You're probably wondering what the deal is with the shoes. When I was trying to come up with a blog name that I felt fit me best, I found myself wondering which "me" I want it to fit - me the mom, me the wife, me the professional, or any one of the many other aspects of "me"? The truth is, this blog will probably include pieces from all of those identities; I couldn't settle on just one.
That got me thinking about the well-known figure of speech, "wearing many hats." I don't actually wear hats (they look weird on me), so that didn't really seem to fit my personality. The analogy is accurate, however; I felt like there was a blog title in a similar metaphor. Then, it hit me: shoes. If the metaphor about hats means a different type of hat is required for a different aspect of my identity, then surely I could apply the concept to an accessory that better fits my personality.
I love shoes. I love fancy shoes, high heeled shoes, casual shoes, flats, tennis shoes, boots, flip-flops, slippers; you name the style of shoe, I probably have at least one in my closet. I find myself wearing shoes based on either the impression I wish to make, or based on the mood that I'm in. If I'm feeling confident, sexy, empowered, and fashionable, you'll likely find me in a saucy heel. If I need to be practical, but still professional, I'll probably wear dressy flats. Running around after my kids all day? If it's summer, I'll be in flip-flops; in winter, I'll be in some sort of casual shoe. The list goes on.
Furthermore, I was thinking about my "to do" list, and the balancing act that I'm required to pull off in my daily life; I've encountered people who have looked down their noses at me for not being _____ enough, usually because I'm not able (or willing) to devote 100% of my time and attention to one aspect of my life, like them. I've often thought, when this comes up, that it isn't easy for someone who isn't required to be responsible for many different things and people to understand where I'm coming from. There have been occasions when certain of those people, usually in a professional environment, have even used this as a means of professional sabotage.
Whenever something like this happens, whether it's someone wondering why I'm not devoting more time and energy toward one aspect of my life over the rest of my responsibilities, or it's someone trying to use my many responsibilities against me, I inevitably think, "Dude [or, dudette, as the case may be], you couldn't last one day in my shoes."
I've also had the more positive version of this experience - the person who is, like me, responsible for a family, a career, etc., and who celebrates that juggling of this crazy life. When I'm blessed to meet these people, I find we share common ground...probably because we've pounded that same ground in similar shoes. There is comraderie, empathy, support and acceptance - we lift each other up, support one another, and share the experience. This is when I think, "Ah. Someone who's walked in my shoes. Thank you, God!"
So, there you have it - I wear many different styles of shoes (metaphorically and literally), and this blog is about the experiences that come from the different parts of my life. I hope it helps open the eyes and minds of those who maybe haven't experienced the wonderful craziness. I hope it helps those who live in the trenches of that wonderful craziness to know they aren't alone.
Laugh with me. Cry with me. Share with me. I want to make you shake your fist; I want to remind you of why we keep walking this walk. Escape from your own life; live vicariously through mine. Spend a day in my shoes.
I love shoes. I love fancy shoes, high heeled shoes, casual shoes, flats, tennis shoes, boots, flip-flops, slippers; you name the style of shoe, I probably have at least one in my closet. I find myself wearing shoes based on either the impression I wish to make, or based on the mood that I'm in. If I'm feeling confident, sexy, empowered, and fashionable, you'll likely find me in a saucy heel. If I need to be practical, but still professional, I'll probably wear dressy flats. Running around after my kids all day? If it's summer, I'll be in flip-flops; in winter, I'll be in some sort of casual shoe. The list goes on.
Furthermore, I was thinking about my "to do" list, and the balancing act that I'm required to pull off in my daily life; I've encountered people who have looked down their noses at me for not being _____ enough, usually because I'm not able (or willing) to devote 100% of my time and attention to one aspect of my life, like them. I've often thought, when this comes up, that it isn't easy for someone who isn't required to be responsible for many different things and people to understand where I'm coming from. There have been occasions when certain of those people, usually in a professional environment, have even used this as a means of professional sabotage.
Whenever something like this happens, whether it's someone wondering why I'm not devoting more time and energy toward one aspect of my life over the rest of my responsibilities, or it's someone trying to use my many responsibilities against me, I inevitably think, "Dude [or, dudette, as the case may be], you couldn't last one day in my shoes."
I've also had the more positive version of this experience - the person who is, like me, responsible for a family, a career, etc., and who celebrates that juggling of this crazy life. When I'm blessed to meet these people, I find we share common ground...probably because we've pounded that same ground in similar shoes. There is comraderie, empathy, support and acceptance - we lift each other up, support one another, and share the experience. This is when I think, "Ah. Someone who's walked in my shoes. Thank you, God!"
So, there you have it - I wear many different styles of shoes (metaphorically and literally), and this blog is about the experiences that come from the different parts of my life. I hope it helps open the eyes and minds of those who maybe haven't experienced the wonderful craziness. I hope it helps those who live in the trenches of that wonderful craziness to know they aren't alone.
Laugh with me. Cry with me. Share with me. I want to make you shake your fist; I want to remind you of why we keep walking this walk. Escape from your own life; live vicariously through mine. Spend a day in my shoes.
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