What Does Moving Forward Actually Look Like?

Honoring what was, deciding what’s next, and taking the step.

After holding on to something for a long time, it's hard to think about yourself moving forward into something better. At the time, it might not seem like you’re moving on to something better, but in the end, it is.

Let’s talk about the three steps it takes to move forward: honoring what you’re moving on from, deciding the next step, and taking that step to move forward. 

Honoring What You're Moving on From

Whether it is something good or bad, whatever you are moving forward from was a part of your life. We have to honor that. Looking back at that time in your life, you have to look at the upsides and the good things that came from it. In my mind, everything has a good side. Even if it was a really bad time, there is a good part to it. So, making sure we honor whatever good that came with it will help us move forward.

Honoring that time in our life is not deleting all photos, text messages, contacts, or throwing away pieces. This means keeping those things for memories. Not everything, obviously, but the good things. Honoring what was and moving forward. (A topic that we will get into in another blog post.) 

Deciding the Next Step

Next, we need to decide what the next step is in moving forward past these things. Does that mean a change in attitude? A new career or job? A new home? A new city?

Whatever that means for you, you have to decide what is best for you to move forward. Whatever that is, it needs to be something that will make you happy. Something that will make you feel free and Untamed. Something that will make you open up and live outside your box. Something that will make you feel unapologetically yourself.

You can start journaling, find a dance or pole class, go hiking, have a photoshoot, buy some lingerie, learn makeup, or whatever makes you feel sexy and Untamed. After all, that’s what being Untamed is all about. Freeing yourself of what no longer serves you, finding something better, and becoming your best self. Find whatever that is and take the next step. 

I know it’s hard to take the next step and do something new, but it’s possible and it’s important to move forward. One thing I’ve learned is that if you want change, it’s easier with a friend.

Grab a friend and do whatever it is that’s your next step. Maybe it will help out that friend as well. Or if you’re solo, ride solo and do it yourself. But making sure you are doing it is the important thing. Hold yourself accountable as well. I know life is life’ing and it gets busy, but make time for it. If you feel yourself slipping, pull yourself back in. Take that next step and move forward to be happier. 

Let me give you a personal example. I danced at a studio for 7 years. The studio owner and I were really cool, and all the teachers and students were like family to me. I even taught there as an assistant teacher to the owner. There was a time when I wanted to fully teach and lead a class, but I was shut down. It hurt because my family didn’t want me a part of their family anymore. So, I did the hard thing and started to apply to competing dance studios in Charlotte. It was the best thing I did. I am the happiest at the studio I am currently teaching at, and I found a family that wants me. I’ve taken the things my previous studio has taught me, honored the memories, and moved forward. I’m not one for change, especially since that was a part of my life for years. But, I moved forward and it was for the better. 

So when it's time for you to move forward, think about the result, not the current situation. Honor what was, decide what’s next, and do the thing. Be free and be Untamed.