Life lessons from shoe shopping.

Last weekend my husband and I went boot shopping. Not just any boots mind you, he wanted to get me actual leather cowboy boots as part of my integration into Texas. It was an interesting experience because generally I like to go shopping alone. I have a very strong sense of my own style and while I don't shop often, when I do I like to take my time and make sure that I really love what I'm buying because I am not into waste or buying things simply for the sake of having more.

Which brings me back to my cowboy boots.

When we set out I had a clear idea of what I wanted in my shoes. Apart from well made and comfortable, I was after a particular look and style with a level of simplicity that suits me, which means that I tried on probably 10 pairs of boots before finding the ones I really liked.

Funny thing is that after I had finally chosen the ones I wanted, my husband informed me that the sales assistants at one of the places we had tried shoes on, had been gossiping about me and calling me picky. (in Spanish which I dont speak, but he does!)

I had to laugh! Its not the first time Ive been called picky, but it really doesn't bother me, because being picky is actually a part of a deeply held value that I have.

One of the lessons that I learned from a Tony Robbins book some years ago was, Raise Your Standards, and its something I strive to do in every aspect of my life that I can.

What sort of message do you think it would send to my sense of self worth to have just bought any old pair of shoes simply because people were pressuring me to hurry up? What do I say to myself if I'm willing to accept less than what makes me happy and suits me?

I don't settle for less than what I really want in any other aspect of my life, whether its my work, my education or even my friendships, so why would I settle for less when it comes to shoes? And to me, it doesn't make sense to spend my money on things that I'm not 100% happy with.

So yes. I'm picky, but I also believe that I deserve to have what I really want in life and not settle for second best or just good enough.