The Great Shoe Give Away

I have virtually no feeling in my right foot. It's like a wet noodle. It's difficult to limp in certain shoes: no flip-flops, no heels, no clogs, and no shoes without backs. I love shoes and had a closet full of various styles. Each pair of shoes represented a part of me. Letting go of those shoes represented letting go a part myself and it represented giving into MS.

There are times in our lives that we are being called to change. Called to transformation. But often there is resistance. Often for good reason. I liked the old me! Those trail running shoes represented a time when I could escape and run free. Those stylish boots represented a time when I could get out on the dance floor and dance the night away. Those heels represented a time when I looked hip and stylish. Those sandals represented a part of me that was more carefree, strolling along the beach.

I wasn't ready to give that up. I was pretty sure I could beat this. I'm naturally competitive and planned on winning. I was fighting for the old Marjorie. Eventually I realized it wasn't about fighting. That metaphor wasn't working for me anymore. My opponent or contender became my teacher. I don't always like my teacher and I still find myself fighting at times. The lessons aren't always easy and my teacher was telling me I had to let go of that part of me. So, why not have some fun with it?

I did something I love to do and threw a big party. I created a Facebook Event called The Great Shoe Give Away. I put out about fifty shoes lined up around my dining room. I invited a bunch of friends for wine and cookies and free shoe shopping! I could have sold the shoes and given the money to charity. I could have donated them for a tax write off. But, this was more fun! It was even fun for those who didn't wear a size 8 shoe.

It was hard letting go of those shoes but it gave me joy sharing them. It didn't mean that MS won. It didn't mean that I gave into MS. Guess what? If tomorrow I'm miraculously healed, it means I get to go out and buy all new shoes!

Do you have some old shoes? Is it time to let go of something to make room for something new?