Gotta love flip flops!

And, there’s something about boxing gloves.

Two extreme accessories. One purpose. True? You bet!

Flip flops are the epitome of summer, of relaxation. It’s a visual reminder to keep your feet protected near water while you quickly dip your toes into the nearest pool or ocean.

On the other hand (no pun intended), boxing gloves epitomize a fight. They are the glorious reminder of fighting against something.

An opponent. A disease. A cause. A fear. A dream.

To be in a fighting mood, your body must be tense. You must reserve all regular energy for that surge of adrenalin that wants to invade every cell in your body. So, how is it possible to wear boxing gloves and flip flops at the same time?

The battle that most of us face on a daily basis is made of unseen forces. They are the thoughts in our heads that cause to worry. At least that’s my battle. I admit it. I am a latent worrier.

That type of mental and emotional anguish was never my goal. A child is not a worrier until someone or something teaches her to worry. The adult has had years, however, to perfect that unseen force.

This force comes in like an earthquake:  It is an instantaneous eruption that shows its ugly head as an untimely death of a loved one, an unexpected job loss, or a terminal diagnosis.

Although it’s easier said than done, this is where the flip flops come in handy. When a crisis hits, take off your shoes and slip into some flip flops. That’s right. Take a stroll outside and breathe in some fresh air, albeit icy cold or blazing hot. Mother Nature doesn’t discriminate against anyone needing a fresh breath of air. She only discriminates based on geography.

I am learning that my battle must be fought with two items. One, I use boxing gloves metaphorically to combat my fears, my tension, my anguish. Two, I use my flip flops metaphorically to ease my fears, my tension, and my anguish. Either method isn’t easy at first, because it requires strength that comes from both outside and inside the body. It truly is mind over matter.

Next time you think about what may hurt you, think of the flip flops and boxing gloves. Picture them, buy them, wear them. Do whatever you need to do to build up your strength from within, to fight that unseen battle.

I am on your side. I am fighting right there with you.