My Day Without Shoes

Every year, TOMS Shoes dedicates one day to being barefoot. They explain One Day Without Shoes like this, "The day we spread awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child's life by taking off our own. Why? Millions of children live without proper footwear, exposing them to injury and disease every day."

 This video shows the facts about children in other countries that have to go barefoot every day. It's only 36 seconds, so I think you have time to watch it.

Today I took on the challenge. Surprisingly, I was able to go the entire day without wearing my shoes. I walked to class barefoot, I got a few weird looks, but it wasn't that bad. I got to public speaking class and I had to give an impromptu speech. Barefoot. One girl said, "Oh, it's no shoes day!" I went to dance class barefoot, but that's pretty normal. When I was leaving dance, it was 2:30 and the pavement was HOT. I know I looked like an idiot trying to get in my car without burning my feet. I managed to go all day at work without anyone telling me to put my shoes on. I was so excited. I then had to go to an interview with my bishop. After a phone call to my mom, she told me to not to go in without my shoes on. Of course I didn't listen. I was waiting for like an hour, but no one said a word. 

So now I'm home reflecting on my experiences of the day. I don't think I have ever been more grateful for shoes than I am at this moment. I usually am not a huge shoe person as it is, but walking on hot, rocky asphalt is not fun for me. I noticed that it took me longer to go places too because I didn't want to walk in the mud or the water. These moments were the times that I felt inspired. Children in Kenya and the Philippines don't have the option to wear shoes. Some aren't allowed to go to school for their lack of shoes. I didn't have anyone treat me differently. I am also very thankful for my car. After school, I was able to drive places. I didn't have to walk on a dirt road for miles to get home. 

All in all, this was such a great experience and I will definitely be participating next year! 

To learn how you can help, visit www.onedaywithoutshoes.com or http://www.toms.com/.