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.