My husband and I had been winding our way through the streets of Ubud, Bali looking for lunch. A wild goose chase searching for a recommended vegetarian warung proved unsuccessful. Now, we were simply trying to decide where to plant our hungry selves.<\/p>\n
The Australian lilt broke my concentration. I looked up to see a stunning young woman with a huge smile, who it turns out, is a fellow Canadian living in Australia. She is with a traveller from Rome, both guests at the same home stay down the street. We start talking and discover in 30 seconds we were all vegetarians looking for lunch. They asked if we\u2019d like to join them. We did.<\/p>\n
![\"rszbali7\"](\"http:\/\/173.254.51.213\/~redshoez\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/rszbali7.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The next hour passed quickly. We discussed the benefits of a vegetarian and raw food diet, making the choice to leave university, travel the world and learn about life and how an old idea made new by applying it today could have the power to change how we do business.<\/p>\n
The latter was from the Rome based young man, who had built a company that could very well change how we perceive currency. It is a fascinating idea with limitless potential and he is deeply passionate about the possibilities. In Ubud he was finding many like minded people, who embraced and championed his work. Positive energy surrounded him and he was filled with renewed spirit.<\/p>\n
I’m reminded of the power of the like minded! Surrounding ourselves with like minded people can be like wind beneath our wings, the energy can carry us to great heights and propel us forward with speed and immediacy, fear literally evaporates in the presence of such a positive force. In the company of like minded we are uplifted, our momentum and growth, rapid and acccelerated. Ideas flow. We become unstoppable.<\/p>\n
Like mindedness was at work here… it began with the red shoes….moved forward into vegetarianism….jumped into creativity, new ideas, passion and adventurousness.<\/p>\n
The red shoes opened the door to an hour in time I won\u2019t forget.<\/p>\n
reACTION [to change in the response to stimulus]: Surround self with like minded<\/b><\/h2>\n
Reach out to like minded people. Find a buddy or create a group to support your journey of fearless (re)discovery of self. It\u2019s sometimes easier to have faith, courage and good ideas for someone else than it is for yourself – and easier for someone else to have them for you. Look at this relationship as a action oriented that offers moral and emotional support with the purpose of keeping you in ACTion. NOTE – Look beyond close friends or family members… in fact those who are acquaintances could be an ideal….there will be no history or expectation to cloud the shots of courage and motivation coming your way.<\/p>\n
Oh WOW<\/h3>\n
I was curious to see if, even in distant lands, they would work their magic, inspiring learning and instilling their trademark lessons. They did not disappoint.<\/p>\n Visiting new places is exciting. Everything is a surprise. Locked in the present moment 100% of the time and breathing it all in…..the sights, the smells, the sounds, the people. This is what is feels like to be fully…….Alive<\/i>!<\/p>\n All senses are ON. Auto pilot is OFF.<\/p>\n On vacation we wake up embracing the day. Jumping out of bed we make plans to see and do amazing things. We immerse ourselves in experiences, capturing memories we can relive over and over once we return home. Vacation stories are full of zing and told with great enthusiasm and spark. We are in fun mode, and fully engaged in life. It\u2019s an \u201cOH WOW\u201d\u2014<\/i>every day!<\/p>\n It makes me wonder what life would be like if we approached each day like this.<\/p>\n What if on non vacation days we listened intently, observed like we wanted to commit every detail and nuance to memory, with curiousity piqued and minds bursting we sought to uncover the who, what, where, when and why of everything. I\u2019m laughing as I write. Doesn\u2019t this sound like……..children?<\/i> I remember those days…one in particular stands out – Kelly age 4 asked 12 questions during one red light. Children see through fresh eyes, ready to learn, play and explore. It\u2019s a sense of wonder…that guides every moment of every day.<\/p>\n I looked up the definition of wonder here it is – rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to ones experience.<\/i><\/p>\n In my pursuit of fearlessly (re)discovering myself I\u2019m aiming to view the world\u2014my world- through new\/fresh\/vacation eyes. I vow to take back something I used to have….my sense of wonder. I seek to find \u201cOh WOW\u201d<\/i> experiences every day.<\/p>\n Wonder gifts us with a young, fearless spirit for life. I recently watched a TED Talk featuring a (very) young woman \u2013 Adora Svitak<\/a>. She says the world needs childish thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kid\u2019s big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups\u2019 willingness to learn from children as much as to teach. It was an \u201cOH WOW\u201d 8 minutes!<\/p>\n Mar 21, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n The red shoes never fail to disappoint. They connect me to\u00a0fascinating \u00a0people and the lessons and insights just keep coming.<\/p>\n Sshh<\/em>\u00a0 \u2013 Don\u2019t tell them but I\u2019ve\u00a0figured out their magic.<\/p>\n Here it is.<\/p>\n I\u2019m always fully present when I wear them\u00a0\u2026laying in wait for\u00a0\u00a0that extraordinary thing to happen.\u00a0Being in the moment allows me to see all kinds of wonderful\u00a0things that I would\u00a0have missed otherwise.<\/p>\n Next\u2026When we\u00a0expec<\/em>t great things to happen\u2026\u2026.they do.<\/p>\n I\u2019m betting I look open and friendly\u00a0\u2013 an\u00a0invitation to approach.\u00a0As humans we\u00a0long to connect with\u00a0one another\u00a0but often we need a conenctor piece\u2026.enter the red shoes\u2026the catalyst for contact.<\/p>\n There you have it\u2026.the magician\u2019s secret is out and it\u2019s not trickery.<\/p>\n In Bali\u2026the red shoes connected\u00a0me \u00a0to fascinating people\u00a0from all over the world.<\/p>\n Many were \u2018older\u2019 but had the youthful look\u00a0of someone decades younger. It got me thinking.<\/p>\n Ever notice how some people remain ageless throughout their lives?\u00a0 They are vibrant and quick\u2026they laugh readily\u2026their faces seem to glow with health despite the number of birthdays.<\/p>\n We can assume they eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise and have a well honed funny bone\u00a0and I\u2019m sure they would all describe themselves (as the people in Bali did) as lifelong learners.<\/p>\n Lifelong learners are permanently poised at the gates of learning.<\/p>\n They are curious, questioning and always picking up on something new. If something grabs their attention, a fresh round of questions form and they\u2019re off on a mission to find out more. They take classes, love to engage in conversation with people of all ages and backgrounds, read a diverse range of topics and travel whenever they can. The world is their classroom.\u00a0 They continually push the boundaries of what they know, grapple with new ideas and find joy in expanding and stretching themselves.<\/p>\n Six months ago I started what I named The Curriculum of Me. The purpose is to create a loose structure for the on-going growth and evolution of ME. I engage in it one full day a week (ok\u2026sometimes it\u2019s 2 half days). I have found many resources but my favourite go-to source is\u00a0TED talks<\/a>. There are thousands of riveting talks by remarkable people who are today\u2019s innovators and \u00a0thought leaders AND it\u2019s free to the world. The range of topics is endless.\u00a0I make a point to watch not only those that are of immediate interest (design\/psychology\/entertainment) but those outside of my \u2018zone\u2019 (science\/technology).<\/p>\n TED talks will amaze.\u00a0 The learning will excite you.\u00a0 Your horizons will be stretched. You will feel alive.<\/p>\n Mar 18, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n Never in my wildest dreams\u00a0would I imagine that a pair of shoes could inspire, transform and deliver profound and unexpected lessons.<\/p>\n Yet that is exactly what the red shoes have done since wearing began in July 2012.<\/p>\n The Red Shoe Project was created with a dash of impish\u00a0fun\u00a0to explore and document the experiences of a variety of wearers. The red shoes have not disappointed.\u00a0While most of the stories have been upbeat and inspiring a few took wearers by surprise\u2026.anger was provoked in friends and disapproving family prohibited the wearing of the shoes.<\/p>\n So that\u2019s life\u2026 surprises abound! We learn that we may push beyond our own comfort zones and then land smack dab flattened\u00a0to the wall of someone else\u2019s. We evolve in different ways and times. Gotta love us all.<\/p>\n I remain fascinated\u00a0by\u00a0the raw\u00a0emotion that can be packed into a shoe.<\/p>\n Having said that\u2026..You are invited to participate in the\u00a0RED SHOE PROJECT.<\/b><\/p>\n All mid life women with size 8 \u00bd \u2013 9 \u00bd feet and either a love of shoes or a sense of fun (or both) are invited to participate (apologies to small footed sisters and \u2018young\u2019 women).<\/p>\n When, where and how you wear the red shoes is up to you.<\/p>\n The average wearing time has been one week and the more they are worn appears to heighten the experience and the FUN!<\/p>\n As a red shoe wearer and participant in the Red Shoe Project you agree to document your experience \u2013 how you felt, what happened, who you met, lessons offered and insights gained.<\/p>\n Red shoe stories will be shared on the Red Shoe Zone \u2013 helping mid life women fearlessly (re)discover self.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re game\u2026..let me know \u2013\u00a0Cheryl@redshoezone.ca<\/a><\/p>\n Please feel free to share this invitation.<\/p>\n \u201cDo something every day that scares you.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Eleanor Roosevelt<\/i><\/p>\n Apr 30, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n Studies show that 25% of those you smile at will return the smile and of those twenty five percent 10% will smile at someone else. With this information we could start a smile revolution.<\/p>\n The red shoes make people smile. I\u2019m not\u00a0exactly<\/em>\u00a0sure what it is about them (having studied them at length) but I \u00a0know and accept they have an intangible quality that makes many people\u2019s lips curl upward in a spontaneous lift when they see them. Interestingly they don\u2019t have to be actually\u00a0worn<\/em>\u00a0for this to happen as I recently discovered.<\/p>\n I was at a jammed packed airport security on my way to California to celebrate my daughter\u2019s birthday. I removed the red shoes and tossed them into the tub along with my bag of liquids and gels. I walked over and joined the line preparing to walk through the scanner.\u00a0\u201cOoohhhh\u2026.pretty<\/em>\u00a0shoes,<\/em>\u201d shot through the air.<\/p>\n I looked over. The starched and pressed female security officer was smiling and either talking to herself or the red shoes (not sure which) as she gently repositioned them to stand upright and perfectly side by side in the tub. Now, I\u2019ve been through hundreds of airport security checks in my time and at no time did shoes have to be so specifically situated \u00a0to pass through the scanner.\u00a0 But there they were (with assistance) standing at perfect attention ready for scanning. The security woman, still smiling, watched them make their way all the way down the belt.<\/p>\n I was smiling too as I watched the carefully orchestrated procedure.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cMamam\u2026.MAMAM,\u201d<\/em>a male officer was summoning my attention,\u00a0\u201cplease step<\/em>\u00a0forward,\u201d\u00a0<\/em>indicating it was my turn to walk through.<\/p>\n \u201cAahhhh Sorry,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0I managed as passed security and on to collect my things.<\/p>\n As I slipped the shoes on, a fellow traveler came up beside me, \u00a0touched my arm, smiled and said in a quiet between-you-and-me kind of way,\u00a0\u201cI<\/em>\u00a0love your shoes\u2026they\u2019re fabulous.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0I beamed back at her.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll probably never pin down exactly what it is about the red shoes that makes so many people smile. But I\u2019m grateful (and mildly curious) they seem to be sparking something of a smile\/happy revolution. So for the sake of humanity (and myself) I vow to continue wearing them. In 2 weeks they\u2019ll be off to Croatia and to Hawaii on another pair of feet. Can\u2019t wait to see who they\u2019ll meet, what they\u2019ll learn and what tales they\u2019ll bring back.<\/p>\n PS\/ Not too long ago I contacted RAGG shoes the US distributor of the red shoes. I thought they\u2019d like to know what their shoes were up to and that they had a growing following. I found out the red shoes have a name\u2026.. Marilyn.\u00a0 Hmmm\u2026.they\u2019re kinda\u2019 feeling like a girl friend. Coffee?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n May 7, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n As humans we\u2019re hard wired to connect face-to-face, it keeps us socialized and healthy\u2026.our spirit alive.<\/p>\n But we\u2019re losing ground and fast becoming insular people less connected to each other and the outer world. The next time you\u2019re out and about take a look.\u00a0 Some have buds in ears and are \u2018inside\u2019 somewhere, others are bumping into people, falling off curbs and walking into glass doors while having intense phone conversations (do they forget these are public places with the details being discussed?), still others have heads down, device in hand engaged in multiple functions\u2026.reading\u2026emailing \u2026replying\u2026forwarding\u2026. posting\u2026.saving\u2026 texting\u2026.status updating\u2026tweeting\u2026.pinning\u2026AND walking on red and into oncoming traffic. Yikes! In this race the real time real world human connection is losing.<\/p>\n In Starbucks the other day the person ahead of me placed an order, paid and left without once making eye contact with the clerk. This was while carrying on in a highly animated fashion\u2026laughing and shaking head to self and device in hand. Hopefully there was an actual person on the other end.<\/p>\n The red shoes (and things like them) perform a public service. They are connectors. They capture our attention and snap us from the inner to the outer world. They provide an opening in the wall\u2026.an invitation for others to enter.<\/p>\n They \u00a0remind me of the concepts in the book,\u00a0The Purple Cow by Seth Godin<\/a>. The book is legendary in marketing circles\u2026it\u2019s about how to transform your business into something remarkable. The Purple Cow is a metaphor for standing out\u2026when something stands out it makes us look twice, snaps us into the present moment and often prompts action and connection. \u00a0Imagine for a minute a purple cow in a field of monochromatic Holsteins.\u201cLOOK a purple cow!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0You get the picture. The unexpected gives us a jolt and we lean in to get a better look.<\/p>\n I\u2019m a BIG dog lover. I stop (pounce on) and engage dogs and dog owners to such a degree they have NO choice but to converse with me.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been known to rip (ok gently remove) dogs from the arms of owners including small children. These stories are part of our family lore. It goes like this,\u00a0\u201cremember the time mom yelled STOP THE CAR and jumped out to tackle the black cocker spaniel puppy?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Yes, I did that. But here\u2019s the thing, in all my years of engaging in this abhorrent behavior no one seems to mind. I quickly find out the dog\u2019s breed, name, age, pedigree and all pertinent background information. I\u2019m not kidding. My theory is because I passionately LOVE dogs, the \u2018owners\u2019 intuitively sense this (either that or they are afraid of what could be a potential raging lunatic) and they open the door and welcome me in.\u00a0 We have a brief, intense meeting and part company happy and uplifted having shared something with each other\u2026the beloved dog.<\/p>\n Purple cows come in all shapes and sizes\u2026red shoes, puppies, dogs, babies, magenta hair, bright, joyful\u00a0 faces..\u2026things that say\u2026Whoa\u2026stop!<\/em>\u00a0They shake us out of our inner world and invite connection. They open the door from one person to another.\u00a0 They allow us a human exchange. These connections feel good. They warm the soul and feed the spirit. I\u2019m not suggesting everyone go out and buy red shoes or acquire a puppy or a baby (heaven forbid)\u2026but to look for the purple cows grazing everywhere. Maybe adopt one of your own\u2026your need to connect will be richly fulfilled.<\/p>\n Off to Croatia\u2026.(with the red shoes) looking to connect!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n May 29, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n We were on a week long sail, meandering down the coast of northern\u00a0Croatia<\/a>. The Albatross was a motorized sailboat but to me it looked like a pirate ship. Twenty castaways from six countries were in the hands of Captain Allen and his three crew and we were off to discover new lands. \u00a0Thankfully for (claustrophobic) me we secured one of the 3 closet sized upper deck cabins complete with the lifesaving door and window.<\/p>\n Our adventure took us around and through the chain of islands that make up the jagged, lush coastline. Tiny villages nestled in coves, hours from one another and far from towns of any size dotted the landscape. Neat, square, white washed houses with red tile roofs stood proudly, surrounded by lush vegetable gardens and wild flowers dancing in the breeze. Village dogs trotted with purpose as they made their rounds. Fishing boats bobbed in the water. It took your breath away\u2026..the very essence of peacefulness and serenity.<\/p>\n What do they DO here?<\/em><\/p>\n It kept slipping from my mouth.<\/p>\n I was smitten by the beauty and simplicity, I could feel myself awash in tranquility and yet my mind was making calculations, puzzling over the lack of activity, immediacy and hustle bustle. What would you do if you lived here? Where would you go? Where is the closest \u2018center\u2019?<\/p>\n But I had been fully seduced and that opened the door. What I saw was a clear view of myself\u2026\u2026a lifelong go-er and do-er. \u00a0Those were the terms I thought in and measured against.<\/p>\n I assigned value based on accomplishment and production. My measure of a good day of a well lived life was one that accomplished and experienced much. \u00a0Even laid back, do nothing days had gusto.<\/p>\n These villages and their lovely people showed me the beauty of simplicity and the importance of quiet emptiness. Life is in a natural order and rhythm here\u2026.this is what life really looks like. It\u2019s not dressed up in a swirl of activity\u2026.it simply\u00a0is<\/em>.<\/p>\n They take care of things\u2026.the houses immaculate and pristine\u2026. the sea clear, clean, sparkling and aquamarine blue. They are proud of their homes, villages and country. It shows.<\/p>\n People are happy. I saw the warm smiles, I felt the peace. Their connectedness has deep roots\u2026..they are rooted just like their gardens. There is a lack of excess yet a feeling of abundance\u2026\u2026. in simple things.<\/p>\n There are many ways to live rich lives. This was one of them. I will return home with a piece of it. I want to create simplicity and (most importantly) allow the empty space. This is the place where the insight dawns and knowingness is born.<\/p>\n I got it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jun 4, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026do so as the Romans do (or in this case as Croatian women do)\u2026at least make best effort!<\/p>\n Split, Croatia \u2013 May 19, 2013 \u2013 I love the way European women look! They all seem to have an inherent sense of style that is\u2026.well\u2026.extraordinary.<\/p>\n There\u2019s something about each one that jumps out. The way\u00a0a scarf is wrapped<\/a>\u2026.lipstick applied\u2026..sweater draped\u2026.the colour or the shape of the glasses\u2026..the heels\u2026the bracelets\u2026the bag\u2026the boots\u2026..the hair twisted or loosely falling\u2026the way its all pulled together into an \u00a0beautiful and interesting picture\u2026.so highly individualistic\u2026like no other. I like the air of confidence and self assuredness that carries it all.<\/p>\n In Europe style is not confined to the young. I vividly remember a woman in Paris years ago\u2026 she was in her late 60\u2019s or early 70\u2019s\u2026exquisitely and simply put together in a black sweater and straight skirt\u2026she wore heels\u2026. her hair pulled back into a tight twist, her pale skin free of makeup except for the deep red lips\u2026her eyes bright. \u00a0A baguette was tucked under her arm. I imagined she was headed home to prepare lunch of pate, cheese, cornichons and bread. Her grace\u2026femininity and style captivated me. I watched until she disappeared behind the door to a flat.<\/p>\n It\u2019s certainly a different culture where I live in\u00a0Vancouver, British Columbia<\/a>\u00a0(Conde Nast Traveler\u2019s top city in Canada) \u00a0a beautiful, natural outdoor wonderland that demands an active lifestyle.\u00a0 We walk, run, cycle, ski, snowboard, go to the gym, do pilates and yoga. We\u2019re among the healthiest people in Canada but our style can best be described as non-descript\/casual. As much as I love fashion and enthusiastically gobble up the latest edition of Vogue I\u2019m 0ften still in exercise gear from my 8 am workout at the end of the day. I tell myself (because I work from home) at least its not pyjamas.<\/p>\n Admittedly it gets worse from a style standpoint\u2026. I\u2019m also known for slapping conditioner on my hair, slicking it back in a pony tail, pulling on jeans, a sweater and a pair of flip flops and running my errands. Ugh.<\/p>\n Oh Geez\u2026could you imagine if I lived in Europe? I would be extradited back to my country of origin\u2026..sent packing by the fashion police and culture squad.<\/p>\n I LOVE and appreciate a sense of style. \u00a0I wonder how I can incorporate more of it here at home. European women make it look so easy and effortless. Maybe it is (for them) it\u2019s as ingrained in their \u00a0culture as pulling on a pair of tights and lacing up running shoes is in mine. But wait I have RED SHOES!\u00a0 They\u2019ve \u00a0got style and personality and just enough individuality to grab the attention of many who walk the same paths as I. \u00a0I have so much fun wearing them\u2026. they make me feel happy\u2026upbeat\u2026kinda cheeky. I remember the first time I wore them my friend Karen said,\u00a0\u201cYou owned those shoes sister\u201d<\/em>\u2026..I looked at her with my best incredulous look but I got it.<\/p>\n When a style is ours it comes complete with self assurance, an attitude, a twinkle (call it what you will) it makes for a standout in the human landscape. It says this is who I am. It draws people in\u2026. it creates interest and conversation. It makes life more FUN!<\/p>\n Style is stepping from a comfort zone of the \u2018norm\u2019 where we fit in and blend in\u2026..to a place where we stand alone as the creator of ourselves.<\/p>\n Ciao\u2026off to create some fun!<\/p>\n Jun 11, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n Red shoes poised at the brink of a new adventure on the Croatian island of Rab. \u00a0Walking along unknown streets and alleys\u2026.you never know what wonder-ful and interesting things await. When travelling in far-off lands we fearlessly embrace the unknown with child like wonder. \u00a0No courage required we gamely go forth with a call of,\u00a0\u201cbring it on!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Remember when everything used to make you feel wonder and awe? \u00a0A fluffy caterpillar inching its way along a branch, a stringy white cloud changing shape in a clear blue sky, \u00a0a spider spinning a intricate web \u2026nearly everything made eyes pop and mouths drop when we were kids.<\/p>\n Wonder allows us to look at things as if seeing them for the first time. We need to explore wonder more often, because as adults, many of us lose our sense of wonder in life. It gets buried under piles of to do\u2019s, bills and responsibilities. We are never too old, too mature or too sensible to have a sense of wonder in fact it keeps us youthful and fearless and life wonder-ful!<\/p>\n Since most of us don\u2019t have the resources to travel all the time, wonder has to be found in our everyday lives. How often do you marvel at your daily life?\u00a0 It\u2019s usually a fleeting moment, if at all\u2026right?\u00a0So cultivating wonder would seem worthwhile.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve listed some of my ideas below.<\/p>\n WATCH KIDS \u2013\u00a0<\/b>Kids approach life with a sense of wonder. Everything is new and bright. Everything is exciting. We can all take a lesson from observing children, from how excited they touch and explore, \u00a0how they smile at the simplest things. Apply some of that wonder to your daily life.<\/p>\n ENGAGE IN CREATIVITY \u2013\u00a0<\/b>I\u2019ve been passionate about the area of creativity for a long time\u2026first working with students and teachers and later corporations. We are all innately creative and have much more creative potential than we think.<\/p>\n Visit previous posts\u2026flexing the creative muscle<\/a>\u2026.imaginating<\/a>\u2026seeing the world with new eyes<\/a>.<\/p>\n TRAVEL TO FAR-OFF PLACES \u2013\u00a0<\/b>If your budget actually allows you to do tons of traveling, start packing! If not, go to the local library, and check out the section on travel. Look for travel essays where the writer is immersed in the culture or pick a general book like\u00a01,000 Places to See<\/em>\u00a0Before You Die<\/em>\u2014both will activate wonder!<\/b><\/p>\n LEARN SOMETHING NEW \u2013\u00a0<\/b>Learning is one of the best ways you can cultivate wonder. You can either dig deeper into topics you\u2019re already familiar with, or take on a totally strange, interesting subject. Starting with books is easy, if you\u2019re not a big reader, watch The Discovery or History Channel or visit a museum. Ask yourself: What topics have I always wanted to learn about? What classes did I want to take in high school or college but didn\u2019t have time to? What topics make me happy?<\/p>\n Go to\u00a0TED Talks<\/a>\u00a0to hear over 1500 talks by thought leaders from around the world on a wide range of topics. Whenever I want to feel an \u201cOH Wow\u201d this is where I go!<\/p>\n Coursera\u00a0<\/a>is something I\u2019ve just heard about and very exciting! It\u2019s an education company that partners with the top universities and organizations in the world to offer courses online for anyone to take, for free. There are close to 400 courses in over 20 categories created by 62 Universities from 16 countries. It\u2019s definitely worth a look!<\/p>\n If you have other ideas for cultivating wonder please share!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Jul 8, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n Does your heart race when you look at shoes you consider\u00a0buying? Do you feel pure joy course through your veins when you wear them for the first time? If you answered, \u201cYES!\u201d\u2026you are a charter member of The Women Who Love Shoes Club.<\/p>\n I\u2019m on a visitors pass.<\/p>\n As time goes on, I must admit I am becoming more and more fascinated with \u2018shoe love\u2019 in particular the sub culture of \u2013\u2018red shoe love\u2019.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve witnessed women literally transform in front of my eyes as they describe a pair of beloved shoes which grows to include a time in their lives, how they felt and the experiences that went with. \u00a0It\u2019s mesmerizing to say the least and totally thought provoking. \u00a0So I \u00a0figure if there\u2019s an opportunity for some \u00a0extra love in our lives\u2026let\u2019s take a look!<\/p>\n My mission this week: Explore (red) Shoe Love.<\/p>\n In late spring a friend\u00a0(Leslie the music lover<\/a>) was vacationing in London and Paris and snapped a bunch of pictures of red shoes (including the one above).\u00a0 She had purchased 2 pairs of her own red shoes before leaving. \u00a0They were decidedly more conservative (a cheerful sneaker and a happy sandal) than the ones that caught her eye abroad. I don\u2019t think hers were threatened by their high style European sisters. They were comfortable in their own skin (upper?).<\/p>\n OK\u2026 So here\u2019s what I know\u2026Women who love shoes don\u2019t just love their shoes they also LOVE the pursuit of them! Did you know that for many women \u201cbuying shoes taps into the most primitive of instincts; the hunt, the chase and the kill,\u201d states writer Alyssa Siegel in Psychology Tomorrow Magazine. Apparently even thinking about shoe shopping (for Women Who Love Shoes) causes the adrenaline to pump. By the time they arrive at the shoe store the dopamine, norepinephrine, oxytocin and serotonin are already releasing. That\u2019s impressive.<\/p>\n According to Martin Lindstrom author of Buyology:Truth and Lies About Why We Buy, \u201cwhen women buy other kinds of apparel \u00a0the dopamine flatlines when the debit card is swiped but not with shoes women rationalize shoes are a practical buy-something they can wear multiple times a week- so they hold onto that pleasurable feeling longer.\u201d<\/p>\n Here\u2019s another little known fact \u2014buying new shoes stimulates an area of the brain\u2019s prefrontal cortex termed \u2018the collecting spot\u2019. Shoes are viewed as a collecting item (think stamps), \u201cadding to the collection evokes a mini adrenaline rush\u201d, says Helen Fisher PhD Professor of Anthropology Rutgers University.<\/p>\n I\u2019m starting to see shoe shopping as a socially responsible activity as well as an investment in health. Could we stave off minor depression with a prescription for shoe shopping and at least a trial membership in The Women Who Love Shoes Club?<\/p>\n Hmmmmm\u2026.I\u2019ll be thinking about that<\/p>\n Jul 10, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n Red Shoe\u00a0magic<\/em>\u00a0appears to be universal getting legs moving, hearts pumping and imagination flowing!<\/p>\n Red Shoe Shuffle<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 a 5km walk\/run across the US benefiting Ronald MacDonald Houses.<\/p>\n Red Shoe Walk<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 8 mile walk along the River Thames benefiting British Red Cross.<\/p>\n Walk a Mile in Her RED Shoes<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 1 mile \u2018walk\u2019 in Peterborough, Ontario \u00a0by courageous men, bold enough to strut their stuff in red high heels in support of women and children facing violence in their homes.<\/p>\n The most famous red shoes<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Dorothy\u2019s ruby slippers in the Wizard of OZ<\/p>\n The fairytale<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 The Red Shoes by Hans Christian Anderson written in 1845<\/p>\n The classic movie<\/b>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0The Red Shoes<\/a>\u00a0a 1948 British feature film about a ballet dancer \u00a0torn between the man she loves and her pursuit to become a prima ballerina<\/p>\n The Horror Movie<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 The Red Shoes a 2005 Korean horror film<\/p>\n The animated feature<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 The Red Shoes an 1989 animated feature film from the \u00a0US<\/p>\n The Love Story<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 The Red Shoes a 2010 love story from the Philippines<\/p>\n The Album<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 The Red Shoes \u2013 released in 2007 by British musician Kate Bush<\/p>\n The Pub<\/b>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Red Shoe Pub<\/a>– \u00a0Mabou, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, CANADA<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jul 9, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n The\u00a0arrival of the red shoes<\/a>\u00a0in my life triggered an unexpected journey of exploration and self discovery.\u201cTHIS\u2026.is from a shoe???!!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0I would exclaim every time \u00a0insight and understanding dawned. Friends, members of The Women Who Love Shoes Club, smiled knowing smiles and nodded. They shared their stories and offered membership to the Club.\u00a0 While I\u2019m still on a visitors pass I am fascinated by what clearly is a love, deeply connected to the heart\u2026and decidedly magical.<\/p>\n Today, facts that imbue-the-shoe with supernatural-ness.<\/p>\n FACT#1<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Buying and wearing shoes can be a serious mood booster for many women with a real physiological root. Once the neurotransmitter dopamine is released it produces a feel good high, described as being similar to taking a drug.<\/p>\n FACT#2<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 While sales of most things slumped during the recession footwear sales went up in every quarter.<\/p>\n FACT #3<\/b>\u00a0-Like animals we associate height with power. High heels immediately raise our status (in the kingdom).<\/p>\n FACT#4<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 In previous centuries only the wealthy wore heels\u2026 we still see them as denoting class.<\/p>\n FACT#5<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Heels make every leg look great and the wearer slimmer.<\/p>\n FACT#6<\/b>\u00a0–\u00a0 High heels (stilettos) cause the wearer\u00a0 to assume a primal mating poise called \u2018lordosis\u2019 where the behind lifts and the \u00a0back arches.\u00a0 (Helen Fisher PhD professor of Anthropology Rutgers University)<\/p>\n FACT#7<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 A pound or two may be gained but shoe size never changes.<\/p>\n FACT#8<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Women will buy shoes in the wrong size if they love them.<\/p>\n FACT#9<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Some women rarely wear the shoes they love most. Instead they will view the shoe as a coveted work of art to be looked at and only occasionally touched.<\/p>\n FACT#10<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Dr Daniel Amen author of The Brain in Love said,\u00a0\u201cOur minds are structured in a way that we may associate feet with sex. The area of the brain that communicates with the genitals is right next to the area that deals with feet these regions share neural cross talk which may be why shoes can be erotic\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n FACT#11<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Red Shoes have the distinct honor of being their own sub culture. Red shoes can set wearers and those around them off balance in both a negative and positive way (as I learned from red shoe project wearers).<\/p>\n Could this be why? \u00a0Red excites the emotions and motivates us to take action. As the color of blood, it has strong symbolism to life and vitality \u2014 passion and lust. \u00a0Red signifies a pioneering spirit and leadership qualities, promoting ambition and determination.<\/p>\n FACT #12<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Red is known to: increase enthusiasm and interest \u2013 provide energy \u2013 encourage action and confidence to go after your dreams \u2013 protection from fears and anxieties.<\/p>\n What I learned from going through my shoe closet<\/b><\/p>\n I have less than 20 pairs of shoes and therefore fall below the national average. If I do join The Women Who Love Shoes Club I will have a lot of catching up to do which of course will require lots of shoe shopping. This would be heavily endorsed by my husband as I\u2019d be in a permanently happy place virtually swimming in dopamine.<\/p>\n I realized that most of the shoes in my closet were purchased because they looked FUN\u2026I can only assume I have a couple of crossed wires?<\/p>\n I have more heels than flats\u2026I love high heels\u2026.the added height makes me feel powerful. I am an introvert who masquerades as an extrovert so the increased size helps me be more out there or would it be\u00a0up<\/em>\u00a0there? Regardless\u2026..works for me.<\/p>\n My red shoes make me happy, I swear they create energy and draw people and opportunities to me.<\/p>\n JUST AS I\u2019M ABOUT TO WRAP UP THIS POST I FIND THIS\u2026..<\/strong>.<\/p>\n A Sociologist from New Zealand spent several months asking why women wear red shoes. Her report included research that indicates bright red shoes have an overpowering effect on men and that some men may become befuddled and even confused. This leads them to stammer and perspire.<\/p>\n WHAT??!!<\/em><\/p>\n I read it to my husband.<\/p>\n I\u2019m howling!<\/p>\n He\u2019s smiling.<\/p>\n crazy\u2026.<\/em><\/p>\n Jul 11, 2013\u00a0by\u00a0Cheryl<\/a><\/p>\n Today a new member \u2013 Carole Cameron (pictured) \u2013 joins the sisterhood of the travelling red shoes. Not only was I thrilled Carole agreed to take on the shoes and be a part of\u00a0The Red Shoe Project<\/a>\u00a0I was excited to meet her on a recent visit to Vancouver from her home outside Toronto. Carole is the author of a (fabulous) book, of great interest to me and 33% of the population,\u00a0Sp!<\/em>ash \u2013 an introvert\u2019s \u00a0guide to being, seen, heard and remembered<\/a>.Carole promises to write<\/em>\u00a0another post based on her book soon<\/em>. In the meantime you can get a jump on it and take an\u00a0informal Meyers Briggs personality test<\/a>\u00a0to determine and understand your personality type. If you\u2019re are an introvert (like me) I strongly recommend you read Sp!<\/em>ash not only will it give you one\u00a0A-ha\u00a0<\/em>after another and align you with \u2018kin\u2019 it will help move you out of the shadows into the forefront of your best life! Allowing you to Make a Sp!<\/em>ash!<\/p>\n My \u201cAdventure\u201d with the Red Shoes<\/b><\/p>\n By Carole Cameron<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b>It was my dear friend Debbie who introduced me to The Red Shoes.\u00a0 To the shoes themselves, the philosophy behind them, and of course, to the inspirational instigator of it all, Cheryl.<\/p>\n When Debbie shared the story with me, I immediately wanted to get in on the \u201csisterhood\u201d, and have a go with the shoes myself!\u00a0 The shoes arrived at my home in Milton, Ontario at the end of May.\u00a0 Strangely enough, they sat on the end-table in the family room, unworn, for 3 weeks.\u00a0 As much as I believed in their \u201clife-changing qualities\u201d, I was waiting for the \u201cperfect opportunity\u201d to have my experience. I made lots of excuses\u2026they are really not my style, I\u2019m really not a shoe person, they are so high that I measure over 6 feet tall when wearing them\u2026<\/p>\n I went to New York City in early June with a girlfriend, but again, the \u201cperfect\u201d opportunity didn\u2019t present itself.\u00a0 I took them to a Polo match, where we sported fancy dresses and outrageous hats.\u00a0 But still they lay at the bottom of my bag, unworn.<\/p>\n At the end of June, I took them with me to a book club gathering at a friend\u2019s lovely country home.\u00a0 Six of us sat in a circle on the deck.\u00a0 I took them out, modelled them, and told Cheryl\u2019s inspirational story of the shoes and what they represent.\u00a0 One other friend tried them on.\u00a0 We all loved them.\u00a0 And then the magic started.<\/p>\n Each of us shared a \u201clife-changing\u201d moment.\u00a0 From a turning point, to a tragedy, to meeting a mentor, to the achievement of an important goal.\u00a0 We each shared how it happened, what it took to make it happen, how it felt, what was learned, what will always\/never be done again.\u00a0 Some shared things that they had never told anyone before.\u00a0 We laughed until we cried, and cried until we laughed. \u00a0It was \u201cperfect\u201d.<\/p>\n Yes, the Red Shoes truly have the strange and mysterious ability to create amazing events and connections.\u00a0 Sometimes you don\u2019t even have to put them on.<\/p>\n![\"rszbali4\"](\"http:\/\/173.254.51.213\/~redshoez\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/rszbali41-224x300.jpg\")
<\/a>The red shoes were unceremoniously roused from a long winter\u2019s nap (in the back of their Pacifc Northwest closet) and safely stowed for the long journey to Bali, Indonesia.<\/p>\nreACTION [to change in the response to stimulus]: \u201cOH WOW\u201d<\/i> watch this<\/b><\/h2>\n
At the gates of lifelong learning<\/h1>\n
![\"At](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/rszbali2-2410581_218x218.jpg\")
<\/div>\nreACTION [to change in the response to stimulus]: Curriculum of Me<\/b><\/h2>\n
Are the Red Shoes for YOU?<\/h1>\n
![\"Are](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/photoredshoescloseup1-2661603_218x218.jpg\")
<\/div>\nreACTION [to change in the response to stimulus]: Look for and surround with like minded<\/b><\/h2>\n
Red Shoes spark smile revolution<\/h1>\n
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/22-196264_218x218.jpg\")
<\/div>\nRed Shoes Perform Public Service<\/h1>\n
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/photo5576-1768795_218x218.jpg\")
<\/div>\nSerenity in Croatia\u2019s empty spaces<\/h1>\n
![\"Serenity](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/shoes-in-wildflowers-526755_218x218.jpg\")
<\/div>\nWhen in Rome\u2026..<\/h1>\n
![\"When](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/photoinrome1-143218_218x218.jpg\")
<\/div>\nIt\u2019s a Wonder-ful Life<\/h1>\n
![\"It\u2019s](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/photoredshoealley-116663_218x218.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\u00a0reACTION [to change in the response to stimulus]: Finding Wonder<\/b><\/h2>\n
What\u2019s shoe love all about?<\/h1>\n
![\"What\u2019s](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/DSC06959-15913_218x207.jpg\")
<\/div>\nRed Shoes are everywhere<\/h1>\n
![\"Red](\"http:\/\/173.254.51.213\/~redshoez\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/DSC07270.jpg\")
<\/div>\nSupernatural Shoe Facts<\/h1>\n
![\"Supernatural](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/101004013155_shoes-456-27038_218x218.jpg\")
<\/div>\nCarole\u2019s adventure with the red shoes<\/h1>\n
![\"Carole\u2019s](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/et_temp\/The-Red-Shoes-Go-to-Book-Club-in-Wine-Country-1523735_218x218.jpg\")
<\/div>\n