If These Shoes Could Speak. (The Blog Behind the TEE!) Mama Needs A New Pair of Shoes!
The other day, I got so embarrassed. I had spent the day riding buses, as I ran errands. Knowing that I would be making a lot of transfers, I had decided to wear my walking shoes. My goal was to be as comfortable as possible. You see, I don’t ride the bus very often. There just aren’t any buses close to my house.
I didn’t think twice about these shoes as I put them on. Not a week goes by without me wearing them. I know I had reached the point where I kept reminding myself to get a new pair. But my thoughts were purely practical. I needed something that I could move around freely and comfortably in. Besides, people that know me realize I don’t really care too much about these kinds of things. When I go to replace my walking shoes, I tend to buy the exact same pair.
Well, that evening, I was planning to meet a friend for a concert in the park. I showed up in my walking shoes and immediately realized my mistake. My friend looked down and I followed her eyes. With horror I observed a pair of dusty old tennis shoes that were starting to fall apart. In my mind, I was pretty sure the hole near the toe area was visible to everyone.
I just laughed it off and told her how I keep reminding myself to buy a new pair. We’ve known each other for around 7 years, so she is not surprised by anything I do. She shook her head and made some comment, but that was the last mention of my footwear. And it turned out to be a wonderful evening.
But this got me thinking. I mean, what if these shoes could talk? Would people see them differently? Would we use a different measure to calculate their worth? In a way I wish all my shoes could speak. That’s because they’d share the version of me, that so few people know. They’d share stories of adventures. Of long walks in the desert. Of going down unknown paths. Of not knowing what I might find around a corner.
But mainly, I think they would share my hopes and dreams. These are the shoes that I’d most likely be wearing when I’ve come up with a new idea or want to expand upon a concept. They’ve seen my tears and joy. They’ve heard my affirmations. They even know just how often I pray.
But mostly, I think their story would share the heart wrenching biography of a multifaceted persona. A complicated woman who is not afraid to dream. A person who can sometimes be quirky or naïve, believes in good and loves the power of a good strong wind.
Maybe my shoes are a good reflection of me, after all. Here’s what I hope they say: That though I might not look too pretty on the eye, I’ve lived. I’ve spent a large amount of time moving about in nature, among the dust and the dirt. I’ve visited many places and now I’m feeling the effects of overuse, as well as every day wear and tear. I have some holes in my story, but I get by just fine. But mostly, I believe my shoes would proclaim that I don’t need a lot of fancy things to enjoy life and have fun.
Normally, this is where I’d attempt to impart some form of encouragement. But today, I just want to leave you with a question. Begin by taking a close look at your favorite pair of shoes. Then, ask yourself the question, “If these shoes could speak, what would they say?” Take some time to think about your answer. What do think your shoes reveal about you? What do they say about your taste? Or maybe even your lifestyle? And once you’ve really contemplated your answer, I want you to ask yourself, “Is this the message I want to share with the world?”
Each of our individual stories are continuously being fashioned by all our uniquely interwoven experiences. Even the most insignificant moments can prove to be influential. Our preferences and priorities reveal themselves, whether we want them to or not. Yes, even with something as simple as a pair of shoes, you share with the world who you are and what matters most to you.
This week, take some time to reflect on just who you are. Pull out a few pairs of shoes and ask yourself the question, “If these shoes could speak, what would they say?”
Here’s one last thought: the shoes you wear are how you reveal yourself to the world. But in the end, you choose the shoes you decide to wear.
Have a great week, and don’t forget to Live your P.O.W.E.R.! Plan...Organize...Work hard...Excel...and Reap the Rewards.
PS. Well, my shoes have finished their talk. They've spoken of the hundreds of adventures we've gone on. They've shared their view of the paths we've traveled. It feels bittersweet, but it's time for me to purchase my next pair. That's good. Who knows what new adventures this new pair will carry me through, Yep! This Mama needs a new pair of shoes!
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