Nuance in a Shoe
Photo by Diane M. Dresback
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in a coffee shop deeply immersed in working on my current novel. When I raised my eyes to ponder how to describe a particular action of my lead character, my gaze caught on another woman’s shoes.
Removed from my task at hand, my eyes remained fixed on the $5 price written in black marker on the bottom of her left shoe. Why was this so intriguing to me? How could something so insignificant stop me in my tracks?
It started me thinking about the practical possibilities for the situation. Unverified assumptions that edged their way into what might be true.
Three things came to mind:
The owner couldn’t afford anything more.
The woman found a fantastic shoe sale (they appeared brand spanking new).
She purchased nice, comfortable shoes that had already been broken in.
Next, my thoughts morphed into a more creative, albeit, different direction. What might these explanations mean in the bigger picture of life?
All of us will find ourselves struggling from time to time. Perhaps the reasons are temporary or long-term, maybe they are in or out of our control. It takes strength and fortitude to be walking in those shoes.
Sometimes we get a break or experience something totally unexpected or unplanned—and it’s amazing! Appreciating and cherishing those moments we walk through (big and small), makes life more meaningful.
We all like easy, agreeable, non-threatening situations in which we don’t have to deal with the stress of undergoing another change. Why push out and try something new, uncertain, unpredictable? Nobody likes blisters. Yet there can be a hefty missed opportunity price to pay for always seeking the snug and cozy.
Why was I so intrigued by this seemingly benign $5 pair of shoes? Because life is in the details. Not in broad strokes, but in the tiny nuances.
Surprising rewards come from discovering positive meaning in the small stuff. Things that at first glance mean nothing, but with a little searching and thoughtfulness, can blossom into a powerful message.
I never asked the woman about her footwear. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that it offered several possible perspectives for me.
May we all find some awesome $5 shoes. After all, the adage might be true, if the shoe fits, wear it.
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Find details about my books at dianedresback.com and my filmmaking at mindclover.com.
