I had a wonderful dream recently, about a week after the election.
I dreamed that I was at an inauguration celebration for Kamala or Michelle Obama. I know that’s annoyingly vague, but I think my sleeping brain created this ambiguity because I admire both of them so much.
My mother and I stood in a sea of people who were fairly humming with excitement and joy about the bright future. When Kamala/Michelle stepped through a door and waved, there was a collective gasp: she was absolutely dazzling in a full-length shining silver gown. She radiated power, love, and grace. What I couldn’t take my eyes off, though, were her sparkling silver shoes.
I noticed that there was a smaller room off the main room and excused myself to go investigate. Michelle/Kamala was there, standing in a circle of admiring people. I approached her and out of the clear blue I asked,
“What size shoe do you wear?”
When she answered, “a nine,” I crowed, “That’s amazing! I do, too!”
And then with more boldness than I usually summon in waking life, I asked,
“Would you let me try on your shoes for a little while?”
She seemed to find the idea amusing and we swapped shoes. I was amazed, looking down at my feet. I walked back into the main room and right up to my mother.
“Look!” I gushed. “I’m wearing HER shoes!”
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Now that, as my father would say, is a corker.
It’s a dream about stepping into the shoes of your heroes, trying them on for size, and finding that you are thrilled to wear them. They fit.
A couple points worth emphasizing:
The dream self is bold.
She steps forwards to ask to try on the shoes. She doesn’t hang back hoping her hero will offer them. On some level, she knows it’s time to wear these shoes and to step into the leadership role they signal. In a sense, she is acknowledging that it’s time to inaugurate herself.
The dream hero is generous and willing to play.
In waking life, many of us fear being rebuffed. But what if we substituted that fear for a belief that we would be met with understanding, kindness, and willingness to share, collaborate, or help? Imagine what would be possible if that were our assumption. Imagine how much more living we would allow ourselves to do!
This playful exchange only adds to what is possible.
Letting me try on the shoes did not diminish Kamala/Michelle. She was still her dazzling, amazing self and still very much the leader in the room. I believe we can all be leaders in our own time and sphere. In one moment, we step forward to lead; in another, we step aside to follow another leader’s wise directives. More wise and loving leaders is a good thing, especially when we are being led by our hearts.
The dream took place after the real-life election.
This, to me, is a beautiful mystery. What I take from it is that leaders are leaders no matter their official role, no matter what outside approval or validation they have been granted. I see greatness of heart and vision in both Kamala and Michelle, and I know they will always lead with those tremendous gifts whether they hold office or not. More vitally for us, I see the potential for those things in each of us. Whether we have been “voted in” or not, if we choose, we can lead with wisdom, grace, and love.
I told this dream to my dear friend Anne and she made me promise that I would write about it here to share with you. Thank you, Anne!
And thank you to each of you who steps forward to try on the shoes of leadership or who lends them to another. We need – and admire – you both!
Photo by Marcus Lewis on Unsplash
Dreams are amazing. Just the concept of dreaming is incredible.
A thanks to your friend for encouraging you to share.
The premise and results of your experience are transferable
to all endeavors we try and the courage stepping out takes.
Your summary is another great avenue to explore because every attempt we make moves us further along outwardly and inwardly.
As you know, I cared for my brother, Steve, for 2 years while the cancer eventually claimed his life in May.
On Christmas Eve day. I was talking with my neighbor and found out his mother-in-law was living with them and was very ill, also, with cancer like Steve. I had been dropping off baked goods to them at the time, but knew food is difficult at this juncture in her treatment. I made a decision right then and there.
My son, Alexander, was out doing some last minute shopping and I texted him to please pickup a nice bouquet of flowers.
As soon as he came home I prepared them in a big, canning jar with a ribbon.
I went next door and the daughter of the ill woman met me this time and ushered me inside. The whole family speaks Spanish and not all quite the same. I understand more than I can speak, but we all get by. I explained why I was back and both our eyes filled with tears. She took the flowers and asked me to come into the living room to see her mother.
Her mother was on the couch tiny and frail from all the radiation and chemo. She speaks no English, yet the language of love and understanding passed between us and her daughter asked me to sit next to her mom on the couch. She loved the flowers and her expression-ate up-their beauty. She knew they were for her and why. In that moment I did something as we both teared up. I held her like a small child, like I was her mother who had come to comfort her.
What I had gone through with Steve and lost empowered me to have the strength and knowledge, now, for this woman.
We never know what awaits, stepping into shoes of the future will and does take courage. But the past can be our rocket fuel to get there.
Love you, Kate 🎄🎶🐈♥️🐈
Oh, Kathleen, my heart is full reading your words, your compassion, and the wisdom that comes of experience and even sorrow. All that you went through caring for your dear brother turned you into a person who now sees more clearly and can respond more helpfully in the present. You stepped into the shoes of that wise person and showed up with exactly what was most needed: beauty and love. It feels important to remember that life is always equipping us in this way, tucking notes into our pockets as we step out on our adventures. Thank you with all my heart for what you have shared here. It will stay with me!