Magical thinking weaves a persuasive spell, enchanting us into believing that the imprudent or harmful might just be perfectly fine. Indeed, magical thinking is a common thread in the tapestry of human psychology, varying in intensity from one individual to another. Nonetheless, irrespective of its strength, it seldom conjures the improvement or abundance we seek in our lives.

Several weeks ago, I confronted my magical thinking head-on— it’s the kind of magical thinnking that nudges me to indulge in things that seem okay but are not so wise according to plain old common sense. The battlefront? My closet, where I made the tough decision to part with several pairs of beloved shoes.

These weren’t just any shoes. They were the kind that transformed my appearance, elongating my legs (a feat only heels can accomplish) and perfectly completing certain ensembles. However, the stark reality is, the cost of looking good was simply too high. The heels exacerbated the arthritis in my feet, leading to pain that could steal my sleep and leave me tossing and turning, my feet pulsating with discomfort.

In a moment of clarity (and what felt like a whole lot of bravery) I donated a bag full of these beautiful shoes. But in a lapse back into my magical thinking, I held onto a couple of pair. I told myself they were the exception. Perhaps I’d wear them only occasionally or just for brief periods.

Who was I kidding?

I’ve learned that “if the shoe fits” doesn’t mean I should wear it—not when it costs me my well-being. For me, magical thinking lays at the sole of painful feet.

The question in Episode 38 of my Dare Boldly: No matter your age series is— where does magical thinking cloud your judgment? Where does it lure you into making choices that might feel good momentarily but ultimately do you harm?

For me, surrendering these shoes was a tangible step towards prioritizing my health over vanity. Beyond just physical items, it’s a metaphor for any aspect of life where we may hold onto harmful patterns simply because they feel good or fit an image we want to project.

What is your version of the shoes you need to give away? What are you willing to change to protect yourself from the seductive yet harmful embrace of magical thinking?