I noticed her right away. She was an average woman of about 60 something. But it was her feet that grabbed my attention. She had on brilliant yellow plastic shoes. I nearly fell off my chair with glee. Most of her appearance bordered on plainness (like the rest of us), until you got to her feet. Then WOWSERS!! Ta Dah! She announced herself with pizzazz!

It made me wonder how much of this womans personality was hidden behind the bland clothing. Was she, at maybe 60 something, trying to make a statement that had been hidden all her life? Was this the baby beginnings of a delightful personality quirk that was trying to appear? Better late than never. It could also be that Im over-thinking this and the bright yellow shoes represented comfy fun plus are trendy. But the key still lies with the fact they were fun shoes and the rest of her was quite traditional.

So it made me wonder how many of us go through life pretending to be something we arent. Im sure there are a lot of people who grew up thinking they didnt quite measure up to others expectations of them. So they began to mold themselves to the standards of others, quite literally losing their self in the process.

How many of us pretend we are happy in an unhappy relationship, or a deadly dull job. What prevents us from making a change? Usually it is a fear of some type. The fear sometimes has to do with money and how we will cope financially; or perhaps the fear of what will people think, or maybe the fear of being alone. There are many other reasons that can be complicated by many factors.

I can remember testing the patience of a very kind and tolerant boss at age 19 when I worked in an office. I brought in whoopee cushions, stink bombs for the elevator (oh dont ever do that one! Phew!) and pretended to have tossed (accidentally of course) important documents into the trash. Thankfully, he and the rest of the employees found my youthful antics funny. I was very much in touch with my fun side in those days. A happy go lucky young woman.

Then I met someone and we both married the wrong person. It happens. I gave away my joy for a long time. Its also called the disease to please. I pretended to be happy for 20 years. I used to think the actors in Hollywood had nothing on me. I could have won an Academy Award for best actress in a leading role.

Are you pretending to be someone you are not? Are you living or working in a situation that does not make you happy because of this? Maybe its time to look more closely at your life. What changes could you make that would allow you to be more comfortable being in your own skin? Could you take some courses that may make you more in demand and give you the same or a better income? Do you need to seek out a life coach or see a counselor?

Make the decision, take the risk, take charge of your life and run as fast as you can after your authentic self. Stop pretending and be the real you. Find your own shoes and step into them.