Written by Karen D. Swim
When I was 8 years old, I had a pair of black go-go boots. They laced up the front and zipped on the side. I loved those boots. I wanted to wear them with everything! One Friday, I put them on with my favorite fire engine red jumper and planned on going to school. However, in my day wearing red and black on a Friday was scandalous. (Don’t ask, some hooker connection). I of course did not defy my mother, but it did not change my love for those boots with that red jumper.
The year was 1972 and I was growing up in the era of Hippies and Black Panthers. My little hands alternately made the peace sign and the black power sign. I had a fondness for love beads, afro hair styles and head bands. Ah, but the boots were my favorite. In them I was fierce. I walked a little different, and posed with one hand on my hip and my head held back.
At age eight I was not questioning my choices or comparing them to societal norms. Like all children, my days were carefree and life was safe and joyous. I was ready to take on the world in my go-go boots and youthful exuberance. (Even then I believed in the power of shoes!) With my boots on, I could read the lyrics of Marvin Gayes’s “What’s Going On?” (released in 1973) a million times but still find hope in the world.
As adults we could all do with a healthy dose of childhood hope once in awhile. The ability to see the world not only as it is but how it can be. A belief that we can make a difference, that we have the potential to change the world. My black go-go boots are long gone but a little bit of their spirit remains with me. It is that spirit that encourages me to wear my boots with pride and live life with vigor, hope and absolute joy.
Are there things that you can learn from your childhood self? Do you find yourself being too serious at times? If so, how do you lighten up?
Evelyn, I am sure your daughter is going to bring you lots of laughter and great stories. 🙂 Even funnier is when we become our parents and utter things we thought would never be possible. lol!
Alina, I never thought of it but my gosh you’re right! It is the world of grown-ups that is filled with doubt. We so often associate that with adolescence but as we age and have more choices I guess it leaves room for more doubt.
Steph, spoken like a woman who knows her armour (and the color and style that suit her best)! You are so fierce! Can’t wait to see you at a book signing! 🙂
Melissa, ah sweet memories! 🙂 “Back then, the world was at our doorstep instead of the other way around.” This statement is so true. I don’t know about you but I’m all for strapping on the boots, blowing the dust off the turntable and changing that around! 🙂
Karen Swims last blog post..In the Zone
There’s nothing like a pair of go-go boots and a little Marvin Gaye 😉 Yes, I think we could all learn a lot from our childhood selves. Back then, the world was at our doorstep instead of the other way around.
Dress for success, they say! I do believe in putting on whatever helps your confidence, whether go-go boots or your sexiest jeans or a rockin’ hairstyle. As silly as it may seem, it can be a pretty powerful thing to strap on your armour!
Stephs last blog post..Stumbling Toward Fantasy (and self-confidence)
The greatest thing about being a child was that whatever I wanted to be, I was sure I would become. I had no plan whatsoever, other than being myself and doing the thins I loved, to get there, but I was so sure I would. I think I sometimes need to go back to that absolute trust in myself and in those around us. The world of grown-ups is so full of doubts!
Alina Popescus last blog post..No PR Leads to Bad PR
You’ve turned this little bit of childhood memory into a beautiful post here. I can just imagine an 8 year old with her go-go boots and ready to take on the world! I’m only just beginning to roll my eyes at my own little girl, who has her own fashion sense and wanting to wear what she wants!
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Maps last blog post..How To Do Pendulum Dowsing
Jamie, ROFL!!! So true, so true! Good thing we did not grow up to become “those” people. LOL!
I think the most important thing I could re-learn from my childhood self is to stop listening to adults. The Big People just have no clue!
🙂
Jamie Grove – How Not To Writes last blog post..The Maybe Flower – What Maybe Does to Your Writing
E, stupid teacher! You know I still remember when they changed the rules and girls could wear pants to school! The 60s were an interesting time, weren’t they. As I was writing this post, it made me remember that whole era, Vietnam, the SLO, Black Panthers, Nixon, the 72 Olympics. We were a country of unrest and change, but somehow (maybe because we were kids?) people seemed to care more. We were not just allowing history to happen we were active in it. I think I will forever be a bit of a Flower Child, and I do love a good protest…and boots. 🙂
Oh my God Karen! So did I! They were black and zipped up the side! I used to rest them on my desk to admire them and then my teacher told me I couldn’t wear them anymore. I won’t say what I think of that on your nice, clean, blog.
I have never really put my childhood self away. Rolands right about the rules, but the instutions seemed to be poisoned. My English friend says we can’t go back to the sixties, but for those of us who do remember a little, it was a time where a lot of things we’re happening.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Interpreting Art
Joanna, wow your storytelling discovery sounds really interesting and it makes complete sense! This is one of the things that makes you so good at what you do!
Roland, I still love boots and I do own black high heeled boots, not quite as cute as the pair of my youth but still pretty good. 🙂 LOL! I love that you have an adventurous, playful spirit, it keeps us all smiling!
Brett, that’s what I’m saying my kilted wonder friend! It’s all in the boots! Pink, red, black or shiny white, every female superhero rocked it out in killer boots. 🙂
Wendi, LOL! Oh yea, keep the hot pants but the boots…ahhhh! I think had that purple hot pants outfit too! LOL! I was only allowed to wear them as play clothes but when I did was fierce! 70s fashion is creeping back into the culture (notice the dresses lately) so maybe we will see the return of the go-go boots!
Seriously girlfriend-I kid you not- MY go-go boots were high gloss shiny white with a kicky little heel and I wore them with a purple hot pants outfit that had a bright pink flower splayed across the chest. Everytime I wore them out of the house my mother rolled her eyes and shook her head.
Everytime I wore them I did not feel shy that day, It was like a whole new girl walked in those shoes.
go-go boots. Someone seriously needs to bring back go-go boots. But not hot pants. My hot pants days are loooong gone.
Now I see the Wonder Woman tie-in… it’s the boots!
There are many things to learn from our childhood, and if you have children or nieces or nephews or something, that makes it even easier.
Just watch them try to do something, then emulate that behaviour. The results may be surprising!
-Brett
Ever thought of buying a pair of black go-go boots? 🙂
Learning from my childhood, I did a lot. For example, if you don’t take the teacher (authority) seriously, he can’t do much with you. Except give you bad marks. Doh, I am not working for marks. Besides, there is always a teacher who appreciate kids who are not grey, indistinct blobs sitting quietly, and can actually take up the challenge, and give you good marks.
Same is true when you are adult, you can always find a place where they appreciate you as you are, even if you are not a grey blob in the factory.
You may get sent away from a dozen places with bad marks, but you will find the place where they give you rewards if you are you.
On being too serious, I think I have never been accused with that – more the opposite. 🙂
Karen, you are such a breath of fresh air! I’m always going to think of you in those go-go boots now 🙂
When I was doing some reading on storytelling I found a whole section on shoes: what shoes do you need for this journey? for this part of the adventure? Is it moccasins, sandals, red shoes or black go-go boots?
The funny thing is – we always (intuitively) know how to answer that question. We *know* – when we stop and think about it – just what ‘shoes’ we need to get through – or run through – or dance through… the next stretch
Joanna