Oh, The Simple Joy of Wearing a Shoe
Privilege is a funny concept.
There’s a lot written about the concept of “White Privilege” — the benefits white people get, but don’t realize they get, just by virtue of being white — but the truth is we all have our own privileges we might not appreciate.
I was reminded of this when a friend who’s been laid up with a foot injury said she’s now jealous of people who can wear shoes other than a surgical boot and walk more than a few hundred feet.
It never occurred to me to be grateful that I could a) wear shoes and b) take a walk. But now, I don’t take that for granted.
It’s easy to take our own privileges for granted, mostly because we often don’t notice simple things like having access to healthy food, safe shelter, clean water — or the gift of being able to wear shoes and take a walk.
I’ve learned that being aware of my privileges helps me do two things:
Improving my own attitudewhen I’m tempted to, for instance, complain about the overly long line at the Starbucks drive-through or when the satellite TV goes out in bad weather. Before I go too far down the rabbit hole of “my life is so hard,” I like to take stock of the various privileges I have, including the ability to afford an overpriced coffee and a satellite TV subscription. It doesn’t get me my coffee any quicker, but it improves my attitude, and makes me give an extra thank you (and a bigger tip) to the poor, overworked barista.
Use my awareness to help improve conditions for people without those privileges. That could be donating to my local food bank, contacting my elected representatives to tell them I support legislation that will help people get the services I take for granted, or volunteer in other ways that help those without the privileges I have. The possibilities are endless.
Appreciating privilege doesn’t have to be boastful gloating. It’s a basic level of gratitude for simple blessings that, when appreciated and turned outward, can make the world a more joyful and abundant place.
#OnlyJoy
Kathleen