I was in denial. I had been for years. But I could no longer ignore what was really causing the problem. No matter how beautiful they were, I had to break up with high heels.
I remember my first pair of stilettos. A black, pointed toe, with rhinestone details from Betsy Johnson. I was so, so proud of them, and wore them out on 5th Avenue in Naples, Florida. I remember how it felt to hear the first compliment - a simple ’Nice upgrade’ from a former high school classmate.
And I remember pretending. Pretending like it didn’t hurt. Like it was easy to walk in them. Other people did this all day, certainly I could handle it on an evening out.
I pretended for years. A weird kind of pride with being able to look like I could wear shoes like that. But my back was killing me. Even with youth on my side, it was hurting.
But I kept buying them.
For years. Decades. Sheesh.
Heels don’t give every one back problems, but they gave them to me!
Eventually, many bad youthful habits were replaced by healthy adult ones. Black coffee replaced soda, early morning workouts replaced late nights out, and natural food replaced the candy bars I survived on for a frighteningly long time. I began chiropractic care and massages for a more acute shoulder issue…
And my back still hurt. Specifically, the day after I wore heels. Over and over again. With so many good habits, it was finally time to kick this one to the curb, too.
And you know what. I kept failing. I would say I would wear flats, but then give in to wear the dress that required heels. Seriously! I could kick smoking but not shoes!!!
So you know what I had to do? To finally make the break up complete?
I donated the shoes. Every single pair went to Dress for Success, a nonprofit that helps women get the outfits they need for the work force. And I took my 10 favorite gowns to my tailor, and had them all shortened, so I didn’t have to break up with them, too.
So if you see me out, and think I seem shorter than before, I blame the break up. It took a whopping 4” off me!
And if you want to learn more about Dress for Success, celebrating 10 years serving Des Moines, join us at the gala!
With love,
Kat
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