Hello Reader,
We have this saying in Dutch 'je stoute schoenen aantrekken' that literally translates as 'to put on your bad-ass shoes'. It is an expression we use when you want to get things done, when you want to create or manifest something in the world, but the steps to reach that goal are outside your comfort zone, being steps that are unconventional or daring for you. And so, you put on your bad-ass shoes and take those steps anyway. You are being bold and courageous.
At certain points in our life we all come at a crossroad where we have to choose: do we feel the courage within ourselves to put on our bad-ass shoes and take the steps necessary for creating the life that we want? Or do we (even only for that moment) take the other road and choose the easy way of staying in the comfort zone even though it doesn't bring comfort of mind, of body, of well-being?
I too have been at that crossroad many times. And sometimes I chose the easy way and wasn't daring enough to believe in myself and take that leap of faith. But I can tell you that the moments I did choose to put on those bad-ass shoes and took those steps towards my way of living well, it was a worthwhile investment. And so, today I take another step in those magical bad-ass shoes and I want to share with you a home-made fairy tale.
This story flamed up inside of me when I was feeling into the expression of the bad-ass shoes. I hope you will like it and that it will inspire you.
The Bad-Ass Shoes
Once upon a time there was a Witch who saw that the people in her village had amazing beautiful dreams and talents, but their minds were clouded by self-doubt and untrue beliefs. So they stopped believing in themselves and their capabilities. The Witch saw how they starved from the inside, the light in their eyes dimming, and their movements becoming woody. She sensed they had a hunger for the essence of their souls.
As the Witch was wise and in deep connection with the story of Life itself, she knew that the creations these people needed to bring forth would heal them and were needed for the well-being of all. They were needed in the story of Life. And so, when the Moon was right and the winds were fair, she cast a spell, asking the help of the Plant allies, of the Elements, of the Spirits of the Land and of the Divine within all life. This was a sacred act. This was a promise to be fulfilled. She stirred the potion in her cauldron above a crackling fire in her beautiful home. And while she was stirring she was singing ancient words and casting magic. The final ingredient was a drop of her own heart's desire. The drop landed in the cauldron giving it a glow. The magic was cast. And from that potion she pulled out two shoes.
In the middle of the night, when the Moon was right and the winds were fair, the Witch walked to a house in the village and left the shoes on the porch. The next morning the woman of the house opened her front door and saw to her surprise two beautiful shoes. A giggle escaped her mouth and warmed her heart once again since a long time. Quickly she tried them on. What harm would that do? They fitted perfectly, as if they were hand-made for her. What a joy! While she was admiring those new shoes on her feet, a memory of a dream arose. Her heart skipped a beat. Fear started to rise up her body. Her mind going all places now. Hesitations, doubts and fear bringing chaos. She started to cry. Those beautiful shoes, she did not deserve them. What was she thinking? She was a nobody. And so, with pain in her heart she got out of the shoes. But when they were resting in her hands, she could not put them away. She didn't want to put them away. She felt so amazing just a minute ago when she found them. She hesitated. The magic of the shoes hearing the call of her heart, started to gift more joy into her hands, and it flowed into her heart. With every heartbeat more joy and magic entered. The woman had enough of living a life so bland. She needed flavour, lots more flavour. And she felt that these shoes were going to help her. So, putting them back on, she ditched her todo-list for the day and marched to the store to get the ingredients for her dream to be fulfilled.
The Witch smiled and when the Moon was right again and the winds were fair, in the middle of the night, she retrieved the shoes from the woman's house, for the next promise and dream needed to be fulfilled. And while the Witch walked to the next house, the shoes transformed into walking boots. The next morning the man of the house opened his front door and to his surprise saw the boots. How wonderful boots! Just what he needed for his morning walk in the woods. So he put the boots on and started walking. He felt himself humming and greeting the plants and animals on his way. Beautiful flowers were swaying in the breeze and he felt the urge to pick a few. As he started to select which ones, a memory of a heart's desire started to show in his mind: the face of a man he loved, but never dared to speak to. He started to feel the burden on his shoulders of holding himself back, of not letting his heart's love flow, of not speaking the words he so longed to speak. His hands were now holding a beautiful bouquet and he felt he got nothing to loose. In these new walking boots, he marched decisively to the house of his love.
The Witch smiled and when the Moon was right and the winds were fair, in the middle of the night, she retrieved the walking boots and headed to the next dream and promise to be fulfilled.
Much love,
Ellen
Next Newsletter: Full Moon Gemini - 24th November 2026
