It will happen. “The shoe will eventually end up on the other foot.” The statement, “The shoe is on the other foot,” means someone who had the disadvantage in a situation now has the advantage in some area. I don’t know why, but having a shoe on the other foot always makes me think I am wearing a shoe on the wrong foot! It’s not what it means though. It means a shift in power or placement in a life situation. It is Karma in it’s best example.
In other words, what goes around really comes back around. Its basic, easy to remember, and always works the same way. It’s a universal standard. On a deeper level, it’s a life lesson. For example, a person might be up for a promotion but brags over and over how they are better at their job than another coworker. That person might get the promotion and be very happy about it. Then they discover the coworker they put down also received a promotion, but now they are the individual’s BOSS! See how the shoe has ended up on the other foot? The advantage and the power has shifted.
Let’s put the example in a business relationship. A family owns a great Italian restaurant that features old fashioned Italian cooking. One side of the family suddenly decides they should change to more contemporary food items to keep up with the times. The restaurant is already making a great profit so the need to change does not seem warranted. A conflict arises and the contemporary Italian cooks decide to break off and start their own competing restaurant with an attitude of “We will show them!”
At first, it appears the new restaurant is going to do better. The public loves it! Yet, it turns out the newness of the contemporary way of cooking has worn off. The public always has curiosity about any new business and will go try it out. I know I love to do that! Suddenly the old style Italian restaurant begins to pick up in profits again, only this time they rise higher! The shoe is definitely on the other foot now.
This type of situation can only happen when there is conflict, competition, or an air of arrogance. It is about the intention of the heart or attitude. If there is an attitude of equality, love, respect, and admiration, there is never a feeling anyone is doing better than anyone else. The shoe can not be on the other foot if we are happy with our own shoes! In other words, be happy with where you are in life, otherwise change it! While you are changing it, have no superior attitude. Remember, life is not a competition with others. Life is meant to be lived in ease, with love, and no comparison. Embrace and celebrate others successes and be content with your own.
Hoping you are wearing your shoes on the right feet, and loving you from here!
Dr Rev Jenine Marie Howry, PhD
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 