I searched for a post about blue shoes just now. Not something I do every day, but an unexpected trifecta of encounters this week reminded me of the importance of being fully present when I’m out and about in the world. Reminded me of a story about blue shoes…more about that in a moment.
One of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received is hearing that I seem “approachable” to others. I can’t think of a finer ambition in a world full of heaviness and hardship.
Three encounters from this week deserve their own spotlights, so while I’ll reserve the details for upcoming posts, I’ll give you a glimpse:
- “Norman” the pest control guy, making a house call, taking care to spray for critters who might seek refuge in our home as winter approaches, while also leaving me with a powerful message about education, liberty and being a good brother to his siblings.
- “London” the server at two of my favorite restaurants. I met her, randomly, a few months ago and learned about her educational ambitions and those of her mama, while enjoying my pancakes. This week I saw her again, working a second job at a favorite pizza place. The fact that I remembered her name opened a follow-up conversation and a gateway to common ground between us.
- “Marissa”, a member of daughter Delaney’s Girl Scout Troop twenty years ago. I ran into Marissa at our local grocery store and recognized her immediately. Same endearing, yet slightly hesitant smile. Marissa stole our hearts, then and now. She was welcomed into a boisterous group of girls despite her disabilities (much like those of my own sister, Lisa). Marissa knack for remembering people’s kindnesses hasn’t diminished one bit. Even a chance encounter with a mom from way-back-when.
But back to the blue shoes…I found the post I sought; it’s from two years ago and I’m still smiling about the experience. I hope you like it, too. It’s giving me just the incentive I need to tell you more about Norman, London and Marissa. I promise…coming soon.
“Don’t Waste the Moments” – May 1, 2024
I’ve been in search mode – looking for new sporty shoes. Name a brand. Any brand. All the brands. I’ve tried them. Giving contenders a test drive stores, ordering various sizes and incarnations online.
Ever optimistic that the ‘just right’ pair is out there, I continued my Goldilocks search in a big box, athletic store recently. I’m in my don’t bother me, incognito look. Oversized, dark prescription sunglasses which usually ward off unnecessary, idle chit chat when I’m single-minded. On a mission.
I figured I’d do a quick spin and be done. Until…I spied a shoe brand I hadn’t yet tried, so I moseyed over to the display and looked things over.
I felt a tentative tap on my right shoulder, followed by a sweet, disembodied voice from a petite lady. Delicate. Darling. Especially compared to behemoth me – all 5’11″ with my cushy platform sandals on.
The little lady looks to be a good bit older than me, and I’m impressed she’s looking at running shoes, holding two pairs in her trembling hands, asking, “Could you help me?”
I pull my sunglasses down to my nose, prepared to say, “I don’t work here, but I’ll find someone for you,” when I see she’s got tears in her eyes.
Oh no…. surely not…welling up over running shoes? So, we moved to a little bench, and she tells me she’s been wandering, looking for help and saw other shoppers but no employees.
Her dilemma? She tried on two pairs and couldn’t decide between them. One pair had a beautiful turquoise blue racing stripe, and the other pair was utilitarian white throughout.
She said she liked both, but I suspected she liked the snazzier pair, based on her enthusiasm for the blue racing stripe. I guessed they were pricier; blue stripes cost something, right?
Smiling, I give her my best look of deep consideration, inspecting the options. When I look up, I see her tears are gone. Then I notice her eyes, still glimmery from tears, sparkling just like the turquoise racing stripe on the spiffier sneaks.
“You know what? The pair with the blue stripe must’ve been made for you! They match your lovely eyes!”
The tears came again. I didn’t know whether the sweet lady just needed kindness on the fly or if my offhand comment triggered something deep within – a memory perhaps? Someone else who had the same striking blue eyes?
Smiling, like a weight had been lifted, she packed up the pair with the blue stripe, patted my hand and thanked me.
“Blue eyes. Blue racing stripes. You’re right… made for me.”
I wondered who or what arrived in that moment, putting the smile on her face. I didn’t ask; didn’t want to intrude.
It’s an unexpected privilege, these innocent, and easily overlooked encounters. Love and magic right before my eyes. A reminder from the Universe to be fully present as much as possible.
Never forget your impact on other people is bigger than you think;
Someone still smiles when they think of the compliment you offered
And the kindness of your sincere smile
Choose to make a positive difference for others
Every day. Don’t waste the moments
-Anonymous
Thanks for being here. Do you have a kindness moment to share? With or without blue shoes? Let me know.
-Vicki 💝
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue and Slivers.
Check out this link to learn more about my book Surviving Sue – all about resilience and love. Check out this link to order Slivers…a ghost story with surprising twists. Click here for the interview with my publisher, Rick Kaempfer from Eckhartz Press.
P.S. Are you on Substack? If so, I’d love to connect with you there: Vicki Atkinson, Ed.D | Substack
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