Who knew that I would get out of my comfort zone by wearing comfortable shoes.
I have discovered the blissful comfort of Haflingers. This is a German brand with boiled wool tops and cork soles and fabulous instep support. Currently I am the proud owner of four pairs, as pictured.
For years, I’ve worn these comfy shoes in most casual situations. But never at work. Since I was old enough to carry a briefcase, I have worn corporate shoes. They have never been comfortable and have been most certainly a source of foot and back pain. However, I wore the corporate clothes because I wanted to fit in, to be considered qualified for my position. As if there really is a connection between appearance and performance.
Then one morning, my Haflingers spoke to me. “What is more important – happy feet or the approval of the Fashion Police?”
Why was it ok to be comfortable only when I was off duty? And I had to think about the answer. I would be choosing to be different, not totally fit in, be subject to Fashion Police citations.
I chose to make my feet happy. It was odd and I experienced a moment of junior high school déjà vu. But in the end I doubt anyone really noticed. Or cared.
It’s funny how we will routinely choose the discomfort of complying with the perceived expectations of others rather than the comfort of our true inclinations.
I stepped out of my comfort zone in a pair of odd looking German shoes. How will you step out of your comfort zone in order to stand in a better place?
