Some time ago I went with one of my friends to look for a new pair of shoes, since mine were pretty shabby. However, since I was a child I have never been quite a good shopper. So, my friend tried to help me out by showing me a few pair of shoes which she thought to be very fashionable and the prices were rather attractive, too. We went shopping in and out, but I end-up making my friend feel frustrated because there was nothing that could please my taste or my feet.

To make things worse my big feet are also wide! In Hong Kong it’s hard to find big shoe sizes since Asian women have very small feet. For the past 7 years that I have been here I have hardly bought any shoes myself – usually my lovely mother-in-law brings me lots of shoes when she comes to visit from the UK.

The reason why I am writing about this particular situation is because my friend did not know that I already had decided that I would not buy any shoes unless: they were flat, covered all my toes, supported the plant of my feet and, they had to be VERY comfortable; considering I do a lot of walking and I cannot afford my feet or my knees to pain.

At the time I felt frustrated and  in turn I ended up frustrating my friend. However, if I had endeavoured in doing what would please my friend my feet and my knees would have become prejudiced. And, in the end I would have to go back looking for the shoes I really needed and were best for me.

How many times do people make decisions based on what their family and circle of friends want? How many times do they end-up not having a decision of their own? How many people live a life full of regrets because they want to please others?

One thing I can assure you of, my life is what it is today not because of decisions that other people made for me – but rather because of the decisions I have made for myself.

Do not misunderstand me; I love my family and friends, but they do not decide my life or anything in it. Family, friends, fashion and so on DO NOT dictate my life. The only ones I submit myself to are: firstly, God – He is the One that has full control of my decisions, and secondly – my husband, he has control of some decisions especially when it comes to work and husband & wife affairs.

In conclusion, after my unsuccessful shoe venture with my friend I ended up finding the right shoes in a completely different shop and occasion. Not only did they fulfil all my prerequisites (they are flat, cover all my toes, support my feet and, are entirely comfortable), but they were also on sale - I managed to buy the shoes I wanted 75% cheaper. The right shoes appeared at the right time because I made the decision to go with what was best for me and not what my friend thought was ideally best for me.

Don’t waste your life away by allowing other people decide it for you. Take sole control of your life and decisions, seeking direction from God above. His way is the best way and the way you’ll see your life turn around.

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