Shoe Your Personality...

I was able to attend my ward's RS Enrichment Activity this past Thursday, which was themed "Shoe Your Personality." All of those in attendance were encouraged to bring a shoe that represented them. In addition to a delicious potluck dinner and 3 fun mini-classes, we had the [not-so-fun] privilege of getting to stand in front of everyone and explain why that shoe was symbolic of us.

It was very interesting to see the different types of shoe each woman brought, but even more interesting to hear how that shoe represented her as an individual. Some brought their running shoes, others their dance shoes, some their boots, others their sparkly/blingy/very fashion-y shoes. These are the shoes I chose to represent me: my dirty, old, well-worn flip-flop sandals.

The first (and most obvious) reason I chose these is because of their universal symbolism: flips flops = the beach. I am a Cali girl, and even though I grew up inland about 45 minutes from the beach, the time I spent living in Oceanside converted me into true beach bum. I [LOVE] the ocean...I love the peace and serenity and clarity it provides. I love the waves, the sand, the palm trees, the hibiscus, the piers, the people, the fish, the sea gulls, the dolphins....everything. I can't explain it; I can't fully describe the change I experience when I'm near the ocean because I don't entirely understand it myself. All I can say is, I LOVE the beach. Period.

On a more personal level, I chose these sandals because they most closely represent how I view myself. The sandals are simple, plain, and straight forward - dare I even say, a little frumpy. There's nothing fancy about them - no sparkles, no frills - so they don't stand out in a crowd. Appearances aside, the shoes are comfortable and supportive. They have been through a lot, walked a lot of miles, but they still have a good amount of sole remaining. The flip-flops are low-maintenance and go with pretty much anything. I consider myself pretty simple and straight-forward - I tell it like it is, without adding fluff. I prefer to stay back in a crowd - I'm not the most outgoing person, and I certainly don't feel comfortable being the center of attention (which is why I wasn't exactly thrilled about having to get up in front of everyone to explain "my shoe"). I've been through a lot; I've had my fair share of trials, but I know I still have a lot left to learn and experience. Although I still have my moments of stress and anxiety, I try to go along with the flow and just take things one day at a time. I realize I may not be the fanciest, or most popular, or most social type of shoe, but I am who I am and I'm okay with that.

So, now that I have opened my "sole" in this post (haha...pun intended), I'm curious what shoe best represents you and your personality?