I had a shoe-mergency today. I finished speaking at our wellness event, was walking back to my seat and I knew my right shoe didn’t feel quite right. I sat down and investigated—a case of a loose platform. I’ve had this particular pair of shoes for at least ten, maybe eleven years. I don’t wear them often and I guess they wanted to show their displeasure with not being taken out more frequently. You really learn who you can count on when you’re having a shoe-mergency.
I turned to my colleague and friend who was sitting at the table. She immediately offered to get some flipflops from the car (I normally come prepared with back-ups, but I’m rolling in a loaner car for the weekend). Our other colleague, who also works at the venue, scrambled around for glue or something to repair my busted sole. No glue on the entire premises… but who needs glue when you have friends to hold you together?
After her speech, which was FANTASTIC, the first colleague/friend I mentioned went out to her car and retrieved two pairs of shoes, one flats and one stilettos, for me. I went with the heels, of course. Crisis averted.
I was listening to Brene Brown’s Super Soul Sessions talk called “The Anatomy of Trust” as I was cleaning out my classroom last week, preparing for summer break. Ms. Brown talks about the little acts that create trust in a relationship, how a small gesture or conversation, sometimes even comment, can form a bond. And, in the spirit of balance, it takes an equally small gesture, or the lack of a gesture, or comment to annihilate trust that previously existed.
I’ve put up the front of not needing anyone plenty of times, as a way to protect the fragile little Denise inside of the woman filling the 5-inch-high shoes. I’ve purported in various incarnations over the years that I don’t trust or don’t need anyone. But, let’s be real—I was running defense. Today, I wasn’t going to be running anywhere without some darn great ladies whom I trust. I knew I could depend on them before their gestures today, for sure. But how these souls stepped up for me when my sole wasn’t supporting me fills me with so much joy and love. It’s these small, trust-building gestures that save an event, a day, even a life sometimes. I see it in Rescue—the way our team shows up for each other is outstanding. And I felt in first hand today with my Oil sisters. Thank you, my friends. Much love.