I Never Really Learned To Tie My Shoe Laces..

It is a brand new year and as a norm I do a couple of things at the beginning and end of each 12 calendar months. I never fail to remind myself to take stock of where I stand in terms of my set goals (I say goals cos' I generally don't do well with resolutions.)

Over the years, my set goals have ranged from the very childish (learning to perfectly joggle a soccer ball on my feet)to even more spiritually things (keeping my eyes closed while saying Grace or in church) and lately to more unselfish things like exploring ways in which I can contribute to the growth of others around me without taking any credit for it.

Even as a kid, growing up on the streets of Lagos, I has a sense that with a bit of hard work and patience, I could achieve my set goals. These days, I almost always give myself a pat on the back and proclaim that "things will be different", even after I have failed to nail down an objective or perfect a skill. I was more intolerant of my excuses as a kid than I am now.

I loved sports shoes; running shoes or whatever you call them. I once owned a pair of (can't remember the brand name) Blues. I wore them everywhere; to Church, on visits to family members and if I had to attend a neighbors birthday. I 'rocked' them to special school events. My 'Blues' gave me a sense of invincibility; I felt 'smooth', brash and untouchable. I thought it made me run faster, climb higher, do anything.

Anyone who watched me closely though in those days would have noticed something; my annoying habit of stooping down several times to adjust my laces. You see, I could never get it right and tight. It was never snug enough and came loose after every other couple steps. Since I was always trying to do the impossible with these shoes, these laces kept me back. Since another New Year was approaching, I 'resolved' to finally get the 'art' of lacing shoes learned.

I watched my brother Innih from a distance; he was always good with his dexterity and his hands. He could draw a perfect straight line; this is a big deal to especially someone like me who is so challenged. I even secretly stole techniques from friends. I was ready. As I began to use the learned lacing skills, my generic technique left me. I noticed I was not stopping and stooping ever so often to readjust my 'Blues'. I was enjoying this, but it did not last for long. Shortly after, I lost my lacing 'mojo' and soon enough, I settled for my own flawed style.

I now prefer footwear that do not require lacing; they make my life easier. I did not make any resolutions this year cos' they are overrated and I still haven't learned to tie my shoe laces. Maybe next year then.