Page 46 Titled “Chanclas” really resonated with me because when I was a kid my mom always had problems finding the size for my feet. “They’re too big” she would say. So for a time I never wore sandals because I was worried about people seeing my feet and making fun of it. I know it wasn’t her fault or intention but I did felt bad and I never told her. Then I was a teenager she’d sometimes take me shoes shopping so I can try the shoes before buying, and it was always stressful. Sandals were out of question. No sandals. No open toes. Only closed shoes. I remember my asking me how come I don’t like wearing sandals and then I open to her about how I felt embarrassed because my feet being big. However, I saw she was very sad that I felt that way and reassured me that they were fine the way they are and that “never let anyone make you feel ashamed for the way you were born.”
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4 thoughts on “Alex Barrios Discussion 15”
Alex, I love the story that came up in your memory from “Chanclas!” So funny/sad that your mother had no idea about how you felt until you finally told her why you didn’t want to wear sandals. Thank you for sharing this.
I also had the same problem growing up, big feet were a problem because it cost my mother more money for my size so I was limited on which shoes I wanted. Playing soccer every week used to swell my feet so I would get pretty embarrassed when I had to show my feet, especially during the summertime. I would wear socks with sandals just to hide my feet but it would be too hot so one day I decided just to get over it and show my feet, not caring what anyone would think.
Hi Alex! thank you for sharing this personal post! I think that so many of us are ashamed of something about ourselves, but I think it’s because we are afraid of what people might say. Especially at a young age, kids can be pretty mean and judgmental. I, as well, feel insecure so many times, and I feel that stops me from getting great things in life. same in the story, she almost missed the chance to dance and have fun because of what others would think about her shoes. The key is to love yourself no matter what, and that takes a lot of practice and manifestation.
Hi Alex, I totally feel your take on this vignette with being able to compare it to your own life or childhood. I’m a ballet dancer and we don’t have the prettiest feet and by one of my teachers she would always tell me that I could not get my toenails painted and that I couldn’t get the blisters off my feet taken off because they protect my feet. So when I was out of the dance studio and with my family, my cousins would always make fun of me and poke at my feet.