Grateful Shoes: Walking Through Hard Times
Two jobs, one pair of shoes. What a difference a kind cobbler makes.
I changed from my secretarial splendor to black pants, white shirt with bowtie and black apron. A dash of bright lipstick and a change of earrings completed the transformation. The shoes were the same and in need of new soles. I walked the three city blocks to my waitressing job. I was newly graduated from Georgetown University. I had a fancy degree, very little debt thanks to scholarships, two roomates and two low paying jobs. I started waitressing three nights a week to have more liquidity, and a shift meal. Instead of feeling resourceful, I felt low and demoralized.
In a city overflowing with political science majors, I am not sure why I thought I would get a job quickly. Government jobs take time; I know that now. There are tests and security clearances that take months. I watched friends get their “real” jobs while the kind shoe cobbler near my office resoled my shoes for free. I worked six days a week. My friends with better jobs had me over for dinner…a lot. On Sundays, I walked around Washington DC window shopping and stopping for ice cream if tips had been good.
I eventually got a job. It took a year. My relief was profound. I wanted to be self-reliant and capable. What I didn’t understand is that the two jobs, learning to be grateful for my friends, appreciating my apartment, and learning to be better with money were all making me who I wanted to be. Years later as a military wife and military mom I would have to be resourceful, independent and even tough. Even today with my yoga business, I can think slower business times are a criticism of me OR I can put on my big girl pants and be grateful for the opportunity to refine my craft and get ready for whatever is next.
An unknown author wrote, “What if everything you are going through is preparing you for what you asked for?” I can choose to dust myself off, resole the shoes and keep going. Taking in the Good around us can change brain function and personal outlook. Find the good. Find your strength. That process is your yoga.