One day, two of my barefooted two-year-old girls (from my Daycare Family) were sitting on my lap. I couldn't help but stare at the perfection of those little toes.Toes that had not yet been squished into ill-fitting shoes. Toes that had not conformed to a pointed toe shoe. Toes that had not borne the brunt of high heels. Toes that had not run a marathon. These were simple but happy kid-toes.I couldn't help but think of these little bundles of perfection who are born into this world. When they come into our lives, they are little bodies of innocence who have not been expected to conform, fit in and bear the brunt of any life dramas or high expectations. They are perfect in their innocence.Then life happens.We mold them into imperfect human beings and we have high expectations for them to meet. We cajole them to eat and sleep according to what we think is best for them. We dress them up, take them out and expect them to behave in a manner that pleases us. We raise them within our imperfect homes and do our best to bring up 'good citizens' we can take on the world outside of our homes.Then comes daycare, school, extra-curricular sports, friendships, work, relationships and the list goes on and on. Within each one of these experiences lays the possibility that the fit may not be good. It is human nature to want to be liked and accepted, so we mold ourselves to fit within uncomfortable people, places and things.If we are raised within a 'comfortable pair of shoes', we recognize a good fit and that is what we are attracted to and bring into our lives. If those shoes have always been uncomfortable, we don't realize they were supposed to be comfortable all along.When you try to fit into shoes that are not comfortable for you, think of the perfect little toes of small children. Strive to keep those toes comfortable, wherever life takes you.I am not saying to stop trying on new shoes. Simply beware of those that are still uncomfortable after you give them a fair chance. Perhaps you could try walking barefoot for a while and simply feel your way through.It is possible to walk comfortably. Even after the damage is done. In fact, one appreciates comfort even more after experiencing a lot of discomfort.
Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in every walk of life. Look for comfort in your life. You deserve it!
