I very much believe that what you put out into the world, you get back. Call it karma, energy, manifesting. I've absolutely felt it in my life. Focus on all the bad stuff in your life, you get more bad stuff, focus on the good and you guessed it, more good.

Today while trying to be present, be "where my feet are", I couldn't help but focus on my literal feet, specifically how they were feeling. And it wasn't good. I'm no stranger to achy feet. Both of mine are filled with screws, pins, a toolbox of hardware. Maybe it was the flying, the Florida heat (I love the sunshine, but whew that heat!!) or the 4 miles we walked earlier today but my feet and my head were in a negative space. Even my fancy tennis shoes that are typically like walking on clouds felt tight and constricted.

Have you ever heard of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)? It's a part of your brain that helps you filter and prioritize information that aligns with your beliefs and goals. Ever notice when you buy a Subaru you suddenly see Subaru's everywhere? Your brain didn't prioritize that information before but now it does.

Why am I telling you this? Because earlier today while walking through Bayside Marketplace in Miami FL I noticed a Croc store. Although I'm not a huge fan of traditional crocs (no judgement if you're a lover), I do own 2 pairs of non-traditional ones and I LOVE them. I've actually had them for a decade. One is the perfect pointed toe black flat. I wear them every time I need a dressy black shoe. The other is a strappy sandal that is the closest thing I can find to being barefoot (barefoot is king!). I debated going into that Croc Store, filing the location of it in my brain but decided against it because 1) we are 2 days into a 10 day trip and 2) I don't need another pair of shoes to haul around. Even if they are light as air!

Back to those achy feet and negative headspace... We headed to the pool to soak up some sun. I wore my trusted decade old stappy croc sandals, soaked my feet in the hot tub, felt so much better (both physically & mentally!). Came back up to the room and just as we were about to go get some lunch, my sandal broke. Like cracked, in half, no hope of resuscitating, let's do a burial for my trusted old friend. Was it the law of attraction? Or just an old pair of shoes?

Tomorrow morning we leave for our cruise and I packed the only "water friendly" sandals I owned. Sandals that are now in the cute little garbage bin in our hotel room. But that RAS kicked in. I knew exactly how to get to the Croc store .7 miles away. So off we went on the hunt for something that will be good enough for the cruise (and fingers crossed.. will be with me for the next decade).

You might find it surprising.. For someone that loves fashion, I'm equally as conscious about what I bring into my wardrobe. Can I wear it multiple ways, is it comfortable, will it bring me joy well after that high of getting "something new" wears off? As for the new Croc sandals, I guess we'll see! Stick around for the next decade (haha) to see how it goes.

Until next time..

Your friend Carie (with one r) (and a new pair of crocs)

2017 Bar Harbor Maine (wearing the strappy crocs)