My New Motto

Muir Woods, 2022. Can you spot the ring of mud?

I have a new motto, friends. I learned it the hard way.

I recently visited Muir Woods, a stunning forest of massive redwood trees in Marin County, California.

It wasn’t my first time, so I knew what to expect. Gorgeous trees. Chilly air. A paved trail weaving through the woods.

Last time our family of five was there together. We took a picture standing under the big wooden sign. I love that photo.

This time it was just three of us; the older kids were away at college. But still, I needed a photo.

When we parked the car, I thought, “I should really change my shoes. These Sam Edelman platform sneakers are a staple in my wardrobe and I don’t want them to get dirty. I should quickly change into my running shoes.”

But then I thought, “That picture, though. I can’t wear white-and-flourescent-yellowish-green running shoes in a keepsake photo!”

So despite the foggy, muddy day, I didn’t change my shoes.

Of course, we ventured off the wood platform path because THAT’S WHAT WE DO. Our family likes to dig deeper. Go beyond what you see on the surface. (Have you noticed?) Not surprisingly, my Edelmans got a ring of dirt at the bottom.

As we walked back to the car, my son Charlie reminded me that it was a bad decision. My vanity about the photo ruined my shoes. And here’s the irony — my shoes would no longer look good.

And so, I created a new motto:

Long-term vanity trumps short-term vanity.

I’ve been following it ever since. Sunscreen trumps a golden tan. No makeup when flying, so my skin can breathe. Skip a day of shampooing my hair so it doesn’t dry out. Yes, it’s still vanity. But at least now I have my eye on the big picture!

Let me know what you think — and if you decide to give it a spin.