One day I was exploring TOMS.com (an organization that gives one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair someone purchases), looking at and admiring the shoes for sale, when I noticed a link to an event called One Day Without Shoes. Intrigued by the idea of going through a whole day without wearing shoes, I responded and pledged my support by promising to go shoeless today, April 8th. I often think about people without food or clean water, but I never think about people who have to go without shoes. Although the day is not over (I am still shoeless), I was thinking over my experience and what I learned from it.
First of all, I had no idea it was going to snow today. About two minutes after I left my house, pant legs rolled up and tender feet stinging, it began to rain. Then hail. Then snow. I came very close to giving up, turning around, and getting some shoes when I realized the point is to be uncomfortable. I managed to make it to the library and regain feeling in my toes (don't worry, I still have ten) before I headed out again to go to class. The rest of the day was spent in the Theatre building, so I didn't have to venture outside again until after class, during which the sky decided to clear up and the Sun had dried the pavement. Not many people asked about my bare feet, though I did get chastised by my Costume Fundamentals teacher for not wearing footwear in the shop. The dangers of fallen pins and needles appropriately worried her. Although I assured her it would not happen again, I thought to myself that again, the point is to have to worry about the danger. And I wasn't even walking through the hot desert or the treacherous jungle. I was walking on pavement. Every day I go throughout my life, heedless to the sharp stones, icy ground, and fallen needles because I'm wearing shoes. I don't have to think twice about it. But there are people all over the world who don't have shoes. There are children who can't go to school because they are not allowed to attend barefoot. There are people who suffer from disfiguring diseases that could have been completely prevented by wearing shoes. There are so many luxuries I enjoy simply because I have shoes.
I take far too much for granted. I worry about money, but I have everything I need. I have enough money for food, rent, clothing, and shoes. I have the academic standing and assistance to go to a great university. If I am desperately in need, I have a family to help. I have good books to read, a novel to write, and warm socks to keep my toes from falling off (which I'm not wearing now; I think that's cheating, but I do still have my toes). I have a wonderful family to love. I have incredible friends to help me through the hard times and laugh with me through the fun times. I have a cool watch. I have so much, and I realized it because I didn't wear shoes for one day.
I know in some places it's not possible to go a day without shoes (your toes really would fall off). I know your job might not allow it. I know there are limits. But it's the experience that counts. Because I went a day without shoes, I know what it's like to worry about how cold the ground is. I know what it's like to be scolded because I didn't have shoes. I walked more slowly because I had to test the ground for sharp rocks. My feet are still tender from the rough ground. But now I have a greater sense of compassion. I know food and water are not the only necessities. I know I have been blessed with great wealth and abundance. I know what it's like to have to step gingerly. I have so much, and there is so much I can give. I realized the potential I have for change. All because I walked for one day without shoes.
