What do you do when you’re a playful person working in a serious environment?
I got the chance to reconnect with a dear friend over the weekend. She asked me to keep my eyes open for any place that sells colorful, crazy, patterned and decorated socks. Not a strange request since I am a big fan of wild socks – the louder the better. I had to ask why she’s on this particular quest and was delighted to learn the reason.
She’s working at a very high end (expensive) assisted care facility as both a nurse and manager. As a manager, she has to adhere to the professional dress code; subdued colors, tailored pants suits, crisp plain colored blouses (think Hillary Clinton’s wardrobe.) Luckily, the dress code doesn’t mention socks. She gets to display her personality, show a sense of humor, and add a touch of cheer and whimsy with her socks.
When standing, or tucked behind her desk, she is the model of corporate professionalism. Out and about in the facility interacting with the patients and their relatives they get a little glimpse of the playful person lurking just under her pants cuffs. It makes them smile or laugh and provides a light-hearted moment of connection. Always a good thing when caring for the elderly and infirm.
More importantly, it makes her happy. That slightly rebellious act of self-expression allows her a little window to express herself while toeing the corporate line.
I was so delighted to learn this. I’ve been advising people who are seeking to be happier and more playful in life to do this very thing – wear crazy socks or mismatched crazy socks, or for the more timid, socks of slightly different colors (baby steps).
I recommend you try it. Even if no one can see your socks, you’ll know. It may feel a little weird, little peculiar and it will change your energy. People will react to you differently without realizing it. You could be pleasantly surprised the difference such a simple change can make.
Want to learn more simple tricks for changing your life for the better? Things that you can implement right now? Click here and I will send “3 Tips Your Mother Never Gave You for Living Happy NOW!” straight to your inbox.
Great idea and doesn’t really break the rules yet sorta does!
Where did you find colorful socks by the way?
Last week I saw a vast array of colorful socks at Grocery Outlet. Since it was my first foray into that particular shopping establishment I don’t know if they are a reliable source, but certainly worth checking out. If you prefer trouser socks instead of athletic style socks I recommend letting your mouse do the walking. An on-line search for colorful trouser socks (or regular socks for that matter) will yield a virtual kaleidoscope of colors and patterns.
Help stamp out boring socks!!