Catalyst

I have a strange childhood memory. 

On a few vacations, we pulled off the road to kick ourselves in the pants. 

There was a wheel that was turned with a hand crank.  The wheel had four, leather soled, men’s shoes attached so that you could turn the crank and kick yourself.  There was a sign posted that shared the staggering number of shoes that had to be replaced each year.

I’m not sure why we all found it to be so amusing.  But, if we drove down the road it was on, we had to stop.  Everyone would take a couple turns and then we would get back in the car.

Now, as an adult, I think of that wheel when I’m being extra stubborn.  Giving me a quick kick is a gentle reminder to just get over it and move on down the road.