Day 13 & 14: Introducing, Imelda Marcos, Jr.

Just a sampling of my collection

Hello. My name is Brenda, and I am a shoe addict. I have lost count of the number of shoes I own and I actually do switch out my shoes just as I do with my clothing between seasons. Is it so wrong to have shoes for every occasion in every color?


Well, let's talk about this for a moment. You see, I've not seen the floor of my closet for awhile now and to be honest, it was getting a bit on my nerves. Especially when I knew there were more packed away just for spring and summer. Oh, and that quite a few of my collection were already hanging on the back of my closet door. (The red pumps are my favorite!)



Now, there really isn't anything wrong with a stylish pair of kicks for a really snazzy occasion. Seriously, there isn't. And every woman can vouch for that one. But, the thing is to be smart about it.


But, let's not start there. Let's start with the floor of that closet I mentioned above. I don't wear all of my shoes, and I don't think I've worn many of them in the last two years. You see, I injured my ankle almost three years ago and have just started wearing heals again in the last year. And to be honest, those 4" heels just are not working for this 40 something who is needing to shed a few pounds.


So, today, I decided to (painfully) sort through my shoe collection. Of course, I kept it to just the fall and winter pairs I have out (I'll get to the spring and summer pairs later). It wasn't easy, but then again...it was. Why? Because with my new mission, I question do I love it, does it make me feel good, and do I really need it. Well, to be honest, a few of those heels have lost their luster and their appeal. The heels were scuffed and the leather was not as lustrous as they were when I first purchased them. Plus, those 4" platforms actually hurt every time I wore them for more than 5 minutes!


I threw out the tall, the short, the old, and a pair of new shoes. The new? Oh, I thought they were cute for $5 on sale at Payless Shoes. Well, they never really went with anything I owned and they had no real support to them (i.e., they made my feet hurt). I threw out a pair of Skecher mules that I loved when I bought them, but forced myself into a half size smaller because they didn't have the size I needed (don't ever do that again). I threw out a pair of ankle boots I loved because I could not wear them with gel insoles.


I actually feel pretty good about it. I only have about 5 pair of casual shoes, 2 boots, and 2 pairs of athletic shoes on the floor of my closet, and the over the door rack is full of my dress shoes. And...the bag with the shoes for Goodwill is already stowed in the trunk of my car for drop off tomorrow after work. Now the key is, not to buy anymore.


I read recently how our shoes can also translate into our health and weight. Apparently, if you were an uncomfortable pair of shoes, you are least likely to get up and walk around at work, than if you wear a shoe that is more comfortable. And apparently, sitting too long at work has an effect on our heart health. Oh, and it just happens to be February which is Heart Health Month.


Make your feet work for you by keeping them comfortable and healthy, because they are the best friends your heart could ever need. Lace up a good pair of walking or running shoes and go out for a 15 minute walk 2 times a day for at least 5 days this week, and you'll start changing your life around. Not only does it help in losing weight, but it also helps in building up your cardiovascular system and strengthens your heart and lungs.


If you have to wear pumps or dress shoes to work, keep a pair of comfy flats under your desk and get up and walk for at least 5 minutes once an hour during your day. Even if it is just down the hall and back. I normally will do a loop around the building to get my heart beat up again.


And I have to say that there are more positives to getting up during the day at work. I can honestly attest that when I get drowsy at my desk, I get up and take a brisk walk around the building, or around the parking lot on nicer days. It gets your blood circulating again and helps kick-start your metabolism once again.


Anyway, get into that closet and start digging out those shoes you don't wear, don't feel great in, or just are not that crazy about...or about to lose a heel. Besides, those old tennis shoes that still show life can be a welcome treat to someone who is ready to get back on the walking path, but does not have the funds for a brand new pair of Asics.