To that end comes today's post. I sometimes think too much. Here are my latest thoughts about shoes. I have one style of shoe that I like. Those who are closest to me know this. Black, flat Mary Janes. That is my shoe of choice. Mary Janes, because they are kind of timeless and retro. Flat because I have always worn dresses and flats. I will not forsake comfort for style. Black because they go with everything.
BUT . . . they have to be a certain type of Mary Jane. There are so many different styles—the strap on the ankle, the strap up by the toe, and the strap right across the top of the instep. Wedge, high-heeled, spikey, flat. Open toe, closed toe. Embellishments, plain. Mine have to be right across the top of the instep. Here's where the weird thinking too much comes in. If the strap is up on the ankle, it signifies holding me back and that makes me crazy. Up by the toe makes me feel like I'm going to trip. But right across the center of my foot plants me.
Most of you know of my gypsy existence (over 75 addresses in 56 years) and that all I ever wanted was to have a farm and stay put. So the strap across the middle holds me in one place. Different from holding me back. Holding me back would mean impeding my dreams.
Now, before you think that is really crazy, let me share with you where the whole concept came from. I used to co-own and help run a medical massage therapy practice. It was a good business and worked with local hospitals to help alleviate pain and stress of patients. We also had an office where patients would come for relief of their serious illnesses. It was a real feel good business and I miss it, but it is in good hands.
Anyway, one of the thing we learned was how to deal with terminal patients. Touch is very, very important, but it has to be done a certain way. When someone is very near death, it is so important to be there with them as they cross over. That being said, when you hold their hand, you should never put yours on top of theirs—always slip it under. The reason is that mentally, if your hand is on top, you are holding them back. If you put your hand under theirs, you are letting them know that it is okay to go. When I learned this, it brought tears to my eyes because I got it. Having done hospice work, I know that sometimes all people need is permission to go and the knowledge that you will be alright without them. That you will take care of what needs taken care of.
So, placement is important and that is why I like black, flat Mary Janes with the strap across the middle. That is all. Pleasant deep thoughts to all of you out there!