As a kid during summer break, I walked around barefoot any chance I got. My mother always said the soles of my feet would turn as hard as leather if I did, and the challenge was irresistible. By the time I had to tie my shoes again for the new school year, I could run barefoot on dirt roads without barely feeling a thing! It made me feel pretty cool.
Growing up, my barefoot obsession quickly waned. Then last week, as I strolled down our street to pick up our mail, I remembered my mom’s words and took off my flip flops. I stepped on a few pebbles that felt as sharp as knives, but the simple act of walking down the road with no shoes made me feel content in a way I hadn’t felt in months.
I recently interviewed actress Kelly Rutherford, whose international custody battle has touched all of our hearts this past year. More than 119,000 people signed her We The People petition to The White House and President Barack Obama, including Kim Kardashian West, Melanie Griffith, Selma Blair, Cindy Crawford and many others. I interviewed Kelly exclusively for Sweden With Love — with photographs by Elizabeth Messina — and her story is bound to break year heart. But I promise you it will also fill you with hope.
Contributor Em The Gem has photographed a new healthy dessert: gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan granola that is absolutely addictive! Her lush photographs and gorgeous food styling will make you want to dig in right away.
Back to walking barefoot. It actually has some remarkable health benefits, such as increasing antioxidants, reducing inflammation and improving sleep. The scientifically researched practice is known as “earthing.” As for the feeling of contentment? Isn’t that the way it usually works out? We spend so much time planning, dreaming and working towards some major goal or life-changing experience. But in the end, it’s that little moment that should mean nothing that makes everything alright.
xo, Ulrica.
Photograph by Elizabeth Messina ©2016.
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Walking barefoot has health benefits? That is awesome to know because I like going barefoot sometimes especially like walking in the grass. Thanks for sharing this.