I have ugly feet. I know you're not supposed to say such things about yourself, we're all God's creatures yadda, yadda, yadda but I have conducted a lifetime long independent study and it's true. Even my husband admits that they're odd. He calls them my trotters; one of the things that he teases me about is that fact that such a lovely lady has such monstrous paws. I love this because I'd rather someone see and love the truth of me even if that's an ugly truth.
I wish I could transfer my unconditional acceptance of this part of me to other parts of my self image - my slightly crooked smile, my broader than average shoulders and my 'girl you done had a baby in there' belly, perhaps one day I will.
My mother was obsessed with feet, not in a slightly creepy, facebook spammer way, she just believed that if you took care of your feet they would, in future, look after you. This meant very regular trips to Clarks to stand in their insanely exciting mechanical foot measuring machine. It also meant that I sometimes had to forgo the shoe of the moment (Remember magic steps!) for their more sensible and comfortable counterpart. I have a distinct memory of my mother marching me back to a shoe shop because the pair we had recently bought had given me a blister. Even today she will sometimes surprise me with a new pair of shoes and unfailingly I know she will say she had to buy them because, 'the leather was so soft.'
This story could end with me walking happily off into the sunset in a killer pair of boots but from everything a lesson can be learned and this lesson was a doozy. I learned from this process that love is an action. I love my feet because all my life I have shown them love. If I'm feeling low the first thing I do is go for a pedicure and if I want to feel confident I dress my feet first. My mother never told me I had cute feet because, quite frankly, that would be a lie; what she taught me was to love them anyway. She told me and showed me that my tootsies were worthy of care and the care I have shown them through the years has allowed me to look past their 'imperfections' and accept them as the useful, valuable, shoe displaying things that they are.
So I'm working on loving the rest of my body in the same way - not forcing my thighs into too tight jeans; actually using the tubs of moisturiser that I buy every month. If I'm diligent maybe my fullback shoulders stand a chance of being adored, if there's room in my heart for them too.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This post is part of Happy Mama Happy Baby's 'Body Positive January' head over and see what else she's up to and be sure to join her Instagram party #realhappymamas
And now for a cheeky little giveaway! Look after your little ones feet with a pair of Dotty Fish, Starry Starry
Night soft leather shoes (size 12-18 months). To win:
Comment below telling me about your favourite pair of shoes
and/or
join Mission Acceptance and learn how to love yourself from head to toe. Sign up here.
And now for a cheeky little giveaway! Look after your little ones feet with a pair of Dotty Fish, Starry Starry
Night soft leather shoes (size 12-18 months). To win:
Comment below telling me about your favourite pair of shoes
and/or
join Mission Acceptance and learn how to love yourself from head to toe. Sign up here.

My favourite pair of shoes are Supra's they are so comfy
ReplyDeleteHad to google them but they look very cool.
DeleteMy navy Ugg Boots - I received them for Christmas and they are soooooooooooo cosy wosy woo!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a favorite at the moment, all so old and worn. I'm after some palmeira's for spring and summer!
ReplyDeletei have my ugg boots so comfy and warm the best prezzy ive gotten x
ReplyDeleteMy favourite shoes are probably my Emu boots, I've had my old grey ones for about 5 years now but they've sadly got holes in and are definitely on the way out. I've got some black ones for Christmas but it's totally not the same!
ReplyDeleteCharlene, you rock! Not only a fabulous post for my site but a giveaway as well!!!!
ReplyDeleteNow to the question. Can I be super hippy dippy and say my favourite shoes are barefoot?!?!
Course you can x
DeleteLove my Sketchers GOwalk shoes, comfy and support my feet whilst pregnant.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite pair of shoes has to be my converse all stars they are super comfy! I am learning to drive at the moment and I couldn't find a comfier shoe to wear during my lessons
ReplyDeleteI bought a pair of Cinderella shoes a couple of weeks ago that are my new favourites. They're all sparkly with a bow - I haven't even worn them yet, just admired them. Lol. #coolmumclub
ReplyDeleteMy work ones, because they are so comfortable.
ReplyDeletemy slippers are my favorite house shoes..........
ReplyDeleteMy kids love their moccons and me I'm a slipper girl
ReplyDeleteI have these gorgeous black boots from River Island, they have gold trim around the edges and a gold zip. Ive worn them that much that they really do need throwing out but i can't part with them
ReplyDeleteI had a pair like that and when I bought them I was tempted to buy two pairs but I thought it was too extravagant and now i wish I had!
DeleteThe Blooming Lovely pair
ReplyDeleteMy favourite shoes ever were my wedding shoes, I didn't intend to spend a lot but just fell in love with these Irregular Choice shoes
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sarenza.co.uk/irregular-choice-daisy-dayz-s2914-p0000071975?gclid=Cj0KEQiAq920BRC8-efn57XrotYBEiQAlVlMQ6QJoIJgTX9H_XZ-3Wr0aany9hKK-Z8t3ClCEc0OrGkaApGj8P8HAQ#ectrans=1
Love Irregular Choice!
Deletehave my boots twenty years
ReplyDeleteMy ugg boots
ReplyDeleteashleigh
I love those squishy baby shoes...perfect for indoor cruising and no slips on hard floors!
ReplyDeleteI have to say my favourite shoes are chelsea boots every time...perfect with every outfit, and never out of style. Thanks for linking with #coolmumclub!
flat real leather balerinas - I love the fact that I could even run in them (to catch the train :)
ReplyDeleteMy Ugg boots are my favourite, they slip on easily and are extremely comfortable.
ReplyDeleteKirsty Fox
I have a lovely pair of vans that are comfy and soft xx
ReplyDeleteI got some man's laced ugg boots, they are amazing!
ReplyDeletemy ugg boots so comfy
ReplyDeleteMy favourite shoes are my Simpsons Converse.....not very elegant or ladylike but, I suppose, that's just like me!
ReplyDeleteDocs! They last forever :)
ReplyDeleteMine would be my Converse! I have them in Lime Green :D Love them!
ReplyDeleteUggs. They are so comfortable.
ReplyDeleteMy fav shoes are a pair of black patent heels -they kill my feet & do nothing for my cankles, but I know they have a fab profile, which any passing small animal will appreciate!
ReplyDeleteMy Clarks winter boots, so comfortable and can be worn with pretty much anything from dresses to jeans.
ReplyDeletemy black trainers are my favourite so comfy
ReplyDeletemy converse, so comfy x
ReplyDeleteMy faux fluffy DC shoes. So cosy and warm and cute too
ReplyDeleteMy boots. They make me look taller.
ReplyDeleteI love my new black leather knee high boots they're really comfy and stylish. My all time best pair though was my army boots as a teenage goth.
ReplyDeletemy boots, they have a high heel and I wear them nearly everywhere
ReplyDeleteUgg boots, just so comfy!
ReplyDeleteBeing a strict vegetarian, I struggle with footwear and have shed more tears over corns, blisters etc than just about anything else. One winter, after tiring of having sore/cold/wet feet, I ordered a pair of Celtic sheepskin boots. By the time they arrived, I felt so guilty about the little lambs they were made of that I stuck them in the back of the wardrobe and left them there. When I eventually pulled them out and tried them on, they were absolute bliss and I've hardly taken them off since.
ReplyDeleteMy hiking boots
ReplyDeletemy ugg boots!
ReplyDeletemy pink uggs - leanne w
ReplyDeletemy DM boots - comfiest shoes I've ever owned
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway! I take my boys to Clarks on a very regular basis lol. Thanks for linking up to #justanotherlinky xx
ReplyDeleteA pair of heels I was bought in Milan - so impractical but so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAt the moment my lovely snuggly winter boots
ReplyDeleteMy favourite shoes - I can't describe them as I have far too many favourites.....it depends on my mood and my outfit!
ReplyDeleteMy converse's
ReplyDeleteI have some Lux Australia boots with Harris Tweed that I love.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting post for me, as I have never been told to look after my feet by my parents when I was young as I was raise in the UK and they were back in Thailand. I never really understood why all the fuss about women and shoes, though I like shoes - don't get me wrong - I just understand the I love "Jimmy Choo" - kind of thing. Now, I understand. It make so much sense. I have entered the competition. Thank you for sharing with #FabFridayPost
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! I do think with so much focus on weight women become invested in shoes because are feet are the only things that stay constant - until you get pregnant but that's another story :)
DeleteMy smelly New Balance ones! COMFY.
ReplyDeleteI have some lovely flat pumps that are so comfortable
ReplyDeleteMy grey converse. I love them. Comfy. Keep my feet dry. Prqctically live in trainers.
ReplyDeletemy crocs, so comfy
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, my non slip welly boots.
ReplyDeleteI love my Uggs because they are super cosy xx
ReplyDeleteMine are my Converse trainers - they're navy blue, super comfortable and look great too!
ReplyDeletedo slippers count? if not then my flipflops
ReplyDeleteMy ariat boots I love them that much I have two pairs one for dog walking and another pair for shopping
ReplyDeleteIt would have to be my Ugg boots. It's like wearing clouds on my feet!
ReplyDeleteI have a really comfortable pair of brown leather sketchers which I love!
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of black shoes I love wearing on a night out which are so comfortable. I'm dreading them wearing out as I normally really struggle with heels.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite pair of hoes are my winter boots because they are lovely and warm
ReplyDeleteMy Favourite pair are a pair of Grey Ugg boots, I adore UGG boots, but these are my absolute favourites!
ReplyDeletei love my Fitflops - they are so comfortable and supportive, and look gorgeous
ReplyDeleteMy clarks boots, they're so comfy !
ReplyDeleteMy pre-children high heels are the most gorgeous shoes in the whole world. They are silver with round toes, a cute strap and a ridiculously high stilleto heel. They are perfect, alas these days I am most often in boring flats or wellies...
ReplyDeletemy ugg boots :)
ReplyDeleteMy favourite pair of shoes were a pair of addidas trainers I had in my teens, lime green and navy blue!! I cried when they fell apart and they no longer sold them, no other pair of trainers have come close since
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about feet - I'm not a fan of mine either - too much time spent in high heels, and now I'm back at work I can't be without my heels. And how exciting was the very modern foot measuring machine in Clarks, and how disappointing when it was out of order?! Thanks for linking up to #PoCoLo
ReplyDeleteI love my TUK cat ones I got them in the usa - im not really big into heels but i love these (here's a link to them on google http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61FdtiMcKEL._UY395_.jpg)
ReplyDeletemy everyday black flats
ReplyDeleteMy favourite shoes were a pair of sketchers pumps, they were black and had very light grey/silver embroidery detailing, I saved up a long time with them when I had my first part time job on weekends while I was at school.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment with this cold weather my favourite is a pair of boots with a fluffy lining that keeps my feet warm.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite pair of shoes at the moment are my black Ugg boots. I got them for Christmas and they are so snug and comfy. I'm living in them at the moment x
ReplyDeleteMy leopard print heels. peep toe wth red bow, they also have red souls so i pretend they are famous brand lol
ReplyDeleteMy Favourite are Twinkle Twinkle Pink
ReplyDeleteMy favourite are my new cowgirl boots. Xx
ReplyDeleteI love my Superga! so comfy and practical. specially with my twin babies its easier to move around with them.
ReplyDeleteMy trainers. They are so comfy.
ReplyDeleteI love my walking shoes. just for comfort. Think it drives my hubby mad though as I have got loads of shoes but just keep going for them even if it doesn't match
ReplyDeleteMy current fave shoes are a black pair of flat knee boots. Currently pregnant with baby number 3 & they are so comfy. I can even get away with wearing them in the office x
ReplyDeleteI love my uggs - live in them :)
ReplyDeleteThis cute little baby needs a pair of shoes that can make him/her feel happy. It is the most amazing feeling for parents when they watch their children walking.
ReplyDeleteI love those squishy baby shoes... perfect for indoor cruising and no slips on hard floors!
ReplyDeleteI have to say my favourite shoes are chelsea boots every time... perfect with every outfit, and never out of style. Input article body here.Thanks for this post.
My sister is having a baby and I'm helping her out in finding all the best stuff. Shoes are the most important thing a person can wear. I have learned the importance of good footwear the hard way. Make sure your kid learns to walk in good footwear right from the start. It will make the joy of watching your baby walk all the sweeter!
ReplyDeleteBrian
I am having a baby girl soon. I need to know which are the most comfortable shoes available under $10.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading.
ReplyDeleteMy kids love their moccons and me I'm a slipper girl
ReplyDeletehttps://www.obsads.com/