I have another shoe story I'd like to share with you. I found this "bargain" just the other day. The highest quality brand of comfortable shoes that I ever wear at an amazing price. The style and the color were just what I was looking for.

At first when I found them on the shelf I thought there must be some mistake on the price. I put them on (only one because the other had a security tag on it that wouldn't allow my foot to go in) and took it for a quick spin up and down the aisle. They seemed to be okay and I was in a state of bargain-glee.

I felt rather smug, like I got away "with one", as I headed to the checkout. With great anticipation I put them on the very next day and headed off to my world of work...I felt like a blessed man.

About two hours into my day, I began to notice something: My feet were sore. I also looked at my shoes more closely and noticed a couple imperfections.

By the end of the day I was questioning my "bargain" (and feeling quite humbled instead of smug). It was at that point that I had an enlightened moment: I had fallen prey to the infamous bargain-impulse purchase. I had not been thorough in my research, and instead, I made a decision based on emotional impulse.

As I have since reviewed this incident (and the shoes are feeling better now that they have broken-in some, but the imperfections are still there), I have been reminded of the following life-lessons:

1. If you settle for less, you always get less - My emotional "great bargain so go for it" state did not allow me to thoroughly investigate my purchase. I simply did not have enough data and experience with these shoes to make a good decision.
2. If the shoe (sorta) fits, you still don't have to wear it (or buy it) - Fulfilling and healthy choices are based on my values, needs and boundaries. When I instead act on emotional impulse, I may in fact be out of alignment with what is really important in my life.
3. The foundation is the most important part of my every situation - I just happened to be sitting next a chiropractic physician at a meeting yesterday morning and we got talking about shoes. He reminded me that our whole body rests on our feet, and if something is not right at the feet, the whole body can be thrown off. And so it is with life: My personal foundation needs to be of the highest quality so that my life will operate efficiently, effectively and abundantly.

So I learned some great lessons via my (not) shoe bargain...I was reminded not to settle; to be clear about what I really want; and to take care of and cherish the most important aspects of my life... I hope you also had an enlightened moment or two as you read this.

Ken Donaldson has been based in Tampa Bay offering counseling, coaching, and educational programs since 1987. His REALationship Coaching programs empower people to have more successful lives, businesses and relationships by building a powerful relationship with themselves first. Visit his website at http://www.REALationshipCoach.com for more information and sign-up his free e-program Illuminations and Sparks of Brilliance. Ken is also the author of the upcoming book Marry YourSelf First!

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