I am genuinely so proud of myself right now. I ran into a small issue as I was putting these together. Instead of barreling ahead and hoping for the best because I had a deadline, I stopped before it was too late. I went home and thought about it, found the solution, and fixed it, without stressing about falling behind. Yes, the design is fantastic and I think I’ve executed it well. But I’m most pleased with the construction–the small details that affect how the boot will sit on the last, or tiny elements inside that no one will ever see. I am proud that I’m giving myself the freedom to learn and be challenged without a deadline spurring me onward relentlessly, where I can make boots because I truly love doing it and getting paid to make them is a bonus and not the primary motivation. I am proud that I have worked hard to leave space for joy in spite of the presence of loss and grief.Of course, I still have to worry about whether or not they’ll fit. I don’t know of anything that eases that little bit of uncertainty, so that should keep me humble. 😁