Time to upgrade

Years ago a mentor challenged me to redefine and upgrade my key relationships every 2-5 years, starting with God.

Wise advice!

Without stopping to reevaluate from time-to-tiime it’s easy to carry around baggage out of loyalty or habit.

These shoes represent this for me.

It’s been five years since Doug and I settled into our tiny apartment in DC. We made a decision to not renew our lease awhile back. This Saturday was our last night there. It’s been a bitter/sweet move. We’ve had so many great conversations with our kids and friends within those walls. And I will miss our huge veranda overlooking our busy neighborhood. It was a magical spot to have my quiet times in the morning. But it is time for an upgrade and I’m ready for more space.

So about these shoes...

The best part of moving has been stopping to ask “Do I need this in the upcoming season? Should I pitch it or give it away?“ I decided it was time to give them away. They no longer serve or fit the person I am in this new season.

I remember when I bought them. The day before, I had my toes in the sand eating fish tacos on Isla Mujeres, Mexico. The next night I was at the Obama’s Christmas party at the White House. A friend called to say she had a +1 ticket and if I could make it she’d love me to join her. We weren’t living in the city at the time so I needed to think about what to wear. I thought If Sharon Stone can wear a Gap t-shirt to the Oscars and look elegant I figured I could follow her lead. I usually pack a scarf or shawl with me to upgrade an outfit if the need arised. I had what I needed: Black shirt — check! Black dress jeans —- check! Great scarf and statement necklace — check! Shoes. not so much! My heart skipped a beat when I found these leopard print shoes. Now the outfit was complete.

I’ve worn these shoes a few other times. Mainly to cocktail parties. They always make me smile. But I haven’t worn them often and it’s simply time to let them go. I close my eyes and imagine what the next owner will feel like when they score them at Goodwill. I know they’ll be smiling too!