Why I Take My Shoes Off in the Front Yard (And Other 'Weird' Things That Keep Me Grounded)
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Why I Take My Shoes Off in the Front Yard (And Other 'Weird' Things That Keep Me Grounded)
My neighbors have definitely noticed. I'm pretty sure I'm officially "that woman" on the block now.
And you know what? I don't care anymore.
Because this "weird" five-minute ritual has become the difference between starting my day as myself versus immediately becoming who I think everyone needs me to be.
Here's What Really Happens Out There
I step onto that cool grass, feel the earth beneath my feet, and something inside me just... settles.
All the mental noise from yesterday, the client emergencies, the boys' soccer schedules, the endless parade of "urgent" everything, it all gets absorbed into the ground. Science calls it "grounding" or "earthing." I call it remembering I'm human.
Those five minutes become my daily check-in with what's real. My reset button. My reminder that I'm not a walking to-do list in yoga pants, I'm a soul trying to stay awake in a world designed to put me to sleep.
The Permission I Needed (And You Might Too)
For years, I would have been mortified by what people thought. Old Laura started every day frantically scrolling her phone, answering client requests, anxiety already brewing before she'd even brushed her teeth.
But here's what life has taught me: The most grounding practices often look the most unconventional.
And honestly? The people judging your "weird" are usually the ones who need grounding most.
What Your Body Might Be Asking For
Maybe your version isn't barefoot mornings. Maybe it's:
Talking to yourself in the mirror (actual conversations, not just affirmations)
Dancing in your kitchen for exactly one song
Putting your phone on airplane mode for your first hour awake
Asking your body before saying yes to anything
Taking three breaths in your car before walking into work
Writing three messy sentences about how you actually feel
Crying when you need to (it's not weird, it's human)
Here's your assignment: Stop performing “normal”. Start honoring what actually brings you back to yourself.
What would change if you stopped worrying about looking polished and started prioritizing feeling grounded?
The Thing About Looking Ridiculous
I used to think being successful meant having everything perfectly controlled and composed. Now I know it means staying connected to who I actually am, even when….especially when…it looks strange to others.
My morning barefoot routine doesn't prevent chaos from happening. But it gives me a completely different starting point for meeting it. Instead of reacting from old patterns, I respond from centeredness.
My kids notice the difference. My husband notices. My clients definitely notice.
When you're grounded in yourself, you give everyone else permission to find their own solid ground too.
What Grounds You?
The beautiful thing about grounding practices is they don't require a life overhaul. They're micro-moves, small, consistent choices that gradually shift everything.
Your version might be weird to everyone else. It just needs to work for you.
So here's my gentle challenge: What's one small, potentially weird thing you could do this week to feel more like yourself?
Maybe it's that practice you've been curious about but felt too busy for. Maybe it's saying no to something that sounds good but feels heavy. Maybe it's having an honest conversation instead of another polished performance.
Start where you are. Trust what calls to you, even if it seems ridiculous.
I'll be the one in the front yard, arms up, feet down, probably looking completely absurd.
And feeling more like myself than I have in years.
What weird thing is waiting to ground you?
With deep belief in your magnificence,
Laura