n anxiety and instill fear because how can you survive without this particular item you want? You need it (so you think). And without it, what will you do?

As a young child, I didn’t have options available to me regarding those saddle shoes. But in many situations, there are options. You may not get what you want instantly but you can move toward your goal in an intentional way. Start with a plan. For example, upgrade your skills to enable you to seek the job you want; save money so you can buy that item without going into debt; put in time and effort to improve relationships and make them more meaningful.

My father grew up with nothing but a stick to play with. He lost his mother at a young age and he learned to manage with his father and two sisters. He was in the Canadian army during WWII – an experience that taught him to (i) make the most of what you have; (ii) learn to handle life’s and downs; and (iii) appreciate what you have.

I didn’t know it at the time, but my father instilled in me an appreciation for what I do have, not to focus (for too long) on what I wish I had, and to adapt to life’s curve balls. Appreciating what one has in life and not focusing on what one doesn’t have makes for an overall happier life.

And regarding those saddle shoes – I am looking into current day versions to see if they still interest me!

 

 

*Saddle shoes are named for their separate (2-tone) cut, which resembles a saddle on a mount. They were developed in the 1900s and were popular throughout each century reaching the height of their popularity in the 1950s. They were often worn with bobby socks and poodle skirts. They remained popular in the 1960s, the 1970s, and beyond with today’s versions incorporating a modern variety on the classic 2-toned Oxford style.