“The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.” ~ Carl Jung

I am combing this lesson with the letter “J” for the alphabet challenge.   Originally I had planned a totally different outfit and story for this lesson, except yesterday when I was meant to post it I had major inventory issues. Like in the split second of whatever I was doing I lost a significant portion of my inventory — going from 125,000 plus items to like 84,000.  Several attempts later I was beginning to get into acceptance mode and settled in for spending some quiet time relaxing with a friend.   Before going to bed I made one last attempt of cleaning out my cache as instructed on the Firestorm help pages and it seemed to work and I went to bed happy.

For my alphabet challenge I decided to go with these ankle boots from Just Design that have the imprint of the UK. They were included in the two for one in a past 21 Shoe events with the other imprint being the USA.  I wore them to represent walking in another’s shoes, even if it doesn’t apply to the actual lesson as given.   In Second Life we have the opportunity to meet people from many different countries.   The concept of walking in another’s shoes would perhaps serve us well in understanding their culture, expressions and behavior.

I love this lesson and it serves as a great reminder for me,especially as it comes in a very timely manner for something that recently happened.  Hope it helps you as well.

© The Best Year of Your Life by Debbie Ford

Lesson 45: Walk in Anothers Shoes

Most of us are so wrapped up in our own lives that we rarely stop to consider the needs, desires, and feelings of others. But it’s important for us to realize that when we view life from our own limited perspective, we’re only seeing half the picture. To have true intimacy and connection in our relationships, we must spend time walking in another’s shoes.

When we’re in conflict with those we care about; or when we aren’t being treated with the love, respect, or tenderness we desire, we have two basic choices. We can defend our position and try to prove that we’re right, or we can look at ourselves through their eyes. The first choice hardens our hearts, while the second opens us to new levels of compassion, understanding, and intimacy.

Your Self-Love Assignment

Think of someone in your life you don’t feel as close to as you’d like. This could be someone who you feel misunderstands you, judges you, or doesn’t treat you the way you’d like to be treated.

Imagine that you are this person, and write from them to you. It’s important to do this when you’re in a relaxed, centered mood. I recommend that you go for a walk or spend a few minutes getting quiet before you begin. Then, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Imagine that this person is sitting in front of you. Allow yourself to feel what life is like in their shoes. Just write from the other person’s perspective about what it’s like to be in a relationship with you.

Notice if walking in another’s shoes allows you to feel more compassion or connection with this person.

Self-Love Points Earned

Give yourself 100 points for completing this assignment.

Credits:
Beanie – Pure Poison – Rockin’ Beanie
Hair – Pr!tty = Elle w/ Color HUD
Necklace – Pure Poison – Love Me {Group Gift}
Top – Emporium – Rockee Top w/ Color HUD {Rock Fashion Fair}
Shorts – Erratic – Briony Black
Boots – Just Design – Coral Vintage UK {previous 21 Edition}
Pose – Flash Friendly Poses – These Shoes Poses {previous BFF Hunt}