An Open Letter | Joy M. Mills

We are all looking forward to living life after the pandemic. Exactly when that is going to be, none of us really know.

Shoes are mentioned often in the bible, usually symbolizing our direction and life path. We wear them to protect our feet from the elements when the ground beneath them is too cold or too hot for our soles to withstand.

Do not get to the end of your life and find you only lived the length of it. You have to live the width of it as well. When it comes to living as a passionate, inspired human being, the only challenge greater than learning to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes is learning to live a lifetime comfortably in your own.

I pray you find peace and acceptance, the kind that rings through your bones. I pray you forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made for the past you keep alive inside of you. I pray you learn to let go of the things you had to do to heal or survive. You are doing your best. You are human. I pray you connect with the small things. I pray you look at someone mid-conversation, and you feel your stomach surge with feelings you have for them. I pray you surround yourself with the kind of friends that encourage your spontaneity that are always there for you. Most of all, I pray you find yourself out there and travel to places that cleanse your soul. I pray you figure out your heart. I pray you figure out your mind. I pray you learn how to be kind to yourself and to embrace the journey you are on.

Do not let your old problems punish your dreams. Learn to let go of the things you cannot control. The next time you are tempted to rant about a situation you think ended unfairly, remind yourself of this, you will never kill off your anger by beating the story to death. So, close your mouth, unclench your fists, and redirect your thoughts.

Follow your heart and take your brain with you. When you are truly comfortable in your skin, not everyone will like you, but you will not care about it one bit.

For me, my shoes are red patent leather Mary Jane’s. There is a story that goes with these shoes. You can read that story in one of my books, I Wish Death Would Take A Vacation, My Story, ISBN-13: 978-0-9854367-1-1.

Written with love.

**This article is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal or other professional advice. This article was written to support, not replace medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional care if you feel you have a condition.