Proud fact: I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York!
With that being so, I am not a stranger to loud noise and seeing unfamiliar faces throughout my community. However, during my sophomore year of high school I moved to Westchester, NY and I’ve been living there ever since. For the most part, my neighborhood is very well-kept and quiet. Should there ever be any uproar, because of where I grew up I’m sure I can adapt.
A couple weeks ago, on a friday night I decided to go to Manhattan. Instead of driving from my house I opted to take the metro north train. When my fun-filled night was over, I caught the same train and headed back home. I arrived at my train stop close to 1:00 am.
When walking, the distance between the metro north station and my house is at least five minutes. To avoid going up a hill I took steps around the corner of the station. Located at the top of the steps are a pizza shop and bar & grill restaurant.
As I was approaching the steps I saw a young lady (maybe 18 or 19 years old). She stood at the bottom of the stairway, looked up for a minute and then slowly started to walk away. I thought her behavior was kind of odd but I was not deterred. I continued walking. When I finally got to the bottom of the stairs I saw a group of people, mostly men, standing in front of the bar & grill by the top of the steps. I figured this is why the young lady turned away, she was either nervous and/or scared.
Growing up in the Bronx,NY and always being on the go, I’m use to seeing people at all times of the night, so I wasn’t uncomfortable. Without hesitation I kept on walking up the steps and as I turned to my side, the young lady was a couple steps behind me. 
This occurrence spoke to me in many different and beautiful ways.
I used my past and where I came from to my advantage. I also wasn’t afraid to head towards the right direction. Regardless of who or what I saw in the beginning I stayed on course, taking the path I was initially set on and knew to be true. In doing so I motivated someone else.
Unknowingly in moving forward without hesitation, I set an example of courage. I thought the young lady had turned away but she was watching.
People are always watching you, for some reason or another.
The young lady was not much younger than me but I was really glad when I saw her behind me. I felt like I taught her a lesson and played a small role in her life… for about two minutes :-).
At all times you have to be strong and make the best choices, not only for yourself but to pave the way for others. The steps could have represented many things, such as goals, dreams, big or small decisions and most importantly life.
If I would have turned away in front of that young lady, I would have been condoning and reinforcing that it was okay to inconvenience yourself and be intimidated by others. Which should never be the case! I demonstrated to her that she did not have to walk alone because our paths were similar. I led the way. 
Of course don’t go walking in dark alleyways throughout the middle of the night, just be conscious of your actions and decisions. You never know who wants to walk with you and/or behind you. You are the inspiration. Act like it!
You never know whose eyes are on you.
Everything you do and in every situation, someone is ALWAYS waiting to see if you’ll take those steps. Especially the younger generation. What will you do?
No matter the ease and/or difficulty, obstacles and/or circumstances in YOUR life, I hope you will always keep walking….
On the “Be Encouraged” page (https://ohemmawrites.com/be-encouraged/ ) find my TOP three encouraging songs of the week!
Under Ohemma’s Words, (https://ohemmawrites.com/ohemmas-words/) read my most recently written poem, titled “Notes”!
Lastly, “It is Written…” (“https://ohemmawrites.com/it-is-written) has one of my favorite poems of all time, written in the 1500’s! It’s definitely a classic.
As always stay you & enjoy,
~Queen
OhemmaWrites 