I remember as a young girl, there was a robin bird that used to come by bedroom window. At first I didn’t think anything of it, just thought “oh how cute”. I observed that the bird would frequently visit.
Two things caught my attention. The first was that the bird was very confident. The second, that it only had one leg. I remember being marvelled at this little bird that was living her life and enjoying every bit of it.

This little bird would land on my window, start a song and go about what she was doing and then fly away. She never missed a visit. The leg was not an issue to her, she was the happiest creature I ever encountered. Several times I wanted to capture her so she could be my pet, but she would fly away each time leaving me in tears. Defiant of my attempts, she would come again and oh I was so happy to see her. I gave up trying to capture her and let her be. This relationship continued, until one day she stopped coming.

There is a reason why I tell you of my little friend the robin bird.
She displays self-esteem and self-worth. She was different from the other birds, but that was what made her extraordinary and beautiful. Along with her one leg, she still managed to fly and express herself. Her song brought joy to me. Had she looked like any other bird, I don’t think I would have noticed her or even remembered her today, almost 25 years later.

The beauty about you, is that you are different. That distinction makes you unique and a pleasure to be around. Don’t try to be like someone else or try to fit in with the crowd, because you may lose that radiant treasure that’s on the inside of you.

Be the best of you, no matter how many legs you have! Sing your song and fly!!

OK……shoes! They are more than a fashion accessory, but a necessary accessory and a comfort. I can’t imagine not having shoes, can you? My favorite shoes are my tan brogues. I love them because they are simple and effortless, and they are essential to my journey!

I see the journey I have traveled on my life. Parts of that journey have been extremely unpleasant, some have beautiful loving memories and others have been questionable I must say. The unpleasant parts of my journey, could have easily stopped me from moving. I could have lost the will to live and just accept life as it was.

I won’t lie to you, for years I was just existing with no real desire for life, I just pretended. I was like a hamster on a wheel, constantly performing.

Until the day, it dawned on me… I put on my shoes and made that bold first step! There was no way, I was going to continue on the sideline of life while my tormentors enjoyed it. I put on my shoes and walked away from a fear of breathing. I walked away from the toxic environment and took my first breath of life!

I’m not a magician and I certainly don’t believe in magic. So I will not perform tricks, to convince you of what I am writing about…LOL.

The journey of self-discovery, is not to be taken lightly. Rest assured, you are not alone, we can explore the journey together. Parts of the journey may be rough, so wear appropriate shoes!

The day I decided to put on my shoes and embark on my journey, I made a personal commitment to myself. That commitment was to treat me with some dignity and respect, I chose to love me! That freed me from giving someone else the power to determine my self-worth.

By putting on my shoes, I triggered a chain of events, which were:

• To examine myself truthfully.
• To confront my fears.
• To evacuate every toxic environment, I was in.
• To throw away the label “victim” and wear a cap of victory!
• I cried for a season, I smiled through the next season and now I laugh! I have joy within.

Remember, this is a journey that’s why you’ve got to put on your shoes. Some of you will walk, many of you will jog and others may run. But don’t observe that, just put on your shoes, and begin your journey!