to be short

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be short? I have definitely wondered what it is like to be tall. But I am not and never will be. I am stuck being short, for better or worse. And I mean really short, like 4’10” short!

Our world is built around the “average” size woman and man. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average height of American women is 5 feet, 3.5 inches. Doesn’t seem that tall, right? But when you compare it to 4’10’, it’s tall; a whole 5.5 inches which makes all the difference. 

So what does it look like to be short? Here you go (make note, these are written with both truth and humor):

• Every piece of clothing I buy has to be altered (although if I buy capri-length pants, they fit me like a regular length).
• Every item I need in the grocery store is on the top shelf (or at least it seems like that). This means you may find me climbing up the shelves when you see me at Kroger next time.
• The only people shorter than me are kids…and they all look at me like I am some sort of dwarf adult. 
• Gaining a couple of pounds is like 10 lbs. for everyone else.
• Heels were my go-to (until my 50’s when I can no longer wear them because my feet are so deformed).
• My driver’s side car seat is always pulled up as far up as it can go…and all the mirrors are pointed down as low as they can go.
• I can NEVER see over people in a crowd, which means the front row of anything is the only row for me.
• My feet rarely hit the ground when sitting on anything.
• Counters are always too high for me.
• I spend A LOT of time on my tiptoes.
• And today is the tallest I will be because of the shrinking with the age factor.

Despite all these “annoyances”, I am blessed with so much more than many “average-size” women. My good health; wonderful husband, children, family, and friends; a job I actually enjoy; a beautiful home; and a strong sense of gratitude and humility for what life has granted me. So if you ever hear me complaining about being short, please remind me of this reflection. 💜