I recently discovered that my foot has grown a full size. I’ve decided to blame it in the pandemic since that’s not all that has increased in size, if you get my drift. I needed new tennis shoes/sneakers for my daily walks, and that’s when I found out about my shoe size.
The pleasant young man informed me that I now wore a size 9. What?? I’ve always been an 8. Okay, I did slide up to an 8.5 once or twice, but I blamed it on poor manufacturing. Though maybe this was why my big toe hurt so much…
I left the store with a shiny new pair of Hoka ONE ONE Bondi 7 running shoes. I must admit, having enough room at the toe of my shoes makes a world of difference.
In a Mother’s Day phone call, my son Matt said I needed a “middle school mom” to press her finger against the toe of the shoe I was trying on to see if there was enough room. Ah, the memories…
Now my task was to go through all my shoes, try them on, and see if I could still wear them.
No. No I could not.
So, I had to purge my closet of every shoe, slipper, and boot. This, my friends, was not as easy as it sounds. There is emotion attached to shoes. Also, serotonin—the happiness hormone. How to say goodbye?
I see how literature has affected this experience.
First, the “Cinderella Syndrome.” Why are women ashamed to wear a shoe size larger than a 6? Because we remember the illustrations in the book of the Ugly Stepsisters trying to force their size 11s into a 5 five glass slipper. We only get to be the prince’s beloved if we have small, delicate feet.
Second, Marie Kondo. I tried on each shoe, slipper, and boot and asked myself, “Does this bring me joy.” It was a toss-up dependent on tense.
DID this shoe bring me joy? Yes.
DOES this shoe bring me joy now? My big toe votes “No.”
I boxed up every last pair. Not right away; a few hung back and whispered, “Try me again tomorrow when you’re in a better mood.” I did. Out they went with the rest. Even some I’d worn only a couple times.
This afternoon Rich will deliver them to a local charity. What comforts me is that someone else will get to enjoy them.
I’ve gotten both doses of the vaccine, the COVID numbers are going down. I think it’s safe to venture out to a shoe store. I’ll think of it in terms of writing a novel. What do I see as my GOAL, MOTIVATION, and CONFLICT? I think this will end with an HEA (happily ever after).
After all, I’m already married to a prince.
You are not alone! Hateful as it is, it happens to all (or most or many) of us. At first, having only two pairs of shoes was anguish. Gradually the number has crept up to six, which seems quite bearable and leaves room for dust bunnies in the closet. But honesty forces me to admit that one of the six is my beloved ankle boots, the ones I used to wear to events where I didn’t have to spend much time standing. I’m proud of you for having the strength I can’t seem to muster!
Oh, Jenny, I had to give up my favorite black ankle boots. They were very cute and very comfortable – a rare combination. I’ll bet I can find a new pair in a 9 LOL.
Cute. 🙂 Actually, it’s a blessing not to own so many shoes.
You have a point, Diana. When I wore a school uniform, I never stressed about what to wear to school.