to walk with such determination is the fact that at 5 foot 5 inches, whenever I’ve been walking with taller friends over the years, I needed a bigger stride to keep up with them. That being the case, maybe that has become my default setting.

But on the day in question, I was on my way to meet a friend for lunch. With a few moments to spare before our scheduled meeting, I was trying to slip in some quick comparison shopping to make good use of time and knock this research off my to-do list. It may not be the strong sense of purpose that people saw in my walk, but if that’s the energy I exude, then it is what it is.

Either way, if the “determined walk” is the badge of honour I am to wear through life, as a man with a mission, a man with a purpose, and a confident, assertive walk to support this perception, then I wholeheartedly and proudly accept it.

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Sincere thanks for reading!
Have a great day,
André