Do you remember trying on your mom’s shoes when you were a kid? I used to love wearing a pair of bright red stiletto heals my mom had tucked away for special occasions. When my kids were little they did the same with my gold wedding heels. We are always interested in what it feels like to be tall like our parents, or fancy, or even a bit edgy. We try on their shoes and imagine what it would feel like to go where they are going.
Have you ever been told to consider what it is like in someone else’s shoes? When people ask you this they aren’t usually talking about playing dress up with mom’s shoes, they are asking you to consider someone else’s life experiences. They want you to feel what the other person feels, and see the world through their eyes so you can grow in understanding and compassion.
Over two years ago when I took over Kar-Fre Flowers, I stepped into someone else’s shoes. They were great shoes, brightly colored, comfortable gym shoes made for standing on your feet all day with a great smile on your face. Those shoes were fun, hot pink and orange swirled. They had all the wear and tear an everyday shoe has. But they didn’t fit. We had different shoe sizes. I need different arch support, and have a wide foot with too many past injuries. So those shoes never really felt right even with cushions added to them, but they were what I had to use for a few years.
Stepping out of those shoes and into my own, it’s hard. How can I recognize my own style and comfort level after all this time? Is it safer to just stay in the odd pair where at least I can make do?
Make due? Make due?! Why in life would I ever want to make do when I can strive to be more?! I want to dance in my shoes, not just stand. So time to kick off those old sneakers and slide on my pair of handmade leather boots. I have always LOVED a good pair of leather shoes. Brown riding boots, suede moccasins, or tan ankle boots, that feels right, that feels like me.
My style isn’t quite as colorful, I like warm autumn earth tones, natural materials, and a mix of boho and edgy just sprinkled in. I like handmade items, vintage treasures, and pieces that last. I like filling my shop with locally grown flowers, handmade chocolates and candles, local art, and unique vintage finds. The Kar-Fre shoes have been taken off, and I have officially put on my own Prairie Wildflowers boots, ready to start my journey in full.
It’s a bit scary being yourself in a community that has always known someone else, but doing things my way is how I was made to be. God asked me to be me. To do this how I was made to do it. So I am!
I am going to make beautiful flower arrangements. I am going to work with local flower farmers and grow more of my own flowers. I am going to run the Farmers’ Market with all of the amazing local farmers in our community. I am going to paint and support other local artists as often as I can. I am going to partner with other local businesses to help our community grow. I am going to work with as many women owned brands as I can. I am going to write about permaculture gardening and my love for regenerative practices. I am going to help promote edible landscaping and native preservation. I’m going to share about canning and homesteading. I am going to throw in some amazing vintage finds. I am going to raise awareness for women’s mental health. I am going to talk about my faith and my love of God. I am going to put on my own boots and thank God everyday for the ability to feel finally at home in them.
Stepping outside of myself to re-awaken my passion was a true gift, but stepping back into my own shoes is the biggest step I can take to truly doing this as I was made to. I can’t wait!
Standing in my own shoes
