No Shoes

I have the hardest time finding shoes. The list is too long for a single pair of shoes to possibly stack up to the nessecities of life and check all the boxes- comfort, function, fit, appearance, use, cost. I’m happy to forgo all the drama and simply wear nothing more than bare-naked feet, or if I must don my- check all the boxes- flip flops.

Living in Colorado I find I’m limited in my freedom to live year round with such abandon to nakedness and still keep my toes. My closet is full of stupid shoes limited to a single function of use: hiking, trail running, biking, climbing, for the gym, around town, staying in or going out, mowing, a dress heel, a boot heel, or no heel, fancy and costal, casual or travel, snow fashion or function, etcetera etcetera the list can go on.

The list so long and so unimportant for such a naked foot personality.
After a mile in my own shoes I’m often filled with buyer’s remorse.

The thought of trying to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” seems utterly preposterous when I have so many issues just trying to get into my own pair. How often do I even notice someone else’s shoes?

Sometimes I get so caught up in a day, or a slew of days sardined in a can called stress, I walk around head down with eyes cast to the floor, a shrunken worldview staring solely at my shoes. Perspective diminished I fail to notice the those around me, the shoes pointing toward me, waiting beside me, or the tiniest ones actually touching me. Talking too much, listening just enough to generate a response though I’ve already moved on.

How did you get here? Where did you come from? What are you thinking? How do you feel? Are you thriving or just barely surviving? What kind of shoes are you wearing today?

I forgot to listen so I could actually hear what it is that you’re saying, what you’re trying to share. I’m paused in my chair, your face is important with you’re heart laid bare. I’ve been lost for a moment caught in a stare, self focused and busy, I’m sorry. Stop. I’m here. I forgot that it’s best if we do this together, take off your shoes and we’ll stand here the same, listening to each other.