The Action Challenge: No Shoes

A lot of us bought TOMS when they first came out. You bought a pair, you gave a pair. They were stylish and they were an easy way to feel charitable. What kind of monster wouldn't want to give a child a new pair of shoes, especially since they're so cute?

Let's not get into the whole charitable process of TOMS. Let's talk about the kids with no shoes.

Yesterday was that day of The Action Challenge in which you don't wear shoes. At my university, it's something we make fun of because there are definitely those people who walk around with no shoes on a consistent basis. Whether they don't like wearing them or they're trying to get in touch with our concrete jungle is beside the point.

For one day, I was going to be one of the kids on campus that people make fun of, but I didn't really mind that. I care about the fact that I wasn't going toC wear shoes for one day. Here's what I wrote in my journal yesterday morning:

What if I step on glass? What If I get a fungus? What if I get in trouble? What if I really want Chick-fil-A?

There are so many things that could go wrong with being barefoot all day. Already, my mom made me wear flip flops so we could go out for breakfast. She even made me take a "before" picture so she could laugh at the "after."

My mother aside, I have always loved to be barefoot. I have maybe almost definitely been punished by the universe for it. Needless to say, I'm feeling pretty good about this.

So yes, I was feeling pretty good about my ability to walk around campus barefoot. 

Halfway through the day, the feeling went away. My knee stared hurting. I kept stepping on things that hurt my poor wittle feet. By the end of the day, my feet were raw, red, and almost bleeding. Okay, they weren't almost bleeding, but they were definitely raw and red under all the dirt.

Being barefoot on hot cement is not fun. As much as I "loved" being barefoot, I don't know what I would do if this is something that had to be a part of my daily life. There are people that have to be barefoot everyday. 

I wish I knew how to fix this. I wish I knew how to keep people from having to walk without shoes everyday. I'll get back to you if I come up with something different (and better) than TOMS.

And before you ask, no I did not take an after picture. I would never give my mom that kind of satisfaction. Sorry, mom.

P.S. It's not too late to sign up for The Action Challenge.